I simply cannot get enough of these Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe delights. Soft, fluffy, and loaded with fresh garlic flavor, these homemade rolls are the ultimate comfort food for me. They bring that perfect combination of warm garlic butter goodness and tender bread that feels like a warm hug every time I bite into one. I love that they’re perfect for any occasion and come together with ingredients I usually have on hand, making them my go-to recipe when I want something special but simple.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe

What makes this Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe truly stand out to me is the incredible garlic flavor infused right into the dough, then amplified by the garlic herb butter brushed on top after baking. It’s bold without being overwhelming, and the freshness of parsley adds such a lovely, bright note. Every bite melts in your mouth with just the right balance of softness and a light golden crust. I often find myself sneaking an extra roll before dinner because they’re just that delicious.

I also love how straightforward this recipe is. Even if you’re new to baking, the instructions guide you through each step with ease, and the ingredients are so straightforward yet essential. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special gathering, these rolls fit right in. I’ve served them during family dinners, holidays, and even casual parties where they always get rave reviews. Honestly, once I make this recipe, I rarely buy pre-made garlic bread again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view of baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface, featuring a white bowl filled with white flour dusted with flour powder in the center. Around it, clockwise from top left, there is a small white bowl with pale yellow softened butter, a small white bowl with beige granulated yeast, a clear glass with white milk, a white egg in a white bowl, a rectangular wrapped block of butter in green packaging, a small white bowl with white salt, a small white bowl with white sugar, and a white bowl with green chopped herbs. The items are evenly spaced, creating a visually organized layout. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

It’s amazing how a handful of simple ingredients can come together to create something so amazing. Each component plays a key role in delivering that perfect texture, flavor, and aroma that makes these garlic bread rolls irresistible.

Unsalted butter: Melted and mixed with garlic to infuse richness into the dough and later for the garlic butter brush.
Minced garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for that authentic, pungent flavor that defines this recipe.
All-purpose flour: The base of the dough, providing structure while keeping the rolls tender.
Fresh parsley: Chopped up to add a fresh, herbal brightness and lovely green specks throughout.
Granulated sugar: Just a touch to feed the yeast and slightly sweeten the dough.
Instant yeast: For a perfect rise and soft crumb, bringing lightness to the rolls.
Fine sea salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the garlic.
Milk: Warm milk softens the dough and adds moisture for a tender bite.
Eggs: One for the dough to enrich it and one beaten for that beautiful, shiny golden top.
Flaky sea salt: Optional finish that gives a satisfying crunch and flavor pop on top of the rolls.

Directions

Step 1: Lightly butter your 9×13 baking pan, then set it aside. This prevents the rolls from sticking and creates a lovely buttery crust on the bottom.

Step 2: In a small pot, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned, then remove from heat and let it cool while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

Step 3: In a stand mixer bowl, combine the flour, chopped fresh parsley, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and fine sea salt. Mix these dry ingredients so everything is evenly distributed.

Step 4: Add the warm milk, one beaten egg, and the cooled garlic butter mixture to the dry ingredients. Use a dough hook attachment to knead on low speed for about 10-12 minutes until the dough looks smooth, soft, and slightly tacky to the touch. If the dough is too sticky, incorporate a tablespoon of flour at a time until it is workable but still soft.

Step 5: Divide the dough into 12 equal portions, about 67 grams each (using a kitchen scale helps for consistent size). Shape each piece into a smooth ball by pinching the bottom seam tightly and placing them seam-side down in your prepared pan. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.

Step 6: Let the rolls rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, which usually takes between 1-2 hours. Watching the dough grow is always so satisfying!

Step 7: Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Once risen, brush the tops of the dough balls gently with the beaten egg to give them a gorgeous golden shine during baking.

Step 8: Bake the rolls for 20-30 minutes until golden brown on top and cooked through. You’ll see that lovely crust forming, and your kitchen will smell incredible.

Step 9: While the rolls bake, make the garlic herb butter by melting butter in a small pot, adding minced garlic, and cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley.

Step 10: As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush them generously with the warm garlic parsley butter. Finish by sprinkling flaky sea salt on top if you like that extra punch of flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe yields 12 soft, fluffy rolls perfect for sharing. The prep time usually takes about 15 minutes, although the dough needs 1-2 hours to rise properly. The bake time is 20-30 minutes, so plan for roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes total including rising time. If you want to make it easier on yourself, you can prepare the dough the night before and bake fresh rolls the next day.

