Garlic Bread Rolls (Soft, Fluffy & Packed With Garlic Flavor)

Garlic Bread Rolls are the perfect marriage between classic dinner rolls and irresistible garlic bread. Soft, fluffy, and deeply aromatic, these homemade rolls are infused with fresh garlic in the dough and finished with a generous brushing of garlic herb butter straight from the oven. Every bite delivers a tender crumb, rich buttery flavor, and just the right amount of savory garlic goodness.

If you’re looking for a side dish that feels special yet comforting, Garlic Bread Rolls are the answer. They’re impressive enough for holidays and dinner parties but simple enough to make for a cozy family meal. Serve them with pasta, soup, salads, or roasted meats—or enjoy them warm on their own, because honestly, they rarely make it to the table without a few disappearing first.

This detailed guide will walk you through everything you need to know about making perfect Garlic Bread Rolls at home, from ingredients and techniques to variations, troubleshooting, storage, and serving ideas.

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Why You’ll Love These Garlic Bread Rolls

Garlic Bread Rolls aren’t just another bread recipe—they’re a true crowd-pleaser. Here’s why they deserve a permanent spot in your baking rotation:

• Ultra soft and fluffy texture thanks to enriched dough with milk, butter, and egg

• Bold garlic flavor baked directly into the dough

• Finished with garlic butter for maximum aroma and richness

• Perfect pull-apart rolls that bake evenly in a 9×13 pan

• Versatile enough for holidays, weeknight dinners, or special occasions

• Better than store-bought with fresher ingredients and customizable flavor

Once you make these Garlic Bread Rolls from scratch, you’ll never want to go back to plain dinner rolls again.

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Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe Overview

These rolls are enriched yeast rolls, meaning they contain fat (butter), milk, and egg. This creates a tender, pillowy crumb that stays soft even after cooling. The garlic is gently cooked in butter first, which removes any harsh bite and infuses the dough with mellow garlic flavor.

Time & Yield

• Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

• Servings: 12 rolls

• Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

• Cuisine: American

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Equipment You’ll Need

• 9×13 inch baking pan

• Stand mixer with dough hook (or large bowl for hand kneading)

• Small saucepan

• Pastry brush

• Kitchen scale (recommended for accuracy)

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Ingredients for Garlic Bread Rolls

Dough Ingredients

• 4 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 tablespoons minced garlic

• 3 ½ cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

• 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast

• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt

• 1 cup whole or 2% milk, warmed to 110°F

• 1 large egg, room temperature

• 1 beaten egg (for brushing tops)

Garlic Butter Topping

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

• Flaky sea salt, for finishing

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Garlic Bread Rolls

1. Prepare the Pan

Lightly butter the bottom and sides of a 9×13 baking pan. This prevents sticking and helps the rolls develop lightly crisp edges while staying soft inside.

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2. Make the Garlic Butter for the Dough

In a small pot over low heat, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Cook gently for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Do not brown the garlic. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.

This step is crucial—it softens the garlic flavor and evenly distributes it throughout the dough.

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3. Mix the Dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine flour, parsley, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Add the warmed milk, egg, and the cooled garlic butter.

Using the dough hook, knead on low speed for 10–12 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. If the dough is too sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time.

The dough should feel soft but not wet.

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4. Shape the Rolls

Divide the dough into 12 equal portions (about 67 grams each). Shape each piece into a smooth ball, pinching the seam underneath to create surface tension.

Place the dough balls evenly in the prepared pan.

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5. First Rise

Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Place in a warm area and let rise until doubled in size, about 1–2 hours.

This slow rise develops flavor and gives Garlic Bread Rolls their fluffy interior.

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6. Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).

Brush the tops of the rolls with beaten egg wash. Bake for 20–30 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked through.

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7. Garlic Butter Finish

While the rolls bake, melt butter and garlic together for 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in parsley.

As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush generously with garlic butter. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.

Serve warm for best flavor and texture.

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Tips for the Best Garlic Bread Rolls

• Use instant yeast for reliable rise and ease

• Do not overheat milk—110°F is ideal

• Cook garlic gently to avoid bitterness

• Weigh dough portions for evenly sized rolls

• Brush with butter immediately while hot for maximum absorption

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Variations on Garlic Bread Rolls

Cheesy Garlic Bread Rolls

Add ¾ cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan to the dough or sprinkle cheese on top before baking.

Herb Garlic Rolls

Add rosemary, thyme, or oregano for a more complex flavor profile.

Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Rolls

Finish with Parmesan cheese and extra butter for a pizza-style twist.

Whole Wheat Garlic Bread Rolls

Replace up to 30% of the flour with whole wheat flour and add 1–2 tablespoons extra milk.

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What to Serve With Garlic Bread Rolls

Garlic Bread Rolls pair beautifully with:

• Pasta dishes (Alfredo, marinara, lasagna)

• Soups (tomato soup, chicken soup, minestrone)

• Salads (Caesar, chopped Italian salad)

• Roasted meats (chicken, beef, lamb)

• Holiday meals (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter)

They’re especially perfect for soaking up sauces and gravies.

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Storage & Make-Ahead Instructions

Storing

• Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days

• Refrigerate for up to 5 days

Freezing

• Freeze baked rolls for up to 2 months

• Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven

Reheating

• Warm in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes

• Brush with extra garlic butter if desired

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Common Questions About Garlic Bread Rolls

Can I make these without a stand mixer?

Yes. Knead by hand for 12–15 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Can I use active dry yeast?

Yes. Bloom it in warm milk with sugar for 5–10 minutes before mixing.

Why are my rolls dense?

Common causes include under-kneading, expired yeast, or insufficient rise time.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Use two pans or a larger baking dish.

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Why Garlic Bread Rolls Are Always a Hit

There’s something universally comforting about warm bread and garlic. Garlic Bread Rolls elevate that comfort by combining pillowy softness with bold flavor. They’re nostalgic yet impressive, simple yet indulgent.

Whether you’re baking for guests, family, or just yourself, these rolls always deliver satisfaction—and compliments.

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Final Thoughts

Garlic Bread Rolls are more than just a side dish—they’re an experience. From the moment the garlic butter hits the warm dough to the first soft, savory bite, these rolls bring warmth, comfort, and flavor to any table. Their fluffy texture, rich garlic aroma, and buttery finish make them impossible to resist.

If you’re looking for a reliable, show-stopping bread recipe that works for everyday dinners and special occasions alike, these Garlic Bread Rolls are it. Bake them once, and they’ll quickly become a staple in your kitchen.