Easy Garlic Bread Rolls – Soft & Buttery

There’s something so comforting about warm, buttery Garlic Bread Rolls fresh out of the oven. The smell alone makes everyone walk into the kitchen asking, “Are they ready yet?” I love how soft and fluffy they turn inside, with that golden garlic butter brushed right on top. It feels like bakery magic, but you make it right at home.

These Garlic Bread Rolls come together with simple pantry ingredients and a few easy steps. You don’t need fancy tools or complicated techniques. Just mix, knead, rise, and bake. They pair beautifully with pasta, soups, salads, or even as a side for holiday dinners.

If you want a dinner table upgrade that feels special but still easy, these Garlic Bread Rolls will become your new go-to. Trust me, once you make them, you’ll crave them every week.

More Recipes

• Easy Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta
• Homemade Garlic Butter Recipe

INGREDIENTS

Here’s everything you need to make soft, fluffy Garlic Bread Rolls at home. I keep the ingredients simple, but the flavor turns out absolutely incredible.

For the Dough:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (440 g)
• 1 cup warm milk, about 110°F (240 ml at 43°C)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (7 g)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (25 g)
• 1 teaspoon salt (6 g)
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (45 g)

For the Garlic Butter Topping:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (60 g)
• 3–4 cloves garlic, finely minced (10–12 g)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (4 g)
• ¼ teaspoon salt (1.5 g)
• Optional: 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (15 g)

INSTRUCTIONS

Let’s make these soft and fluffy Garlic Bread Rolls step by step. I promise, it’s easier than you think!

1. Activate the Yeast

Pour the warm milk (110°F / 43°C) into a large mixing bowl. Add the sugar and sprinkle the yeast on top. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it looks foamy. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast may not be active.

2. Mix the Dough

Add the egg, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir well. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.

3. Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8–10 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. The dough should feel soft but not sticky. If it sticks too much, add a tablespoon of flour at a time.

4. First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1–1 ½ hours until it doubles in size.

5. Shape the Rolls

Punch down the dough gently to release air. Divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball. Place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish (23×33 cm), leaving a little space between each roll.

6. Second Rise

Cover the dish and let the rolls rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.

7. Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake the rolls for 18–22 minutes until they turn golden brown on top.

8. Make the Garlic Butter

While the rolls bake, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, and salt in a small bowl.

9. Brush and Finish

Remove the Garlic Bread Rolls from the oven. Brush the warm rolls generously with the garlic butter mixture. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top if you like.

Serve them warm and watch them disappear.

TIPS & VARIATIONS

Let’s make your Garlic Bread Rolls even better with these simple tricks and delicious ideas.

Baking Tips

• Use warm, not hot milk. Keep it around 110°F (43°C). If it feels too hot on your finger, it will kill the yeast.
• Don’t over-flour the dough. The dough should feel soft and slightly tacky, not dry. Soft dough gives you fluffy Garlic Bread Rolls.
• Let them rise fully. If you rush the rising time, the rolls will turn dense instead of light and airy.
• Brush twice for extra flavor. Brush a little garlic butter before baking and the rest right after they come out of the oven.

Flavor Variations

• Cheesy Garlic Bread Rolls: Add ½ cup shredded mozzarella (60 g) inside each roll before shaping.
• Herb Rolls: Mix Italian seasoning or dried oregano (1 teaspoon / 1 g) into the dough.
• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
• Whole Wheat Option: Replace 1 cup (125 g) of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly nutty flavor.

Make-Ahead & Storage

• Store leftover Garlic Bread Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerate for up to 5 days and reheat at 325°F (165°C) for 5–7 minutes.
• Freeze baked rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.

SERVING IDEAS

These warm, buttery Garlic Bread Rolls fit almost any meal. I love how versatile they are. You can dress them up for holidays or keep them simple for a cozy weeknight dinner.

With Pasta Night

Serve Garlic Bread Rolls alongside spaghetti, lasagna, fettuccine Alfredo, or baked ziti. They soak up sauces beautifully and make every bite even better.

With Soups & Stews

Pair them with creamy tomato soup, chicken noodle soup, beef stew, or chili. Dip the rolls straight into the bowl and enjoy that soft, garlicky goodness.

With Salads

Add them to a fresh Caesar salad or garden salad for a balanced meal. The crispy edges and fluffy centers complement crisp greens perfectly.

For Special Occasions

Serve Garlic Bread Rolls at holiday dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings. Brush them with extra garlic butter right before serving to make them shine on the table.

As a Snack

Warm one up, slice it open, and add a little extra butter or cheese. It makes the coziest afternoon snack.

FAQs

Here are the most common questions about making perfect Garlic Bread Rolls at home.

1. How do I store Garlic Bread Rolls?

Store leftover Garlic Bread Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and reheat before serving.

2. Can I freeze Garlic Bread Rolls?

Yes, you can freeze them. Let the Garlic Bread Rolls cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes until warm.

3. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast in the same amount (2 ¼ teaspoons / 7 g). You can mix it directly with the flour without activating it first.

4. Why did my rolls turn out dense?

Dense Garlic Bread Rolls usually happen when the dough does not rise long enough or when you add too much flour. Always let the dough double in size and keep it soft.

5. Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes. After the first rise, cover the dough tightly and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

6. Can I make these without eggs?

Yes. Replace the egg with ¼ cup plain yogurt (60 g) or ¼ cup milk (60 ml) for a slightly softer texture.

Recipes

Yield: 12 rolls

Garlic Bread Rolls

Print

Soft, fluffy Garlic Bread Rolls brushed with rich garlic butter. These homemade rolls are perfect for pasta night, soups, holidays, or cozy family dinners.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Rise Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (440 g)
• 1 cup warm milk, 110°F (240 ml at 43°C)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (7 g)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (25 g)
• 1 teaspoon salt (6 g)
• 1 large egg
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (45 g)

For the Garlic Butter:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (60 g)
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced (10–12 g)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (4 g)
• ¼ teaspoon salt (1.5 g)
• Optional: 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (15 g)

Instructions

1. Pour warm milk (110°F / 43°C) into a bowl. Add sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
   
2. Add egg, melted butter, and salt. Mix well. Gradually stir in flour until a soft dough forms.
   
3. Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
   
4. Place dough in a greased bowl. Cover and let it rise for 1–1 ½ hours until doubled.
   
5. Punch down the dough and divide into 12 pieces. Shape into balls.
   
6. Arrange in a greased 9×13-inch pan (23×33 cm). Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes.
   
7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 18–22 minutes until golden brown.
   
8. Mix melted butter, garlic, parsley, and salt.
   
9. Brush warm rolls generously with garlic butter. Sprinkle Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Do not overheat the milk or it will kill the yeast.

Soft dough makes soft Garlic Bread Rolls. Avoid adding too much flour.

Brush twice with garlic butter for extra flavor.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1 roll
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 210

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients used.

I truly believe once you make these Garlic Bread Rolls, they will become a regular part of your dinner routine. They turn out soft, fluffy, buttery, and full of rich garlic flavor every single time. The best part? You make them from scratch with simple ingredients and a little love.

These Garlic Bread Rolls feel special enough for holidays, yet easy enough for weeknight dinners. Serve them with pasta, soup, or even enjoy one warm with a little extra butter. They always disappear fast in my house, and I know they will in yours too.

If you try these Garlic Bread Rolls, I would love to hear how they turned out for you. Leave a comment, share your tips, or tell me what you paired them with. And don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest so you can come back to it anytime. Happy baking! 💛