Garlic Butter Bread Rolls: Soft, Buttery Perfection

Name: Garlic Butter Bread Rolls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: PT-489063H36M28S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup warm milk; 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast; 1 tbsp sugar; 1 tsp salt; 1 egg; 3 tbsp unsalted butter (melted); ¼ cup butter (for garlic topping); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tbsp chopped parsley

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If you’ve ever dreamed of bakery-style garlic butter bread rolls fresh from your oven, this is the recipe you need. Buttery, golden, and irresistibly soft, these rolls bring comfort and flavor to any table. In this article, you’ll discover why these garlic bread rolls have become a family favorite, exactly what goes into them, the simple step-by-step method, and helpful tips to make them your own. Whether you’re pairing them with dinner or enjoying them solo, this garlic butter bread recipe delivers every time. Let’s roll into the deliciousness.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love These Garlic Butter Bread Rolls

Homemade Rolls That Feel Like a Hug

Hi, I’m Saly. I’m a home cook who believes food should be flavorful without being fussy. These garlic butter bread rolls started as a “what can I bake fast for dinner?” moment and became an every-week request from my husband. They’re soft, warm, and rich with garlic herb butter that seeps into every fluffy layer.

I love making these rolls on Sunday nights while soup simmers or alongside Cottage Cheese 2-Ingredient Flatbread for a cozy bread basket spread. The dough comes together quickly and rises beautifully, and the garlic butter brushed on top takes things from great to “oh wow.”

The Flavor? It’s All About the Garlic Butter

These aren’t just basic bread rolls. They’re loaded with melted garlic butter that infuses every bite. You’ll brush the rolls before baking and again afterward for maximum buttery goodness. There’s a balance of saltiness and warmth that pairs just as well with pasta dishes as it does with soups or roasted meats.

The best part? They stay soft for days (if you can manage to save any). Pop one in the microwave for 10 seconds and you’re right back in warm, garlicky heaven. And if you’re already thinking about holiday dinners or potlucks, these rolls steal the show every time.

What You’ll Need to Make These Soft Garlic Butter Bread Rolls

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

What I love most about this garlic butter bread roll recipe is that it uses pantry staples. No fancy flour or obscure ingredients; just tried-and-true baking basics that you probably already have.

Here’s what you’ll need:

All-purpose flour – Gives the rolls a soft yet structured texture.
Warm milk – Helps the yeast activate and creates a tender crumb.
Instant yeast – Speeds up the rise time without needing proofing.
Sugar – Just a little to feed the yeast and balance the salt.
Salt – Adds flavor and strengthens the dough.
Egg – Adds richness and helps bind the dough.
Unsalted butter – Melted into the dough and brushed on top.
Fresh garlic – The star of the show, sautéed for deep flavor.
Parsley – Optional, but adds a pop of color and freshness.

You can also throw in a pinch of dried Italian herbs or even shredded cheese if you’re feeling adventurous. When baking rolls for brunch, I sometimes swap garlic for cinnamon sugar or go savory with extra herbs.

Ingredient Tips & Time-Saving Swaps

If you’re out of milk, warm water and a tablespoon of powdered milk work as a quick backup. Don’t have instant yeast? Use active dry yeast, just give it 10 minutes in warm milk and sugar to bloom before adding.

When you’re prepping these alongside something sweet, like Pumpkin French Toast Casserole, you can even make the dough earlier in the day and refrigerate it until ready to shape.

Want to go dairy-free? Swap the butter for vegan margarine and the milk for almond or oat milk. These garlic rolls are forgiving, and still come out soft, fluffy, and full of flavor.

How to Make Garlic Butter Bread Rolls from Scratch

Step-by-Step: From Dough to Golden Perfection

Making garlic butter bread rolls is easier than you think. The dough comes together in under 10 minutes, and most of the magic happens while it rises.

