These Garlic Bread Rolls are soft, fluffy, and packed with the perfect balance of garlic and herb flavors. Made with fresh garlic in the dough and brushed with even more garlic butter after baking, these rolls are a delightful side dish that will elevate any meal. Whether you’re serving them for dinner or as a special addition to a holiday spread, these homemade rolls are sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These garlic bread rolls are a comforting and indulgent side dish. The dough is soft and pillowy, while the garlic butter finish makes them irresistible. The addition of fresh parsley in both the dough and garlic butter adds a burst of freshness that balances the rich flavors. Easy to make and incredibly flavorful, these rolls are perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight meal to a festive holiday dinner. Garlic Bread Rolls

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Rolls:
4 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons minced garlic
3 1/2 cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (see notes for measuring)
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 cup whole or 2% milk, warmed to 110°F
1 large egg, room temperature
1 beaten egg (for brushing the tops)

For the Garlic Butter:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Flaky sea salt, for finishing

Directions

Lightly butter the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch pan and set it aside.
In a small pot, melt 4 1/2 tablespoons of butter and add the minced garlic. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, then remove from heat and let it cool.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, parsley, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add the warmed milk, egg, and the cooled garlic butter.
Knead the dough on low speed with the dough hook until smooth, soft, and slightly tacky, about 10–12 minutes. If the dough is too sticky, add one tablespoon of flour at a time until the dough is workable.
Divide the dough into 12 equal portions (around 67 grams each). Shape each portion into a smooth ball, pinching the seam at the bottom to seal.
Place the dough balls into the prepared baking pan. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
Brush the tops of the rolls with the beaten egg wash. Bake for 20–30 minutes, or until golden brown.
While baking, prepare the garlic butter by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a pot. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, then stir in parsley.
Once the rolls are out of the oven, immediately brush them with the garlic butter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Serve warm and enjoy!

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 servings and takes about 1 hour 50 minutes total—1 hour 30 minutes for prep and 20 minutes of cooking.

Variations

Cheesy rolls: Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese to the dough for a cheesy version of garlic bread rolls.
Herb-infused: Use different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano in the dough or garlic butter for extra flavor.
Whole wheat: Replace some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a more wholesome version.
Vegan: Use dairy-free butter and plant-based milk (such as almond milk) for a vegan-friendly alternative.

Storage/reheating

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–10 minutes to warm them up and re-crisp the exterior. You can also freeze the rolls for up to 2 months—just wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap before freezing and reheat in the oven when ready to serve.

FAQs

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise in the fridge overnight for a slower rise. The next day, shape the dough into rolls and let them come to room temperature before baking.

Can I make these rolls without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can mix and knead the dough by hand. Use a wooden spoon to combine the ingredients, then knead on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.

How do I know when the rolls are done baking?

The rolls should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also check their internal temperature; they should reach 190°F (88°C) for perfectly baked rolls.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, after shaping the rolls, freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, let them rise at room temperature for about 2 hours before baking as directed.

Can I make these rolls without yeast?

If you don’t have yeast, you can make a quick version using baking powder, but they won’t have the same texture as yeast-based rolls. Substitute 1 tablespoon of baking powder for the yeast and reduce the rise time.

Conclusion

Garlic Bread Rolls are a delicious, easy-to-make side dish that combines the irresistible flavors of garlic and butter with soft, fluffy rolls. They’re perfect for any meal—whether it’s a casual dinner, a holiday gathering, or a special occasion. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, these homemade rolls are sure to become a family favorite!