Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe

Garlic bread rolls are the perfect blend of soft, fluffy bread with a rich, savory garlic flavor that will leave you craving more. These rolls are a comforting side dish that can be served with almost any meal—from pasta and soups to steaks and salads. The soft, buttery inside and crispy garlic topping make these rolls irresistible, and the homemade touch elevates them beyond any store-bought variety. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a family meal, garlic bread rolls are sure to impress.

In this recipe, we’ll take you through every step—from making the dough to baking the rolls to perfection. With detailed instructions, tips, and ideas for variations, this garlic bread rolls recipe is a foolproof guide to achieving the best homemade rolls.

Why You’ll Love These Garlic Bread Rolls

1. Incredible Flavor: The combination of garlic, butter, and fresh herbs creates a rich, mouthwatering taste that elevates any meal.
2. Soft and Fluffy Texture: These rolls are light and airy on the inside, with a slightly crispy exterior.
3. Perfect Side Dish: They pair well with a variety of dishes, especially pastas, roasted meats, and salads.
4. Customizable: You can adjust the amount of garlic, butter, and herbs to suit your personal preferences.
5. Great for Meal Prep: Make them ahead of time and store them for easy, fresh-tasting bread to complement your meals.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast
   • In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, salt, and garlic powder (if using). Stir to mix the dry ingredients together.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
   • Add the melted butter, egg, and the frothy yeast mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough begins to come together.
4. Knead the Dough
   • Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this process. Add flour as needed to prevent the dough from sticking, but be careful not to add too much, as the dough should remain soft and slightly sticky.
5. First Rise
   • Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil and place the dough inside. Turn the dough once to coat it lightly with the oil, then cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1–1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Shape the Rolls

1. Preheat the Oven
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Punch Down the Dough
   • Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
3. Divide the Dough
   • Using a sharp knife or dough cutter, divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. If you prefer smaller rolls, divide the dough into 16 pieces.
4. Shape the Rolls
   • Roll each piece of dough into a smooth ball by tucking the edges underneath. Place the rolls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each roll. You can place them close together if you prefer a soft, pull-apart style roll.
5. Second Rise
   • Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let them rise for another 30 minutes, or until they are puffed up and nearly doubled in size.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter

1. Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture
   • While the dough is rising, make the garlic butter. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
2. Set Aside
   • Set the garlic butter aside until the rolls are ready to bake. If the butter becomes too soft, you can refrigerate it briefly, but make sure it’s spreadable when you’re ready to use it.

Step 4: Bake the Rolls

1. Brush with Garlic Butter
   • Once the rolls have finished their second rise, use a pastry brush to generously apply the garlic butter mixture over the top of each roll. Be sure to cover the rolls evenly with the butter, allowing it to seep into the crevices for maximum flavor.
2. Bake the Rolls
   • Place the rolls in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through. The tops should be crisp, while the inside remains soft and fluffy.
3. Apply More Garlic Butter
   • After the rolls are out of the oven, while they are still warm, brush them with any remaining garlic butter for an extra layer of flavor.
4. Serve Warm
   • Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving. These garlic bread rolls are best enjoyed warm, right out of the oven, but they can also be stored for later.

Tips for the Perfect Garlic Bread Rolls

1. Use Fresh Yeast
   • Always check the expiration date on your yeast to ensure it’s still active. If you’re using older yeast, your rolls may not rise properly.
2. Don’t Overwork the Dough
   • While it’s important to knead the dough, be sure not to overwork it. Knead it just enough to make it smooth and elastic. Overworking it can lead to tough rolls.
3. Control the Temperature
   • Yeast thrives in warm environments, but not too hot. Be sure that your milk is warm, but not scalding, as excessive heat can kill the yeast.
4. Let the Rolls Rise
   • Don’t rush the rising process. Giving the dough enough time to rise is essential for achieving soft, fluffy rolls. The longer the dough rises, the better the texture will be.
5. Garlic Butter Variations
   • If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, reduce the number of garlic cloves in the butter mixture. For an even stronger garlic taste, you can add roasted garlic instead of fresh garlic.
6. Storage
   • Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. Reheat in the oven to restore their crisp exterior.

Variations of Garlic Bread Rolls

1. Cheesy Garlic Bread Rolls
   • Add shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese to the garlic butter mixture for a cheesy twist. You can even sprinkle more cheese on top of the rolls before baking for a gooey, cheesy topping.
2. Herb-Infused Garlic Rolls
   • Mix in a variety of fresh herbs like basil, rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the garlic butter. This adds even more depth to the flavor and a beautiful, aromatic touch.
3. Stuffed Garlic Bread Rolls
   • For a more indulgent version, stuff the rolls with a small amount of garlic butter and cheese before rolling them into balls. This will create a gooey, cheesy center when the rolls are baked.
4. Vegan Garlic Bread Rolls
   • For a vegan version, replace the butter with plant-based margarine and use non-dairy milk (such as almond milk) in the dough. Ensure your yeast is vegan-friendly, though most varieties are.
5. Garlic Rolls with Balsamic Glaze
   • After baking, drizzle a balsamic glaze over the rolls for a tangy and sweet contrast to the rich garlic flavor. This pairs especially well with Italian or Mediterranean meals.

Conclusion

Garlic bread rolls are a simple yet delicious addition to any meal, offering a perfect balance of savory and comforting flavors. By following this recipe, you’ll create a batch of rolls that are soft on the inside with a crispy, buttery garlic topping that is simply irresistible. Customize the recipe with your favorite variations to make them uniquely yours, and enjoy these garlic bread rolls for any occasion!

Yield: 12 Rolls

Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe

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Garlic bread rolls are the perfect blend of soft, fluffy bread with a rich, savory garlic flavor that will leave you craving more. These rolls are a comforting side dish that can be served with almost any meal—from pasta and soups to steaks and salads. The soft, buttery inside and crispy garlic topping make these rolls irresistible, and the homemade touch elevates them beyond any store-bought variety. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a family meal, garlic bread rolls are sure to impress.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 1/4 cup melted butter, divided
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra garlic flavor)
• Salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Dough
   In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir to dissolve the sugar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, egg, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir until a dough begins to form.
   Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 3-4 minutes.
   Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
   
2. Step 2: Form the Rolls
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
   Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a floured surface.
   Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and place them in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish or on a lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each roll.
   Cover the rolls with a clean cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes, or until puffed and touching each other.
   
3. Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter
   In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, garlic powder (if using), and a pinch of salt. Mix until well combined.
   
4. Step 4: Bake the Rolls
   Brush the tops of the rolls with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown on top.
   
5. Step 5: Add the Garlic Butter Topping
   As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, immediately brush them with the garlic butter mixture for extra flavor.
   Serve warm, and enjoy!

Notes

• Perfect Texture: Be sure to knead the dough enough so it’s smooth and elastic, which helps the rolls rise properly.
• Extra Garlic: For a stronger garlic flavor, add more minced garlic to the topping or even mix some into the dough before the first rise.
• Make Ahead: These rolls can be prepared a day in advance. After the second rise, cover and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let them come to room temperature before baking.
• Freezing: To freeze, bake the rolls as directed, then let them cool. Wrap in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes.