Garlic Bread Rolls are soft, warm rolls packed with buttery garlic flavor that makes them perfect for any meal. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they have just the right amount of garlic and herbs to make every bite feel special.
I love making these rolls when I want something simple but tasty to go with pasta, soup, or salad. The smell of garlic baking in the oven fills the kitchen and always puts me in a good mood. If you like, you can add a little cheese on top before baking for an extra treat.
These rolls are great to serve fresh out of the oven, especially when you have friends or family over. I like to tear them apart and dip the pieces in marinara sauce or just enjoy them plain. They always disappear quickly at our table, which makes me think they’re a crowd favorite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This flour gives the rolls a nice, soft texture but you can try bread flour for a chewier bite. If you need a gluten-free option, use a blend made for baking.
Active dry yeast: Yeast is what makes the dough rise and get fluffy. Instant yeast works too and you can skip the proofing step by mixing it right with the flour.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic offers the best flavor. If short on time, garlic powder can be used but fresh makes the bread taste vibrant and aromatic.
Butter: Butter adds richness and helps the rolls brown beautifully. For dairy-free, use a plant-based spread or olive oil.
Parsley: Fresh parsley brightens the garlic butter topping. You can swap it with fresh basil or oregano for a different herb note.
How Do I Get Soft, Fluffy Rolls That Rise Perfectly?
Getting soft, fluffy rolls depends on the dough rising properly and gentle handling. Here’s how I do it:
- Proof the yeast: Mix yeast with warm milk and sugar until frothy. This means your yeast is alive and ready to work.
- Knead well: Kneading develops the gluten, giving structure to the rolls. Knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough feels smooth and elastic.
- Let it rise: Cover the dough in a warm spot until it doubles. This can take about an hour—patience pays off!
- Handle gently: When shaping, don’t squeeze too hard. Soft rolls need soft hands.
- Second rise: Letting the formed rolls rise again ensures they bake up soft and fluffy inside.
- Brush with garlic butter: Brushing before and after baking keeps the tops moist and flavorful.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – perfect for combining and letting the dough rise without making a mess.
- Dough scraper or spatula – helps you handle sticky dough easily and clean your work surface fast.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts so your rolls turn out just right.
- Baking dish or pan – use a greased 8×8 or similar size pan to hold the rolls snugly for soft sides.
- Pastry brush – handy for spreading garlic butter evenly on the rolls before and after baking.
- Kitchen towel or plastic wrap – to cover dough while it rises and keep it warm and moist.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add shredded mozzarella or parmesan on top before baking for cheesy garlic rolls that melt in your mouth.
- Mix chopped rosemary or thyme into the garlic butter for a fresh herb twist that pairs well with roasted dishes.
- Stir in cooked bacon bits to the butter for a smoky, savory flavor boost that’s great with hearty meals.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes or olives chopped fine in the dough to add a tangy, Mediterranean vibe to your rolls.
How to Make Garlic Bread Rolls?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
- Optional: pinch of garlic powder or Italian seasoning for extra flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare the dough, plus 1 to 1.5 hours for the dough to rise in two stages. Baking the rolls takes 20-25 minutes. So, plan for about 1 hour 45 minutes from start to finish, including rising and baking time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy on top. This means the yeast is active and ready.
2. Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the softened butter and the yeast mixture. Stir everything together until it forms a soft dough. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
3. Let the Dough Rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter:
While the dough rises, mix melted butter with the minced garlic and chopped parsley in a small bowl. Set this aside for brushing the rolls.
5. Shape the Rolls:
After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball. Place the balls close together in a greased baking dish or pan.
6. Second Rise:
Cover the dough balls and let them rise again for about 30 minutes until they look puffy.
7. Bake the Rolls:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops of the rolls generously with the garlic herb butter mixture. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
8. Finish and Serve:
Once the rolls are out of the oven, brush them again with any remaining garlic butter to keep them moist and tasty. Serve the rolls warm, and add extra parsley on top if you’d like for a fresh touch.
Can I use frozen garlic bread rolls?
Yes! Let the rolls cool completely after baking, then freeze them in an airtight container or bag. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to refresh their softness.
Can I substitute fresh parsley with dried parsley?
You can, but use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Add it to the garlic butter mixture and brush it on as usual for a slightly different but still tasty flavor.
How should I store leftover garlic bread rolls?
Store leftovers in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresher longer, refrigerate for up to 5 days and reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I add cheese to these garlic bread rolls?
Absolutely! Sprinkle shredded mozzarella, parmesan, or your favorite cheese on top before baking for a delicious cheesy twist. You can also mix some cheese into the dough for extra flavor inside the rolls.
