These garlic bread rolls are a delightful addition to any meal, bringing a warm, comforting flavor that lingers long after the last bite. I remember the first time I made them; my kitchen was filled with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread and garlic. Perfectly soft on the inside and slightly crusty on the outside, these rolls are a favorite for family dinners, picnics, or just a cozy night in.
With a fluffy texture and a rich, buttery garlic flavor, they are not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly easy to make. This recipe will guide you through creating a batch of rolls that are sure to impress your family and friends. Plus, they’re so satisfying to make that you’ll find yourself craving the process just as much as the end result.
Reasons to Try It
- Warm and inviting aroma fills your kitchen.
- Soft, fluffy texture with a golden crust.
- Easy step-by-step process that builds confidence in baking.
- Perfect for dinner rolls, snacks, or gatherings.
- Make-ahead option for busy days and great for freezing.
"Tastes incredible and so simple to make."
Step-by-Step Overview
Making garlic bread rolls involves a few straightforward steps: preparing the dough, allowing it to rise, shaping the rolls, and baking them to golden perfection. Each step is designed to build flavor and texture, resulting in an irresistible roll that’s brushed with garlic butter for that finishing touch.
What You’ll Need
- 4 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 3 1/2 cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (See notes below for measuring)
- 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)
Ingredient notes & swaps:
- Butter: Margarine can be used as a substitute for vegan options, though it may alter the flavor slightly.
- Flour: Use bread flour for a bit more chewy texture.
- Milk: Non-dairy milk is a good alternative for lactose intolerance.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic provides the best flavor, but powdered garlic can work in a pinch.
Cooking Method
Creating garlic bread rolls is straightforward. You’ll begin with an easy dough that comes together quickly and bakes into something spectacular.
- Lightly butter the bottom and sides of a 9×13 pan and set it aside.
- In a small pot, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until the garlic is fragrant; then, remove it from the heat and let cool.
- In a stand mixer bowl, combine the flour, parsley, sugar, yeast, and salt. Then add the warmed milk, egg, and the cooled garlic butter mixture.
- Knead on low speed with the dough hook until the dough looks smooth and feels soft and tacky, about 10-12 minutes. If the dough is too sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time until you achieve a workable consistency.
- Cut the dough into 12 equal portions (about 67 grams each). Shape each piece into a smooth ball, pinching the seam together to keep the shape tight, and place in the prepared baking pan.
- Cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, 1-2 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 350 F/180 C.
- Brush the tops of the rolls with the beaten egg wash, then bake for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- While the rolls are baking, make the garlic butter by melting butter in a pot and adding the minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, then stir in parsley.
- Once the rolls are out of the oven, immediately brush them with the garlic butter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired. Serve warm.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- To ensure perfect texture, make sure your liquids are warmed but not too hot; around 110°F is ideal.
- Knead until smooth and tacky—this develops gluten for bread structure.
- If your dough feels too wet, add flour bit by bit to avoid a dry roll.
- Allow the rolls ample time to rise to get that soft, fluffy consistency.
- For extra flavor, consider adding parmesan cheese to the dough or topping.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve these garlic bread rolls with a variety of meals! They pair beautifully with pasta, soups, or as a side for salads. For a cozy dining experience, consider pairing them with homemade marinara sauce or a vibrant olive oil dip.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Store any leftover garlic bread rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just let them cool completely, then wrap in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours; reheat until steaming hot.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Dry rolls: If the dough was overbaked or the oven was too hot, keep an eye on the baking time next time.
- Bland flavor: Ensure you’re using enough salt and fresh ingredients.
- Sticky dough: While kneading, avoid adding too much flour. If more is needed, add gradually.
- Overcooked tops: Cover rolls loosely with foil midway through baking if they brown too quickly.
Different Ways to Try It
Mix in shredded cheese like mozzarella for cheesy garlic bread rolls, or add chopped spinach to the dough for a healthier twist. You can also experiment with different herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to give those rolls a unique flavor profile.
Common Questions
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise the night before. Just shape the rolls, cover them, and refrigerate. Allow them to come to room temperature before baking.
What’s the best way to reheat these rolls?
The best method to reheat garlic bread rolls is in the oven. Just place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through, keeping them wrapped in foil to prevent drying out.
Can these rolls be frozen?
Yes, these rolls freeze very well. Bake them as directed, allow to cool completely, then wrap individually in foil and place in a zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw first, then warm in the oven.
What kind of pan is best?
A 9×13 pan is perfect for these rolls as it allows for even baking, but you can also use a round pan or a baking stone if that’s what you have on hand.
With each step, from kneading the dough to the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen, these garlic bread rolls will become a go-to recipe in your home. Whether paired with a comforting soup or enjoyed as a snack, they are sure to be a hit!
Garlic Bread Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- Lightly butter the bottom and sides of a 9x13 pan and set it aside.
- In a small pot, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until the garlic is fragrant; then, remove it from the heat and let cool.
- In a stand mixer bowl, combine the flour, parsley, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Add the warmed milk, egg, and the cooled garlic butter mixture.
- Knead on low speed with the dough hook until the dough looks smooth and feels soft and tacky, about 10-12 minutes.
- Cut the dough into 12 equal portions (about 67 grams each).
- Shape each piece into a smooth ball, pinching the seam together to keep the shape tight, and place in the prepared baking pan.
- Cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, 1-2 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Brush the tops of the rolls with the beaten egg wash, then bake for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- While the rolls are baking, make the garlic butter by melting butter in a pot and adding the minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, then stir in parsley.
- Once the rolls are out of the oven, immediately brush them with the garlic butter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired. Serve warm.