Who can resist the allure of Garlic Bread Rolls fresh out of the oven? Soft, buttery, and bursting with garlicky goodness, these rolls are a comforting addition to any meal or the perfect snack on their own. Whether you’re serving them alongside a warm bowl of pasta or enjoying them as a savory treat, these homemade rolls are bound to impress.

Made from scratch using simple pantry ingredients, these rolls combine the softness of freshly baked bread with the rich flavors of garlic, herbs, and melted butter. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Want to make it cheesy? Add some mozzarella. Prefer a bit of heat? Toss in some red pepper flakes. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while they bake is absolutely heavenly.

In this recipe, I’ll walk you through the steps to create these delectable rolls with easy-to-follow instructions, useful tips, and plenty of room for customization. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, these Garlic Bread Rolls are foolproof and fun to make. Get ready to enjoy warm, fluffy rolls with a golden, buttery crust that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

What Makes These Garlic Bread Rolls Special?

Soft and Fluffy Texture: Thanks to the perfect balance of flour, yeast, and warm milk, these rolls turn out pillow-soft every time.
Rich Garlic Butter Flavor: A generous mix of fresh garlic, herbs, and butter infuses every bite with irresistible savory notes.
Easy to Customize: Add cheese, herbs, or spices to suit your taste. These rolls are highly adaptable.
Beginner-Friendly Recipe: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for novice bakers.
Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the dough in advance, letting it rise overnight for convenience.

Ingredient Notes

All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and fluffiness. You can substitute with bread flour for a chewier texture.
Active Dry Yeast: Helps the dough rise. Instant yeast works too but may reduce rise time.
Warm Milk: Activates the yeast and adds moisture. Substitute with water or dairy-free milk if needed.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness to the rolls. Salted butter can be used; just reduce the added salt.
Fresh Garlic: Key to the flavor. Garlic powder works in a pinch but won’t offer the same depth.
Parsley & Herbs: Fresh parsley adds color and a mild, earthy taste. Try rosemary or thyme for variation.
Salt & Sugar: Enhances flavor and balances yeast activity.

How to Make Garlic Bread Rolls

1. Prepare the Dough

Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of warm milk (110°F) with 2 1/4 tsp of active dry yeast and 1 tbsp of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
Make the Dough: Add 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp of salt, and 2 tbsp of softened butter to the yeast mixture. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First Rise: Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.

2. Shape the Rolls

Divide the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball.
Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space for expansion.

3. Garlic Butter Topping

Mix the Topping: In a bowl, combine 4 tbsp melted butter, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tbsp chopped parsley.

4. Final Rise and Bake

Second Rise: Cover the rolls loosely with a towel and let them rise again for 30 minutes.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Brush the tops with garlic butter and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Final Brush: Brush the hot rolls with the remaining garlic butter as soon as they come out of the oven.

Storage Options

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving.
Freezing: Freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm in the oven.
Reheating Tips: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warm and soft.

Variations and Substitutions

Cheesy Garlic Rolls: Add shredded mozzarella or parmesan on top before baking.
Spicy Garlic Rolls: Mix red pepper flakes into the garlic butter.
Herbed Rolls: Incorporate rosemary or thyme into the dough.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend and adjust liquid as needed.
Vegan Option: Substitute butter with vegan margarine and milk with plant-based alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
- Yes! Just skip the activation step and mix it directly into the flour.
Why is my dough not rising?
- Ensure the yeast is fresh and the milk is warm (not hot) to activate it.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
- Absolutely. Let it rise overnight in the fridge, then bring to room temperature before baking.
How do I prevent my rolls from drying out?
- Cover with a damp cloth during rising and store in an airtight container.
What if I don’t have fresh garlic?
- Garlic powder works, but use less as it is more concentrated.
Can I double the recipe?
- Yes! Just ensure you have enough room for rising and baking.

Conclusion

Garlic Bread Rolls are a delightful addition to any meal or a comforting snack on their own. With their soft, buttery texture and rich garlic flavor, they are bound to become a family favorite. Try this easy recipe today and let the aroma of fresh-baked bread fill your home. Don’t forget to share your results and variations in the comments below!

Garlic Bread Rolls: Soft, Buttery, and Irresistible

Author: Sofia
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 rolls 1x

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Ingredients

Scale

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 cup warm milk (110°F)
2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
4 tbsp butter, melted

Instructions

Activate the yeast by mixing warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes.
Combine yeast mixture with flour, salt, and butter. Knead until smooth, about 8-10 minutes.
Let the dough rise for 1-2 hours, until doubled in size.
Divide dough into 12 portions, rolling each into a ball and placing them on a baking sheet.
Prepare garlic butter by mixing melted butter, garlic, and parsley.
Let rolls rise for another 30 minutes, then brush with garlic butter.
Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.

Nutrition

Calories: 180
Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 4g