If you are craving that perfect combination of soft, fluffy bread with a rich, buttery garlic finish, this Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Each roll bakes up golden and tender, then gets brushed with a fragrant garlic butter that melts right into the warm dough, creating a mouthwatering treat that feels both comforting and a little bit special. These rolls are ideal for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or any time you want to elevate your meal with homemade bread that tastes better than anything store-bought. Trust me, once you try this recipe, your dinner table will never be the same.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these irresistible Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe lies in simple, quality ingredients that work together to create perfect texture, flavor, and beautiful color. Each component plays its part—from the yeast that helps the dough rise to the fresh parsley sprinkled in the garlic butter for a pop of brightness.
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and soft crumb that’s essential for tender rolls.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet): The leavening agent that makes the dough rise and become fluffy.
- 1 cup warm whole milk (about 110°F): Activates the yeast and adds richness for tender dough.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds just a touch of sweetness.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds softness and depth of flavor to the dough.
- 1 large egg: Contributes to structure and gives a slight richness to each roll.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and enhances taste.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for garlic butter): The star of the show for brushing, infusing warm garlic flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic ensures the butter is fragrant and flavorful.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh, herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the butter and garlic.
- Extra melted butter for brushing: For an extra glossy, irresistible finish.
How to Make Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the yeast
Start by warming your milk to about 110 degrees Fahrenheit—warm, not hot, because you don’t want to kill the yeast. In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let this mixture rest for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly. This is your first sign that the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Prepare the dough
Once your yeast is activated, add the remaining sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt to the bowl. Stir everything together until combined. Then, add the flour gradually—one cup at a time—stirring continuously until a soft dough begins to form. This gradual process helps the dough develop the perfect consistency: soft but not sticky.
Step 3: Knead till smooth
Lightly flour your surface and knead the dough for 6 to 8 minutes. This step is crucial and worth the effort because kneading builds the gluten network that gives these rolls their springy, chewy texture. You’ll know your dough is ready when it’s smooth and elastic to the touch.
Step 4: First rise
Place the dough ball in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rest in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This give the dough that soft, airy texture we all love in a dinner roll.
Step 5: Shape the rolls
Punch down your dough gently to release the air, then divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth round ball and place them side by side in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover them again and let them rise for another 30 to 40 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled.
Step 6: Bake to golden perfection
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the rolls for 18 to 20 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown on top. The smell alone will have everyone flocking to the kitchen.
Step 7: Make the garlic butter
While the rolls bake, melt 1/4 cup of butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned, which keeps the flavor mellow and sweet. Stir in the fresh parsley to finish your garlic butter delight.
Step 8: Brush and serve
As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush them generously with your homemade garlic butter. The warm rolls will absorb the buttery garlic goodness for an unforgettable taste experience. Serve immediately while warm and magical.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt or additional chopped parsley on top of the rolls after brushing with garlic butter for a burst of flavor and a pretty presentation. For a cheesy twist, a dusting of grated Parmesan on top just before baking amps up both texture and taste.
Side Dishes
These Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with hearty soups like tomato bisque or creamy potato leek soup. They also complement classic holiday meals, roasted chicken, or any dinner where warm, comforting bread feels just right to soak up sauces and dips.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these rolls in a basket lined with a colorful napkin, or arrange them in a circular bundt pan before baking for a pull-apart presentation sure to impress your guests. You can also add stuffed garlic butter or herbs inside each roll for a surprising filling.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover dinner rolls in an airtight container at room temperature or wrapped tightly in foil to maintain softness. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days, perfect for snacking or quick sandwiches the next day.
Freezing
To store longer, freeze the unbaked shaped dough balls after their first rise by placing them on a parchment-lined tray in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, allow a second rise, then bake as usual.
Reheating
Reheat rolls by wrapping them in foil and warming in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven softness. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel will revive their moisture nicely.
FAQs
Can I use regular dry yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can, but you might want to check the yeast packaging as instant yeast often requires you to skip the activation step with warm milk and can be mixed directly with the flour.
What if my dough doesn’t rise properly?
Make sure your milk isn’t too hot or cold—it should feel like a warm bath. Also, your yeast should be fresh. If your kitchen is chilly, try letting the dough rise in a slightly warmed (but turned off) oven or near a warm stove.
Can I add cheese to these rolls?
Absolutely! Adding grated mozzarella or Parmesan before baking makes these rolls even more flavorful and indulgent.
Is whole milk necessary or can I use a substitute?
Whole milk gives these rolls richness and soft texture, but you can use 2% or even a plant-based milk with comparable fat content, such as oat milk, for a slightly different but still delicious result.
How do I achieve soft rolls every time?
Don’t skip the kneading and resting steps! Kneading builds the gluten network, and the double rises ensure the rolls stay tender and fluffy. Also, brushing with warm garlic butter immediately after baking locks in moisture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe enough for anyone who loves fresh, homemade bread with a savory twist. It’s straightforward enough for even novice bakers and delicious enough to feel like a special treat every time. Whether you’re making these for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, they’re sure to become a beloved classic you reach for again and again. Go ahead and bake yourself some magic!
Print
Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and packed with rich garlic and butter flavor. Perfect as a side dish for dinner, these homemade yeast rolls offer a warm, buttery finish topped with fragrant minced garlic and fresh parsley. Easy to make ahead and ideal for any meal, they bake to a golden brown perfection that’s sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm whole milk (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
Garlic Butter Topping
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra melted butter for brushing
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture is foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: Add the remaining sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine thoroughly. Gradually add the flour one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 6–8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape Rolls: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each into a ball and place them evenly spaced in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped rolls and let them rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the rolls finish rising.
- Bake Rolls: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: While baking, melt 1/4 cup butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook gently for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, then stir in the chopped parsley. Remove from heat.
- Brush Rolls: Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush generously with the garlic butter mixture. Serve warm for best flavor.
Notes
- These rolls can be prepared ahead by refrigerating the shaped dough balls overnight; bake directly the next day.
- For added flavor, sprinkle grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese over the rolls before baking.
- Use fresh yeast for the best rise and texture.
- Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Brush with extra melted butter before serving to keep rolls moist and flavorful.
