Garlic Bread Rolls are soft, warm, and bursting with buttery garlic flavor that’s hard to resist. These rolls have a light, fluffy inside with a slightly crispy outside, all wrapped in the irresistible taste of garlic and herbs. They’re a simple but delicious way to make any meal feel extra special.
I love making these rolls when I want a quick and tasty side that everyone will reach for first. The smell of garlic and fresh bread baking fills the kitchen and makes the whole house feel cozy. I like to brush them with a mix of butter, garlic, and parsley right after they come out of the oven to keep them soft and full of flavor.
These garlic bread rolls go perfectly alongside pasta, soup, or salad, and they’re great for soaking up any sauce on your plate. Whenever I serve them, I make sure to have plenty—they always disappear fast! They’re also a favorite at family dinners because they bring a homemade touch without much fuss.
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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour works well for soft, fluffy rolls. For a chewier texture, you can try bread flour. Gluten-free flour blends are a good swap if needed, just note the texture may change.
Yeast: Active dry yeast is great for a classic rise. If you’re short on time, instant yeast can be used and mixed directly with the flour without proofing first.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives rich flavor and keeps the rolls tender. If dairy is a concern, try coconut oil or vegan butter. The garlic topping is best with real butter for taste, but olive oil is a lighter alternative.
Garlic and Parsley: Fresh garlic and parsley add strong, fresh flavor. Garlic powder works in a pinch, but fresh is better. You can swap parsley with other herbs like chives or basil for a different twist.
How Do You Get Soft, Fluffy Rolls with a Perfect Rise?
Getting your rolls soft and fluffy means letting the yeast work its magic. Here’s how to nail it:
- Use warm milk (not hot) to activate the yeast without killing it. Around 110°F (43°C) is ideal.
- Proof the yeast by letting it sit with sugar and warm milk until foamy—usually 5-10 minutes. This shows your yeast is active.
- Knead the dough well to develop gluten. Kneading 8-10 minutes by hand or with a mixer makes the dough smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot until it doubles in size. This can take 1 to 1 ½ hours depending on room temperature.
- After shaping the rolls, a second rise is important to get them light and airy. Don’t rush this step.
Patience with rising and thorough kneading make all the difference in soft, fluffy bread rolls!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – perfect for mixing and letting the dough rise comfortably.
- Wooden spoon or dough hook – makes mixing and kneading the dough easier.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to keep ingredient amounts accurate for best results.
- Baking dish or pan – use a greased 9×13-inch pan or similar size to bake the rolls closely together for soft sides.
- Basting brush – great for spreading garlic butter evenly over the rolls before and after baking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Cheese stuffed rolls – add small cubes of mozzarella or cheddar inside each dough ball for a melty surprise.
- Herb mix – swap parsley for basil, oregano, or thyme for a different fresh herb flavor.
- Spicy twist – add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne to the garlic butter for a little heat.
- Olive oil topping – use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter version with a Mediterranean flavor.
Garlic Bread Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For The Garlic Butter Topping:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for brushing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 1 to 1 ½ hours for the first rise and another 30-45 minutes for the second rise. Baking will take 20-25 minutes. Overall, you’ll want to set aside around 2 to 2 ½ hours, including rising and baking time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, showing that the yeast is active.
2. Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the flour and salt together. Add the melted butter and the frothy yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or use a dough hook on a mixer until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, or use your mixer to knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it. Let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 to 1 ½ hours.
5. Form the Rolls:
Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth roll.
6. Second Rise:
Place the rolls close together in a greased baking dish. Cover and let them rise again until puffy and nearly doubled, about 30-45 minutes.
7. Prepare the Garlic Butter Topping:
Mix melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley in a small bowl.
8. Apply Topping and Bake:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the garlic butter generously over the rolls. Bake for 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through.
9. Final Brush (Optional):
Brush the rolls again with leftover garlic butter right after they come out of the oven for extra flavor and shine.
10. Serve Warm:
Let the rolls cool just a little, then serve them warm. They’re perfect alongside your favorite pasta, soup, or salad!
Can I Use Frozen Dough for These Rolls?
Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze it after the first rise. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge, shape the rolls, let them rise again, and bake as usual.
What Can I Substitute for Fresh Parsley?
Dried parsley works in a pinch; just use about one-third of the amount called for fresh. You can also try fresh basil, chives, or oregano for a different flavor twist.
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 soft, reheat gently in the oven with a little foil wrapping.
Can I Make These Rolls Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! Use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk warmed to the right temperature, and swap the butter with vegan butter or olive oil for both the dough and garlic topping.
