Garlic Butter Bread Rolls

There’s just something magical about tearing into a warm, pillowy-soft bread roll that’s been generously brushed with melted garlic butter. If you’ve ever found yourself sneaking one (or three) before dinner even starts, you’re not alone. These Garlic Butter Bread Rolls are the side dish that somehow always steals the spotlight—especially during the holidays.

Whether you’re planning your Thanksgiving spread or just craving a savory side for soup night, these homemade garlic bread rolls are ready to make your dinner table 1000% more delicious. And the best part? You don’t need to be a pro baker to make them from scratch.

Why These Garlic Butter Bread Rolls Are a Must-Try

  • Soft and Fluffy: Like a cozy little bread pillow. They’re the kind of fluffy dinner rolls that melt in your mouth.
  • Garlicky and Buttery: Brushed with garlic butter topping while hot and again before serving.
  • Holiday-Ready: They pair perfectly with turkey, ham, or even a bowl of soup. The ultimate holiday side dish bread.
  • Beginner-Friendly: If you’ve got flour, yeast, and butter—you’re halfway there.
  • Versatile Pairings: Serve them with this Italian meatloaf or creamy garlic herb chicken for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Bread Rolls

Here’s what you’ll need to make these soft bread rolls with that signature buttery garlic flavor:

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (for dough)
  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted (for brushing)
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Pro tip: Use fresh garlic and real butter. It makes a world of difference in flavor.

How to Make Garlic Butter Bread Rolls from Scratch

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Combine warm milk and sugar in a bowl. Stir in the yeast and let it sit for 10 minutes. You’re looking for bubbles and foam—if you see that, your yeast is alive and kicking.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the activated yeast mixture with flour, salt, egg, and melted butter. Mix until a dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and slightly tacky.

Step 3: Let It Rise

Cover the dough and place it in a warm spot. Let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size. Meanwhile, enjoy the smell of potential bread greatness.

Step 4: Shape Your Rolls

Punch down the dough and divide it into 12–16 equal pieces. Roll each into a smooth ball and place them in a buttered 9×13″ baking dish. This gives you that classic pull-apart garlic bread feel.

Step 5: Second Rise

Cover and let the rolls rise again for 30–40 minutes. They should puff up and look cozy next to each other.

Step 6: Bake

Bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.

Step 7: Brush with Garlic Butter Topping

Melt 4 tablespoons of butter and stir in the minced garlic and parsley. Brush generously over the hot rolls as soon as they come out of the oven.

Garlic Butter Bread Rolls Baking Tips

  • Use a Kitchen Scale: For perfectly even rolls, weighing the dough pieces is a game-changer.
  • Don’t Skimp on the Butter: That double brushing of garlic butter makes all the difference.
  • Warm Environment = Happy Dough: If your kitchen is cold, proof your dough in an oven with the light on.
  • Get Creative: Want cheesy garlic rolls? Sprinkle shredded mozzarella before the second rise.

These buttery bread rolls are total team players. Here are some perfect pairings:

How to Store and Reheat Garlic Butter Bread Rolls

These homemade garlic bread rolls store beautifully:

  • Room Temp: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Fridge: Up to 5 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze individually and reheat as needed.

To Reheat:

Wrap in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 5–10 minutes. Or microwave with a damp paper towel to keep them soft.

Garlic Butter Bread Rolls for the Holidays

Planning a holiday meal? These rolls are the ideal side dish:

  • Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.
  • Easy to prep ahead—just refrigerate shaped dough overnight and bake fresh.
  • They reheat well, so go ahead and make a double batch.

Garlic Butter Bread Rolls FAQs

Can I make these rolls vegan?

Yep! Use plant-based butter and a non-dairy milk like almond or oat.

Can I use instant yeast instead?

Sure thing—just skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

Can I make them ahead?

Totally. Refrigerate the shaped rolls overnight and bake the next day.

Can I freeze them?

Yes! Either before baking (after shaping) or after baking. Reheat and enjoy.

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Freshly baked garlic butter dinner rolls with golden crust and parsley topping

Garlic Butter Bread Rolls


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  • Author: Jake
  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 12–16 rolls
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Garlic Butter Bread Rolls are soft, fluffy, and brushed with herb-infused butter. A must-have for holiday dinners like Thanksgiving.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for dough)
  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted (for brushing)
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Combine warm milk and sugar in a bowl. Stir in the yeast and let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl, combine yeast mixture with flour, salt, egg, and melted butter. Mix until a dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and tacky.
  3. Cover the dough and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  4. Punch down the dough and divide into 12–16 equal pieces. Roll each into a smooth ball and place in a buttered 9×13″ baking dish.
  5. Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes.
  6. Bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes until tops are golden brown.
  7. Mix melted butter with minced garlic and parsley. Brush generously over hot rolls.

Notes

Use fresh garlic and real butter for the best flavor. For cheesy garlic rolls, add shredded mozzarella before the second rise.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 22 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll
  • Calories: 170
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg
Christmas garlic butter bread rolls with melting butter and herb topping
These festive garlic butter bread rolls are baked until golden, brushed with buttery garlic and herb goodness, and perfect for your Christmas dinner table. With a warm, fluffy center and melty butter finish, they’ll disappear fast! Christmas garlic butter bread rolls with melted butter and fresh herbs in a white baking dish

Final Thoughts

There’s no denying it—these garlic butter bread rolls belong at every holiday table. They’re golden, garlicky, and worth every second of prep. Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe will have you looking like a pro.

And if one magically disappears before dinner? Don’t worry. That’s just called quality control.

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