Garlic Butter Bread Rolls Recipe: Soft, Fluffy & Irresistible

There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen. Add garlic butter to that, and suddenly you’re transported to a cozy dinner table, ready to tear apart soft, golden rolls with steam rising from the center. Garlic butter bread rolls are one of those recipes that never fail to bring comfort and joy.

This recipe is designed for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. Whether you’re making dinner rolls for Thanksgiving, pairing them with a weeknight pasta dinner, or simply craving homemade bread, these garlic butter bread rolls will become your go-to.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Bread Rolls

Garlic butter bread rolls aren’t just bread—they’re a warm invitation to gather. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:

• Soft and fluffy texture: The rolls bake up perfectly pillowy.
• Rich garlic butter flavor: Every bite bursts with savory, buttery goodness.
• Easy to make: This recipe keeps things simple, even for first-time bakers.
• Versatile: Serve with soups, pastas, or as part of your holiday spread.
• Homemade magic: There’s nothing quite like bread fresh from your oven.

If you’ve tried making classic bread before, like a sourdough bread, you’ll appreciate how approachable these rolls are.

Ingredients

For the Bread Rolls:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 large egg
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 tsp salt

For the Garlic Butter:

• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 3 cloves garlic (finely minced)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
• ½ tsp salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Activate the Yeast
  • In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
• Make the Dough
  • Mix flour and salt in a large bowl. Add yeast mixture, egg, and softened butter. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• First Rise
  • Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled.
• Shape the Rolls
  • Punch down dough, divide into 12 equal pieces, and roll into balls. Place on a greased baking pan.

• Second Rise
  • Cover shaped rolls and let rise again for 30–40 minutes.
• Bake
  • Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake rolls for 18–20 minutes, until golden brown.
• Prepare Garlic Butter
  • Melt butter in a small saucepan, stir in minced garlic, salt, and parsley.
• Brush and Serve
  • Brush warm rolls generously with garlic butter before serving.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Bread Rolls

Garlic butter bread rolls are at their best when enjoyed warm, fresh from the oven. The golden tops glisten with melted garlic butter, and the aroma instantly transforms even a simple meal into something special.

Here are some of the best ways to serve them:

• With Soup or Stew – Dunk these rolls into hearty bowls of chicken noodle, tomato basil, or beef stew. The garlic butter soaks up the broth beautifully.
• Alongside Pasta – Nothing pairs better with spaghetti, lasagna, or creamy fettuccine than soft, garlicky bread rolls. It’s like your favorite Italian restaurant at home.
• Holiday Feasts – Add them to your Thanksgiving cooking lineup. They’re irresistible served with turkey, gravy, and cranberry sauce. They also shine at Christmas or Easter gatherings.
• Breakfast Upgrade – Split them open and fill with scrambled eggs, cheese, and bacon for a savory breakfast sandwich.
• Snack or Appetizer – Serve them on a platter with marinara or cheese dip for a crowd-pleasing party bite.
• Bread Basket Variety – Pair these rolls with other homemade bread recipes, like a sweet healthy chocolate zucchini bread, to offer guests both savory and sweet options.

These rolls aren’t just a side dish—they’re the kind of bread that steals the show.

How to Store Garlic Butter Bread Rolls

Homemade bread always tastes best fresh, but these garlic butter bread rolls are easy to store and reheat without losing their charm.

Short-Term Storage (1–3 days):

• Once cooled, place the rolls in an airtight container or resealable bag.
• Store at room temperature away from heat and sunlight.
• To refresh, wrap in foil and warm in the oven at 300°F for 8–10 minutes.

Freezer Storage (up to 2 months):

• Bake and cool the rolls completely.
• Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
• To enjoy, thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven.

Make-Ahead Dough Option:

• After shaping the rolls, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap.
• Refrigerate overnight.
• The next day, let them sit at room temperature for 30–40 minutes, then bake as usual.

This flexibility makes them perfect for holiday meal prep—you can prepare ahead of time and still serve fresh, warm rolls.

Tips to Make Garlic Butter Bread Rolls

Even if you’re new to bread baking, these tips will help you achieve soft, fluffy, and flavorful rolls every time:

• Mind the Milk Temperature: Warm milk should be around 110°F. Too hot will kill the yeast, while too cold will slow the rise.
• Knead Properly: Knead for at least 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Under-kneading makes the rolls dense.
• Let Dough Rise Fully: Be patient and allow it to double in size for the fluffiest rolls.
• Brush Immediately: Apply garlic butter as soon as the rolls come out of the oven so it soaks in beautifully.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Add 2–3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan to the garlic butter for extra richness.
• Healthier Version: Swap half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and more fiber.
• Extra Garlic Flavor: If you love bold garlic taste, double the garlic in the butter mixture.
• Crowd Favorite Twist: For another gooey, cheesy option, don’t miss our recipe for cheesy garlic bread.

These tips make a big difference in flavor, texture, and presentation.

Variations of Garlic Butter Bread Rolls

Once you master the basic recipe, try experimenting with these creative variations:

• Cheese-Stuffed Rolls – Place a cube of mozzarella, cheddar, or gouda inside each dough ball before baking. The melted cheese center is heavenly.
• Herb Rolls – Add fresh or dried rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the dough for a fragrant, earthy twist.
• Spicy Rolls – Stir crushed red pepper flakes into the garlic butter for a subtle kick. Great with chili or BBQ.
• Sweet-Savory Rolls – Mix a little honey into the garlic butter for a unique glaze that balances sweetness with savory garlic.
• Classic Dinner Rolls – Skip the garlic butter and brush with plain melted butter for a more traditional flavor.
• Garlic Butter Breadsticks – Instead of shaping balls, roll dough into thin logs, bake, and brush with garlic butter for homemade breadsticks.
• Pull-Apart Rolls – Arrange dough balls in a round baking dish so they bake into a pull-apart style bread that’s fun to share.

Each variation makes these rolls feel brand new, so you’ll never get tired of baking (or eating) them.

FAQs

Final Thoughts About Garlic Butter Bread Rolls

Garlic butter bread rolls are more than just bread—they’re a tradition, a comfort food, and a way to bring people together. Whether you’re baking for a holiday feast or a quiet night at home, these rolls will quickly become a favorite.

And if you’re inspired to try more homemade bread recipes, don’t miss our banana bread recipe.

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