Name: Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons minced garlic; 3 1/2 cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 2 1/4 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 the tops; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; flaky sea salt for finishing

If you’ve ever dreamed of the perfect sidekick for soups, pastas, or your favorite comfort meals, let me introduce you to these Garlic Bread Rolls. Each soft, pillowy roll is infused with waves of fresh garlic flavor—right in the dough and slathered on top with a lush, herby garlic butter. Joyful, aromatic, and wildly comforting, these rolls will make you the star of any gathering and just might become your new most-requested bake. Trust me: there’s nothing quite like tearing into a fresh batch of homemade garlic bread rolls while they’re still steaming and golden.

Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Garlic Bread Rolls use a handful of everyday pantry staples, but each ingredient plays an essential part in their irresistible taste and texture. From rich, melted butter to vibrant parsley and plenty of aromatic garlic, you’ll see how each component layers flavor and warmth into these dreamy rolls.

Unsalted butter: Gives the rolls their tender crumb and infuses both dough and glaze with delicious richness.
Minced garlic: Don’t hold back—a generous amount brings bold savoriness to every bite.
All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for soft, fluffy rolls; for best results, measure it carefully using the spoon and level—or your kitchen scale.
Fresh parsley: Offers brightness and color that makes these rolls as pretty as they are tasty.
Granulated sugar: Just a tablespoon gives a gentle sweetness and helps activate the yeast for a great rise.
Instant yeast: Your speedy secret for light, airy bread without the wait.
Fine sea salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the garlic’s natural magic.
Whole or 2% milk (warmed): Adds softness and a lovely, rich crumb to the finished rolls.
1 large egg (room temperature): Binds the dough and adds a tender, golden color.
1 beaten egg (for brushing tops): Gives the rolls their signature glossy, golden top.
For the garlic butter: Unsalted butter, more minced garlic, fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt make the final flourish absolutely irresistible.

How to Make Garlic Bread Rolls

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Garlic Butter

Start by lightly buttering your 9×13-inch baking pan, making sure to coat the sides and bottom so the rolls won’t stick later. Next, melt your butter in a small pot and add the minced garlic, letting it cook for a couple of minutes until it smells completely intoxicating. Set aside to cool—the garlic will continue to flavor the butter as it rests.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In your stand mixer bowl, combine the flour, chopped parsley, sugar, yeast, and salt. Give it a quick stir for even distribution. Then add the warm milk, your egg, and that dreamy cooled garlic butter you prepared earlier. Using the dough hook, knead on low speed for 10 to 12 minutes. The dough should pull together, feel soft, and have a slightly tacky texture—add a tablespoon of flour at a time if it’s sticking too much.

Step 3: Shape the Rolls

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces (if you have a kitchen scale, measure them at about 67 grams each for total uniformity). Using cupped hands, shape each portion into a smooth, tight ball, pinching the seam at the bottom to keep it closed—this step helps the rolls bake up perfectly round and fluffy. Nestle each ball into your prepared pan.

Step 4: Proof the Rolls

Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and place it somewhere cozy and warm. Leave the rolls to rise until they’ve doubled in size, which usually takes between 1 and 2 hours. You’ll know they’re ready when they look puffy and fill the pan with barely any space in between.

Step 5: Bake the Garlic Bread Rolls

Once the rolls have risen, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Gently brush the tops of the rolls with the beaten egg wash—this helps them bake to a gorgeous golden brown. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the tops are deeply golden and your kitchen smells fantastic.

Step 6: Make and Brush the Garlic Butter

As the rolls bake, melt the last bit of butter for the garlic butter topping. Stir in minced garlic and cook for a minute or two so the flavors bloom, then remove from the heat and add fresh parsley. The moment those warm rolls come out of the oven, immediately brush them all over with the hot garlic butter. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt for that final, craveable crunch.

How to Serve Garlic Bread Rolls

Garnishes

The right garnish adds color and enhances flavor, making these garlic bread rolls even harder to resist. A finishing sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a bit more fresh parsley is all you need for a lovely presentation and a little extra zing.

Side Dishes

Garlic bread rolls play well with so many dishes! Pair them with a bubbling lasagna, creamy tomato soup, or a hearty stew. They’re also wonderful for soaking up sauces from chicken piccata or any favorite Sunday roast.

Creative Ways to Present

For something special, arrange the garlic bread rolls in a bread basket lined with a pretty napkin, or stack them on a rustic wooden platter for cozy family dinners. If you’re entertaining, place them in a ring around a bowl of marinara, making them the playful centerpiece of your spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have garlic bread rolls left over (good luck!), pop them in an airtight container or ziplock bag and keep at room temperature for up to 2 to 3 days. They stay surprisingly soft and make a great next-day snack.

Freezing

These garlic bread rolls actually freeze beautifully. Once cooled completely, slip them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to one month—perfect for pulling out a few at a time when the carb cravings strike!

Reheating

For the just-baked taste, place the garlic bread rolls in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until warmed through (about 10 minutes). Or, for speedy gratification, microwave individual rolls for 20–30 seconds. Brush with a touch more garlic butter after warming if you like them extra decadent.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes! Just be sure to activate it in your warm milk with a little sugar first and wait until it gets foamy before adding to the dough. This helps ensure your garlic bread rolls rise nice and fluffy.

What’s the best way to measure flour for these rolls?

For the most consistent results, use a kitchen scale. If you’re working with cups, first fluff the flour, gently spoon it into your measuring cup, and level the top off with a knife. This avoids using too much flour and ensures super soft garlic bread rolls.

Can I make Garlic Bread Rolls dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! After shaping, cover and refrigerate the rolls overnight. When ready to bake, let them proof at room temperature until doubled, then proceed with the egg wash and baking steps.

How can I add even more flavor?

Try mixing a bit of grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella into the garlic butter for the topping, or add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning into the dough for a tasty twist on classic garlic bread rolls.

Can I make these garlic bread rolls without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can knead the dough by hand! It might take a little more time and effort, but you’ll get the same soft, fluffy result. Just make sure to knead until the dough feels smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about homemade garlic bread rolls—pure comfort, irresistible aroma, and all the love baked right in. I hope you try these for your next family meal or get-together, and bask in the not-so-quiet delight as everyone reaches for seconds. Enjoy every warm, garlicky bite!