Step 1: Mix the dough.
In a large bowl, combine 3 ½ cups flour, 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1 tsp salt. Warm 1 cup of milk until just warm to the touch, not hot. Add it to the bowl along with 1 beaten egg and 3 tbsp melted butter. Mix until the dough comes together.
Step 2: Knead and rise.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic. If it’s sticky, add a bit more flour. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until doubled.
Step 3: Shape the rolls.
Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each into a ball and place them in a buttered baking dish (9×13 works perfectly). Let them rise again, uncovered, for 20–30 minutes until puffy.
Step 4: Add garlic butter and bake.
While the rolls are rising, melt ¼ cup butter in a small pan with 3 minced garlic cloves. Once aromatic, remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley. Brush half of the garlic butter over the rolls.

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–20 minutes or until golden. Once out, brush with remaining garlic butter for maximum flavor.

Serve warm! They’re especially comforting with cozy dishes like Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes; the garlic flavors play beautifully together.

No Mixer? No Problem.

You don’t need a stand mixer for this recipe. A bowl, a wooden spoon, and your hands work just fine. Real bread, made simply.

Tips and Variations for the Best Garlic Butter Bread Rolls

Expert Tips for Foolproof Garlic Bread Rolls

These garlic butter bread rolls are pretty forgiving, but a few tricks can make them even better every time.

1. Room temperature matters.
Cold milk or butter will slow down the yeast, so make sure your ingredients are warm (not hot!) before mixing. If your kitchen is chilly, place your dough near a slightly warm oven or inside the microwave with a cup of hot water for a cozy proofing environment.
2. Don’t rush the rise.
Give the dough time to double. It’s tempting to skip ahead, but rising helps develop that soft, airy interior. Under-proofed rolls will be dense and chewy.
3. Use real garlic.
Skip garlic powder for this one. Fresh minced garlic simmered in butter gives that rich, aromatic flavor that defines garlic butter bread.
4. Double the batch.
These disappear fast. You can easily double the recipe and freeze half of the shaped dough balls before the second rise. Just thaw and let rise before baking.

Pairing them with warm fall recipes like Pumpkin Bread makes them perfect for holiday tables and comfort dinners alike.

Delicious Variations to Try

Cheesy Garlic Rolls: Add shredded mozzarella or parmesan on top before baking.
Herbed Butter Rolls: Mix rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning into the melted butter.
Spicy Kick: Stir in red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños with the garlic.
Mini Rolls: Divide the dough into 24 small balls for party-sized garlic butter rolls.

And if you’re baking ahead, these rolls reheat beautifully in the oven wrapped in foil, just 10 minutes at 325°F and they’re good as fresh.

Once you’ve nailed the base recipe, you’ll start adapting it without even thinking. It’s that kind of bread re,liable, flavorful, and always a hit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make garlic butter bread rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can shape the rolls, place them in your baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let them sit at room temperature for about 45 minutes before baking. This makes them perfect for holidays or busy weeknights.

Can I freeze the dough or baked rolls?

Absolutely. Freeze the shaped dough balls (before the second rise) on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw and let rise before baking. Baked rolls also freeze well, just wrap them tightly and reheat in the oven when needed.

What’s the best flour for these garlic butter bread rolls?

All-purpose flour works great, but for slightly chewier rolls, you can use bread flour. Just be aware that bread flour absorbs more liquid, so you might need an extra tablespoon of milk.

How do I keep the rolls soft for longer?

Store them in an airtight container or wrap them in foil once cooled. To revive softness, microwave for 10–15 seconds or wrap in foil and warm in the oven. You can even serve them alongside soups or casseroles like Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal for cozy leftovers.

Final Thoughts

These garlic butter bread rolls are more than just a side dish; they’re soft, flavorful, and so simple to make that they become a weekly staple. Whether you’re baking them to impress guests or serving them up with a simple bowl of soup, they bring warmth and richness to every table. With a buttery garlic crust and pillowy-soft center, this is one homemade bread recipe you’ll turn to again and again.

For more easy and satisfying recipes, join me on Pinterest – where good food meets great company!

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Garlic Butter Bread Rolls