Garlic Bread Rolls

Soft, fluffy, buttery rolls infused with real garlic flavor

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Simple Introduction

Garlic Bread Rolls are the kind of side dish that instantly upgrades any meal. Soft and pillowy on the inside, lightly golden on the outside, and bursting with rich garlic-butter flavor, these rolls are everything we love about classic garlic bread—reimagined in a perfectly portioned, pull-apart form.

What makes these Garlic Bread Rolls truly special is how the garlic flavor is layered. Fresh garlic is gently cooked in butter and mixed directly into the dough, ensuring that every bite has warmth and depth, not just surface flavor. Then, once the rolls are baked to fluffy perfection, they’re brushed generously with a fragrant garlic-herb butter while still hot, allowing it to soak into every crack and crevice.

They’re ideal for serving alongside pasta, soups, stews, roasted meats, or holiday dinners—but honestly, they’re just as irresistible eaten straight from the pan. Whether you’re hosting a special gathering or simply want to make a weeknight dinner feel extra comforting, these Garlic Bread Rolls are guaranteed to steal the spotlight.

This recipe is approachable even if you’re new to baking with yeast, yet impressive enough to serve for celebrations. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make the best homemade Garlic Bread Rolls from scratch.

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Why You’ll Love These Garlic Bread Rolls

There are countless reasons these rolls deserve a permanent place in your baking rotation:

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

• Real garlic flavor throughout, not just on top

• Perfectly golden crust with a tender interior

• Make-ahead friendly, great for holidays and entertaining

• Versatile enough to pair with almost any savory dish

• Freezer-friendly, so you can always have fresh rolls on hand

Once you try these Garlic Bread Rolls, store-bought versions just won’t compare.

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Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

• Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

• Cuisine: American

• Servings: 12 rolls

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Ingredients Overview

For the Dough

• 4½ tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 tablespoons minced garlic

• 3½ cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

• 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast

• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt

• 1 cup whole or 2% milk, warmed to 110°F (43°C)

• 1 large egg, room temperature

For Brushing

• 1 beaten egg

For the 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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Ingredient Tips for Perfect Garlic Bread Rolls

Butter:
Use unsalted butter so you can control the salt level. Butter adds richness and keeps the rolls tender for days.

Garlic:
Fresh garlic is key here. Cooking it briefly in butter mellows the sharp bite and creates a deep, aromatic flavor without bitterness.

Flour:
All-purpose flour works beautifully. Measure carefully—too much flour will make the rolls dense instead of fluffy.

Yeast:
Instant yeast simplifies the process and gives reliable rise. If using active dry yeast, proof it in warm milk with sugar first.

Milk:
Milk enriches the dough and creates a soft crumb. Whole milk is ideal, but 2% works well too.

Egg:
The egg adds structure and softness, helping the rolls rise evenly and bake up tender.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Baking Pan

Lightly butter the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch baking pan. This ensures the rolls release easily and develop a lightly crisp base.

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2. Make the Garlic Butter for the Dough

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, just until fragrant. Do not brown the garlic. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

This step infuses the butter with garlic flavor and prevents harsh raw garlic taste in the dough.

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3. Mix the Dough

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

Mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms.

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4. Knead Until Smooth

Switch to a dough hook and knead on low speed for 10–12 minutes, until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.

If the dough feels too wet, add flour one tablespoon at a time. Avoid over-flouring—soft dough equals soft rolls.

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5. Shape the Rolls

Divide the dough into 12 equal portions (about 67 g each). Shape each piece into a smooth ball by tucking the edges underneath.

Place seam-side down in the prepared pan, leaving a little space between each roll.

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6. First Rise

Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.

The rolls should look puffy and fill the pan.

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7. Preheat and Egg Wash

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Gently brush the tops of the rolls with beaten egg. This creates a glossy, golden finish.

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8. Bake

Bake for 20–30 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches about 190°F (88°C).

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9. Prepare the Garlic Butter Topping

While the rolls bake, melt butter in a small saucepan. Add garlic and cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in parsley and remove from heat.

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10. Finish and Serve

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

Serve warm for the ultimate Garlic Bread Rolls experience.

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Tips for Perfect Garlic Bread Rolls

• Measure flour correctly: Spoon and level to avoid dense rolls

• Milk temperature matters: Too hot kills yeast; aim for warm, not steaming

• Don’t rush the rise: Proper rising ensures airy texture

• Extra softness: Brush with additional butter after baking

• Even rolls: Weigh the dough portions for uniform baking

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Variations and Flavor Ideas

• Cheesy Garlic Bread Rolls: Add shredded mozzarella or Parmesan to the dough

• Herb-Loaded Rolls: Mix in rosemary, thyme, or oregano

• Roasted Garlic Rolls: Replace minced garlic with roasted garlic paste

• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter

• Whole Wheat Blend: Substitute up to 30% whole wheat flour

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Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing

Make Ahead:
Shape the rolls, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temperature before baking.

Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for 4 days.

Freezing:
Freeze baked rolls for up to 2 months. Reheat wrapped in foil at 300°F until warm.

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Serving Suggestions

Garlic Bread Rolls pair beautifully with:

• Creamy pasta dishes

• Tomato-based sauces

• Hearty soups and stews

• Roasted chicken or beef

• Holiday dinners and buffets

They’re also perfect for soaking up sauces—don’t let a single drop go to waste.

Print

Nutrition (Per Roll – Approximate)

• Calories: 190

• Carbohydrates: 26 g

• Protein: 5 g

• Fat: 7 g

• Saturated Fat: 4 g

• Cholesterol: 35 mg

• Sodium: 210 mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Garlic Bread Rolls without a stand mixer?
Yes! Knead by hand for 12–15 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Why are my rolls dense?
Likely causes include too much flour, under-kneading, or insufficient rising time.

Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. Use two pans and rotate them halfway through baking.

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Final Thoughts

Garlic Bread Rolls are one of those recipes that instantly become a household favorite. They’re comforting, indulgent, and deeply satisfying—everything a good bread should be. From the buttery garlic aroma that fills your kitchen to the soft, fluffy texture that practically melts in your mouth, these rolls deliver on every level.

What truly sets these Garlic Bread Rolls apart is their balance. The garlic is bold but not overpowering, the crumb is rich yet light, and the buttery topping ties everything together beautifully. They’re elegant enough for holidays, easy enough for weeknights, and irresistible enough that no one ever stops at just one.

If you’re looking for a recipe that consistently impresses guests while still feeling warm and homemade, this is it. Once you master these Garlic Bread Rolls, you’ll find yourself making them again and again—for pasta nights, family dinners, special occasions, or simply because nothing beats fresh bread straight from the oven.