Garlic Butter Bread Rolls – Soft, Fluffy, and Irresistible

There’s something deeply comforting about the smell of fresh bread baking in the oven, and when that bread happens to be brushed with rich garlic herb butter, it’s pure magic. Garlic Butter Bread Rolls are one of those recipes that can turn an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary. They’re golden, fluffy, and bursting with savory garlic flavor that makes every bite feel like home.

The first time I made these rolls was for a family Thanksgiving dinner. Between the turkey, stuffing, and pies, it was the bread rolls that disappeared first! Everyone kept reaching for “just one more,” and I quickly realized that these rolls weren’t just a side dish—they were the star of the table. Whether you’re planning holiday cooking, a weeknight meal, or just want the house to smell amazing, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your bread recipes homemade collection.

Garlic Butter Bread Rolls

Soft, golden, and fluffy bread rolls brushed with rich garlic herb butter. Perfect for holidays, weeknight dinners, or anytime you want your home filled with the cozy aroma of freshly baked bread.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Dinner, Side Dish

Cuisine American, European, Italian-Inspired

Servings 12 rolls

Calories 220 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 4 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter for dough
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic for dough
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour plus 1 tbsp extra
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for dough
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 cup warm milk whole or 2%
• 1 large egg for dough
• 1 egg for egg wash
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for topping
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic for topping
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for topping
• flaky sea salt optional, for topping

Instructions

 

• Lightly butter the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch baking pan. Set aside.
• Melt 4 ½ tbsp butter in a saucepan. Stir in 2 tbsp minced garlic, cooking for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
• In a stand mixer bowl, combine flour, parsley, sugar, yeast, and salt.
• Pour in the warm milk, one egg, and cooled garlic butter. Knead on low speed with a dough hook for 10–12 minutes until smooth. Dough should be tacky but not overly sticky.
• Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces (about 67 g each). Shape each into a ball by tucking edges under and pinching the seam.
• Arrange dough balls in the prepared pan. Cover and let rise for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
• Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
• Brush rolls with beaten egg. Bake 20–30 minutes until golden brown.
• For topping: melt 2 tbsp butter in a saucepan. Add garlic, cook 1–2 minutes, then stir in parsley.
• Brush baked rolls with garlic herb butter. Sprinkle with flaky salt if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

For cheesy garlic rolls, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or parmesan before baking. Swap parsley with rosemary for a fragrant variation. Rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days or frozen for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven for the best texture. For make-ahead, refrigerate shaped rolls overnight, then let rise before baking.

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Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Bread Rolls

These rolls aren’t just another dinner bread—they’re soft, buttery clouds infused with garlicky goodness. Here’s why they deserve a permanent spot in your kitchen rotation:

• Homemade Goodness – Nothing beats the taste (or smell!) of bread made from scratch. Once you try it, store-bought rolls just won’t compare.
• Easy Garlic Butter Recipe Built-In – From the dough to the final glaze, the rolls soak up garlic flavor at every step. Think of it as easy garlic butter baked right into every bite.
• Perfect for Holidays – They’re a crowd-pleaser for Thanksgiving cooking, Christmas dinners, or any special gathering.
• Versatile – Pair them with pasta, soups, or serve them alongside easy homemade garlic butter dinner rolls at any weeknight meal.
• DIY Garlic Butter for Bread – The recipe shows you exactly how to make garlic butter at home—no fancy ingredients, just pantry staples.

It’s comfort food at its best—simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to leave everyone at the table reaching for seconds.

Ingredient Breakdown (with Substitutions)

Before diving into the recipe, let’s break down the ingredients so you know exactly why each one matters—and how you can swap if needed.

For the Dough

• Unsalted Butter (4 ½ tbsp) – The base of flavor. You can use salted butter but reduce added salt in the recipe.
• Minced Garlic (2 tbsp) – Fresh garlic gives the dough its savory punch. Jarred garlic works in a pinch, but fresh is best for maximum aroma.
• All-Purpose Flour (3 ½ cups + 1 tbsp) – The structure of the rolls. Bread flour can be used for a chewier texture.
• Chopped Fresh Parsley (3 tbsp) – Adds freshness and color. Substitute with dried parsley if needed.
• Granulated Sugar (1 tbsp) – Feeds the yeast and balances the garlic flavor. Honey or maple syrup can be swapped in.
• Instant Yeast (2 ¼ tsp) – The powerhouse that makes the rolls rise. Active dry yeast also works; just proof it first.
• Fine Sea Salt (1 tsp) – Enhances flavor. Kosher salt can be substituted.
• Warm Milk (1 cup) – Creates a soft, rich dough. Whole or 2% milk works; plant-based milk can be used for a dairy-free option.
• Egg (1 large) – Provides richness and structure.

For the Garlic Herb Butter

• Unsalted Butter (2 tbsp) – The finishing touch. Use ghee for a nuttier flavor.
• Minced Garlic (1 tbsp) – Roasted garlic can be used for a sweeter, milder taste.
• Chopped Fresh Parsley (1 tbsp) – Brings freshness and color. Basil or oregano are good variations.
• Flaky Sea Salt (optional) – Adds crunch and enhances flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make these easy garlic butter breadsticks-style rolls from scratch:

1. Prepare Pan
   Lightly butter the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch baking pan. Set aside.
2. Make Garlic Butter for Dough
   Melt 4 ½ tbsp butter in a saucepan. Stir in 2 tbsp minced garlic, cooking for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients
   In a stand mixer bowl, combine flour, parsley, sugar, yeast, and salt.
4. Add Wet Ingredients
   Pour in the warm milk, one egg, and cooled garlic butter. Knead on low speed with a dough hook for 10–12 minutes until smooth. Dough should be tacky but not overly sticky.
5. Shape the Rolls
   Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces (about 67 g each). Shape each into a ball by tucking edges under and pinching the seam.
6. Second Rise
   Arrange dough balls in the prepared pan. Cover and let rise for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
7. Preheat Oven
   Heat oven to 350°F (180°C).
8. Egg Wash & Bake
   Brush rolls with beaten egg. Bake 20–30 minutes until golden brown.
9. Make Garlic Herb Butter Topping
   Melt 2 tbsp butter in a saucepan. Add garlic, cook 1–2 minutes, then stir in parsley.
10. Finish & Serve
    Brush baked rolls with garlic herb butter. Sprinkle with flaky salt if desired. Serve warm.

Variations, Serving Ideas, and Storage

• Cheesy Garlic Rolls – Add shredded mozzarella or parmesan before baking.
• Rosemary Twist – Swap parsley for fresh rosemary in the garlic butter.
• Thanksgiving Rolls – Add a sprinkle of sage for a festive twist.
• Easy Garlic Butter Breadsticks – Shape the dough into breadsticks instead of rolls for a fun variation.
• Serve with Soups & Stews – These rolls are dreamy alongside chili, creamy soups, or hearty stews.
• Storage – Keep in an airtight container at room temp for 2–3 days. Freeze up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

FAQs

Conclusion – Warm, Buttery Comfort

Garlic Butter Bread Rolls prove that sometimes the simplest recipes bring the most joy. They’re soft, fluffy, and drenched in buttery garlic flavor that pairs with almost any meal. Whether you’re baking them for a weeknight dinner, experimenting with easy homemade garlic butter dinner rolls, or adding them to your Thanksgiving cooking lineup, they’re a recipe worth keeping in your back pocket.

For more cozy seasonal bakes, check out my Moist Pumpkin Bread and don’t forget to follow along on Pinterest and Facebook for even more bread and dessert inspiration.