How to Serve This Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe

A close-up of nine golden brown dinner rolls placed closely together in a white baking dish, each roll having a smooth glossy top with a slight dome shape. The rolls are brushed with a shiny garlic butter glaze that gives a wet look, and small pieces of chopped garlic and green parsley flakes are sprinkled unevenly on top, adding texture and color contrast. The surface beneath the dish shows a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve these garlic bread rolls, I love pairing them with simple dinners like soups and stews, especially tomato-based or creamy varieties that soak perfectly into the soft crumb. For something heartier, they’re fantastic alongside pasta dishes, salads, or grilled meats. I find their rich garlic flavor enhances almost any meal without overpowering it.

Garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or some extra flaky sea salt right before serving adds a beautiful touch. For presentation, I arrange the rolls snugly on a platter with a small bowl of extra garlic herb butter for dipping. It feels so inviting and festive—perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining.

As for beverages, I adore serving these rolls with a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, a light red like Pinot Noir, or even a sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing contrast. For cozy nights, a warming cup of herbal tea or a simple fruit-forward cocktail pairs wonderfully. I always recommend serving the rolls warm or at room temperature to best enjoy their softness and buttery garlic aroma.

Variations

I love switching things up with this recipe depending on mood and occasion. For example, you can easily make these rolls vegan by substituting the butter for a plant-based alternative and using a flax egg instead of regular eggs. The dough still turns out wonderfully soft and flavorful!

If you want to go gluten-free, I’ve had success using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with added xanthan gum. Just keep in mind you might need to adjust the liquids slightly and handle the dough gently as it won’t have the same elasticity.

Try adding extras like shredded cheese inside the dough balls before baking or mixing in herbs like rosemary or thyme instead of parsley for different flavor profiles. You can also bake the dough in individual muffin tins for perfectly portioned rolls or try a skillet method for softer crusts. The versatility of the Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe means you can customize it easily without losing that iconic garlic flavor I adore.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, I recommend storing them in an airtight container or ziplock bag at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for 2-3 days. I always make sure to keep them sealed tight to prevent them from drying out, which helps preserve that soft texture.

Freezing

These garlic bread rolls freeze beautifully! After baking, let them cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. They keep well in the freezer for up to one month. When I freeze them, I sometimes separate layers with parchment paper so they don’t stick together.

Reheating

To reheat, I like to cover the rolls with foil and warm them in a 350°F oven until heated through, usually 10-15 minutes. This brings back their softness and warm garlic butter flavor beautifully. If you’re in a hurry, a quick 20-30 seconds in the microwave works too, but the oven always gives the best texture. Avoid reheating uncovered in the microwave as that can dry them out.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes! If using active dry yeast, you need to activate it first by stirring it into the warm milk with a pinch of the sugar and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. Then add it to the dry ingredients. This ensures your dough rises properly and yields soft rolls.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. After shaping the rolls and placing them in the pan, you can cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let them come to room temperature and double in size before baking. This is a great way to prep ahead for gatherings!

What if I don’t have fresh garlic or parsley?

I recommend using fresh ingredients whenever possible for the best flavor, but in a pinch, you can use garlic powder and dried parsley. Increase the garlic powder to about 1 teaspoon and the parsley to 2 teaspoons. Just keep in mind the flavor will be less vibrant.

Can I make smaller or larger rolls?

Yes, you can adjust the size to suit your needs. Smaller rolls will bake a bit faster, so keep an eye on them and reduce baking time by 5-7 minutes. Larger rolls will need extra time in the oven to bake through but are equally delicious.

Do I need a stand mixer to make this recipe?

While a stand mixer with a dough hook makes kneading easier and saves time, you can also knead by hand for 10-15 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Just be patient and enjoy the process!

Conclusion

I genuinely hope you give this Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe a try because it’s become one of my absolute favorites to make and share. The combination of fresh garlic, soft texture, and buttery goodness is pure magic. Whether you’re making a cozy weeknight meal or impressing guests at a party, these rolls always bring a smile to the table. I can’t wait to hear how much you love them too!