Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe

Oh, I’m excited to share this Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe with you! These rolls are the perfect little pillows of soft, buttery goodness topped with garlicky, herb-infused butter that just melts in your mouth. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, preparing for the holidays, or just craving some fresh bread with your meal, these rolls hit the spot every time.

I’ve made these rolls so many times, and what I love most is how approachable they are — no fancy bakery skills needed, just a little patience with the yeast. Plus, they freeze beautifully so you can always have that homemade touch ready to warm up. Trust me, once you try this Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe, it’ll become your go-to!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role to create rolls that are soft, flavorful, and beautifully golden. When shopping, opt for quality butter and fresh garlic — it makes all the difference!

• Whole milk: Warmed to about 110°F to gently activate the yeast without killing it.
• Active dry yeast or instant yeast: Both work, but if you’re using active dry yeast, proof it first for best rise.
• Sugar: Just enough to feed the yeast and add a touch of sweetness to balance the savory garlic.
• All-purpose flour: The backbone to give structure — measure properly by spooning into your cup for accuracy.
• Large egg: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
• Salt: Enhances flavor but don’t overdo it or it can affect yeast activity.
• Unsalted butter: Softened, this blends into the dough for a tender crumb.
• Egg yolk and milk (for egg wash): Creates that shiny, golden crust you’ll love.
• Salted butter (for garlic butter): Combines perfectly with garlic for that aromatic finish.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh and finely chopped so they infuse the butter without overpowering.
• Fresh parsley: Adds a lovely pop of color and freshness.

Variations

I love to switch things up depending on the occasion or what I have on hand. These rolls are super adaptable, so I encourage you to make them your own!

• Herb Variations: I’ve tried swapping parsley with rosemary or thyme for an earthier flavor — both are fantastic if you want something different.
• Cheesy Garlic Rolls: Adding shredded parmesan or mozzarella to the dough or on top before baking is a game-changer if you’re a cheese lover like me.
• Vegan Version: You can replace the milk with almond or oat milk and swap butter for vegan butter to make these dairy-free. The texture is surprisingly close!
• Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter gives a subtle heat that wakes up the flavor.

How to Make Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate the yeast and prepare the dough

First off, warm your milk to around 110°F — warm to the touch but not hot. If you’re using active dry yeast, sprinkle it over the milk along with a teaspoon of sugar, and let it bloom for about 5-7 minutes until foamy. This step ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic. If using instant yeast, you can skip this proofing.

Next, in a large bowl, combine your flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter and mix it in with your hands or a dough hook until crumbly — this helps incorporate fat evenly. Then, add the egg and yeast mixture and stir until a sticky dough forms.

Step 2: Knead until smooth and allow the dough to rise

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it feels elastic and smooth. Don’t skip kneading—it really develops the gluten and gives your rolls that soft chewiness you want. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 6-7 minutes.

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and set it in a warm spot to rise until doubled, about 1 to 1.5 hours. If you’re like me and have a cold kitchen, I sometimes pop mine in the oven with just the light on for a cozy environment.

Step 3: Shape the Rolls and Second Rise

After the dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide it into 12 equal pieces — I find using a kitchen scale helps for consistent rolls. Shape each piece into smooth balls by tucking edges underneath, then place them on a buttered or parchment-lined baking tray, spacing evenly.

Cover again and let them rise until puffy and almost doubled, about 45 minutes. This second rise is crucial for light, fluffy rolls.

Step 4: Apply the egg wash and bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Before baking, brush each roll gently with the egg wash made from one egg yolk and a tablespoon of milk. This step gives you those beautiful golden, glossy rolls that just invite you to take a bite.

Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden on top. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes—ovens vary and you don’t want your perfect rolls overdone.

Step 5: Make the garlic butter and brush on hot rolls

While the rolls bake, melt the salted butter in a small pan over low heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and cook gently just until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes — be careful not to brown the garlic or it’ll get bitter. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.

When the rolls come out of the oven, brush them immediately with the warm garlic butter for that incredible garlicky shine. Your kitchen will smell amazing — it’s my favorite part!

How to Serve Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a few extra fresh parsley leaves on top after brushing with garlic butter — it adds that slight punch of color and freshness. Sometimes, a little flaky sea salt on top just before serving really amplifies the flavors, especially if you’re sharing with friends who love that salty-savory combo.

Side Dishes

These rolls are incredibly versatile, but I especially love them alongside creamy soups — think tomato basil or hearty chicken noodle. They’re also perfect with roasted chicken or a big holiday meal as an irresistible side for soaking up gravy or sauces.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served these rolls in a round baking pan so they come out connected in a beautiful pull-apart ring. Adding sprigs of rosemary as garnish on the platter adds a rustic, festive touch that looks stunning on the table. If I’m feeling fancy, I pile them in a basket lined with a cloth napkin — instantly warm and inviting!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (and sometimes I don’t!), I store them in an airtight container or a large zip-top bag at room temperature where they stay soft for 2-3 days. To keep them from drying out, I’ll add a slice of apple or an extra piece of bread in the container to maintain moisture — it’s a neat little trick.

Freezing

I love freezing these rolls to have homemade bread ready anytime. After they cool completely, I wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before popping them in the freezer. They keep well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly.

Reheating

When I’m ready to enjoy the frozen rolls, I thaw them overnight on the counter. To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven softness, I warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes and reapply a little warmed garlic butter. This step really revives them beautifully.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation — it’s that perfect blend of comfort and flavor that everyone loves. The process might look a bit involved at first, but trust me, the results are so worth it. Once you taste these warm, garlicky rolls straight from the oven, you’ll be hooked just like I was. I honestly can’t recommend this enough if you want a classic, homemade bread experience with a little extra flair. So, roll up your sleeves and give it a try — I know you’ll love it!

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