Few things are as comforting as a warm, freshly baked garlic roll. These soft and fluffy dinner rolls are infused with rich buttery goodness and brushed with a mouthwatering garlic-herb topping. Perfectly golden on the outside and irresistibly tender inside, they make the ideal side for pasta, soups, or just as a snack with extra butter!
What makes these rolls truly special is their balance of texture and flavor. The dough is light and airy, while the garlic butter seeps into every bite, creating an explosion of savory goodness. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday dinner or a casual weeknight meal, these homemade garlic rolls will steal the show!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
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2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) instant yeast
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1 cup (240ml) warm milk
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3 tbsp (42g) unsalted butter, melted
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2 tbsp granulated sugar
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1 tsp salt
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1 large egg
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
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4 tbsp (56g) unsalted butter, melted
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
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¼ tsp salt
Directions:
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In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
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Add melted butter, egg, salt, and flour. Mix until the dough forms.
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Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
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Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
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Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball.
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Arrange the dough balls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes.
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Bake for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown.
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While baking, mix melted butter, garlic, parsley, and salt for the topping.
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Brush the warm rolls with the garlic butter and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 12 rolls
Soft and Buttery Garlic Rolls – The Ultimate Homemade Comfort Food
There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home. These soft and buttery garlic rolls are the perfect combination of fluffy, golden-brown dough and rich, garlicky butter. Whether you’re serving them alongside a hearty pasta dish, dipping them into a warm soup, or enjoying them as a snack on their own, these rolls are bound to become a favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Incredibly Soft and Fluffy – The dough is kneaded to perfection, creating an airy and tender texture that melts in your mouth.
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Rich Garlic Butter Flavor – The buttery topping, infused with fresh garlic and parsley, seeps into every bite, making these rolls irresistibly delicious.
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Perfect for Any Occasion – Serve them at holiday dinners, family gatherings, or even as an everyday treat.
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Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you can achieve bakery-quality rolls right in your kitchen.
The Secret to Perfectly Soft Garlic Rolls
To get that pillowy softness in your garlic rolls, the dough must be properly kneaded and given enough time to rise. The yeast needs warmth and time to activate, allowing the dough to develop air pockets that give it that light, fluffy texture. Additionally, using warm milk instead of water provides extra richness, ensuring the rolls stay soft even after baking.
Another important factor is the baking temperature. These rolls are baked at 375°F (190°C), which allows them to develop a beautiful golden crust without drying out the inside.
How to Achieve the Perfect Garlic Butter Flavor
The key to the best garlic rolls is in the butter topping. Fresh minced garlic, unsalted butter, and chopped parsley are the perfect trio for a fragrant, flavorful finish. Brushing the rolls with this mixture while they’re still warm helps the butter soak into the bread, making each bite even more flavorful.
For an even deeper garlic taste, you can roast the garlic beforehand. Roasting garlic brings out its natural sweetness and makes it less pungent, creating a well-balanced, rich flavor that complements the softness of the rolls.
Serving Suggestions
These garlic rolls are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:
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With Pasta Dishes – Pair them with spaghetti, fettuccine Alfredo, or lasagna for the ultimate Italian-style meal.
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As a Side for Soups and Stews – Dip them into a warm bowl of tomato soup, creamy chowder, or a hearty beef stew.
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For Sandwiches or Sliders – Slice them in half and use them as a base for mini sandwiches or sliders with your favorite fillings.
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Simply with Butter or Olive Oil – Enjoy them fresh out of the oven with an extra slather of butter or a drizzle of olive oil.
Customizing Your Garlic Rolls
One of the best things about homemade garlic rolls is how easy they are to customize to your personal taste:
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Cheesy Garlic Rolls – Sprinkle shredded mozzarella, parmesan, or cheddar on top before baking for a cheesy twist.
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Herb-Infused Rolls – Add dried oregano, thyme, or rosemary to the dough for extra herbal notes.
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Spicy Kick – Mix a little red pepper flakes into the garlic butter topping for a hint of heat.
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Vegan Option – Use plant-based butter and substitute almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (which is rare because they’re so good!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
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Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
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Refrigerator – Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days, but warm them before serving for the best texture.
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Freezer – Freeze for up to 3 months in a sealed bag. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature and reheat.
To reheat: Simply warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes, or microwave for 15-20 seconds for a quick fix.
Why Homemade Garlic Rolls Are Better Than Store-Bought
There’s no denying the convenience of store-bought bread, but homemade garlic rolls have several advantages:
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No Artificial Preservatives – You control the ingredients, ensuring freshness and quality.
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Better Taste and Texture – Freshly baked rolls have a richer, deeper flavor compared to packaged versions.
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Customizable Flavors – You can adjust the seasoning, herbs, and even the type of butter used to suit your preference.
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More Satisfaction – The joy of making bread from scratch and watching it rise is incredibly rewarding!
Conclusion
Soft, fluffy, and infused with the irresistible combination of butter and garlic, these homemade garlic rolls are a must-try for any bread lover. Whether you’re making them for a special dinner or just as a comforting treat, they are guaranteed to impress with their delicious flavor and perfect texture.
Making bread at home might seem intimidating at first, but once you try this recipe, you’ll see just how simple and rewarding it is. With just a few pantry staples, a little patience, and the right technique, you can bake bakery-quality garlic rolls that taste better than anything store-bought.
So, the next time you’re craving fresh bread, skip the grocery store and whip up a batch of these soft and buttery garlic rolls instead!