Name: Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 220ml / 1 cup warm milk (whole or skimmed); 1½ tsp sugar; 7g / 1 tbsp active dry yeast; 3 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 large egg; ½ tsp salt; 400g / 3 cups bread flour or all purpose flour; 1 large egg (for brushing); 1 tbsp butter, melted; 1 clove garlic, pressed; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

If you’re anything like me and love warm, soft, melt-in-your-mouth bread fresh from the oven, then you’re going to adore this Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe. Seriously, these rolls bake up fluffy and golden with a fragrant garlic butter finish that will have your family begging for seconds (or thirds!). I can’t wait to walk you through my favorite way to make them perfectly every single time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft & Fluffy Texture: Achieving a light, pillowy crumb that’s simply irresistible fresh from the oven.
Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples come together to create bakery-quality rolls without fuss.
Garlic Butter Finish: The perfect finishing touch adds savory richness and aroma that your kitchen will thank you for.
Family Favorite: I’ve tested this recipe with my family and friends – it’s a consistent crowd-pleaser.

The image shows a white oval dish filled with 15 golden brown rolls arranged in a close cluster. Each roll has a smooth, shiny surface that looks soft and fluffy with a slight crisp on top. The rolls are topped with chopped green herbs spread evenly, adding fresh color contrast. There is a light glaze that makes the rolls appear moist, and small bits of coarse salt can be seen scattered on the surface. The dish is set on a white marbled texture background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls, homemade bread rolls, fluffy dinner rolls, garlic bread rolls, soft bread recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients form the heart of the rolls. Each one plays a special role, so don’t skip out! A few tips here will help you get the best texture and flavor every time you make this Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe.

Flat lay of a mound of fine white bread flour, a small white bowl of warm milk, a small white bowl with a mix of golden vegetable oil, a whole large brown egg with a smooth uncracked shell, a small white bowl of golden melted butter, a whole garlic clove with papery white skin, a few vibrant green sprigs of fresh parsley, a small white bowl containing sparkling granulated sugar, a small white bowl with fine white salt crystals, and a small white bowl holding active dry yeast granules, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls, homemade bread rolls, fluffy dinner rolls, garlic bread rolls, soft bread recipes

Warm milk: Use milk that’s comfortably warm to the touch (not hot) to activate the yeast without killing it.
Sugar: Feeds the yeast to get those rolls right up nice and fluffy.
Active dry yeast: The secret behind the rise – always check freshness for best results.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the dough tender and flexible as you knead.
Eggs: Adds richness and a golden color to your rolls.
Salt: Essential for flavor balance and controlling yeast activity.
Bread flour or all purpose flour: Bread flour yields a chewier texture, but all purpose flour works just fine too.
Butter: Melted with garlic for that signature savory glaze.
Fresh garlic: Pressed or finely minced, it infuses the rolls with that mouthwatering aroma.
Fresh parsley: Adds a splash of color and a fresh herbal note.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe is. Once you’ve got the basics down, you can tweak it to make it your own or to fit the occasion – let me share a few ways I like to switch things up.

Herb Infusion: Adding rosemary or thyme with the parsley to the garlic butter gives a beautiful twist that feels extra special.
Vegan Version: Swap the egg with flax egg and use olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free, plant-based option that still tastes incredible.
Cheesy Rolls: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or parmesan inside the dough before rolling into balls for a cheesy surprise bite.

How to Make Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Bloom Your Yeast

Start by combining your warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Patience here is key. Let it rest for about 5 minutes until bubbles form and the mixture looks foamy – this means your yeast is happily active and ready for action. I’ve learned the hard way that skipping this step or rushing it can lead to flat rolls, so don’t skip it!

Step 2: Mix and Knead Your Dough

Once your yeast blooms, add vegetable oil, salt, and one egg — mix it all up with a fork. Then introduce the flour. It’ll feel a bit rough at first, but that’s normal. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Don’t worry if it feels soft; it should not be sticky. Using a stand mixer? Great! Start kneading at low speed for 1 minute, then medium for another 4 minutes. This step builds gluten, which means your rolls will rise beautifully.

Step 3: The First Rise

Time to let the dough chill out. Rub your bowl with some vegetable oil, pop the dough back in, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel, then place it somewhere warm. I usually put mine near the oven or in a sunny spot in the kitchen. Let it rise until it’s tripled in size – usually about 1 to 1.5 hours. The size matters more than time here, so keep an eye rather than set a timer.

Step 4: Shape your Rolls

Once your dough has risen, gently punch it down and turn it onto a floured surface. Divide it into 16 equal parts (I weigh mine for consistency but eyeballing works fine too). Roll each piece into smooth balls and arrange them about an inch apart in a well-buttered 9×13 baking pan. Cover them with a tea towel and let them rest for 30 minutes to puff up again.

Step 5: Bake and Brush With Garlic Butter

Brush the tops with a beaten egg for a shiny, golden finish and bake in a preheated 180°C (350°F) oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Meanwhile, melt butter with pressed garlic and stir in fresh parsley. The magic happens right after baking – brush that garlicky, buttery goodness all over the hot rolls. Trust me, this final step totally elevates the flavor.

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Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe

Perfect Dough Texture: The dough should be soft but not sticky—if it’s sticking to your hands, sprinkle a little more flour as you knead.
Ideal Proofing Spot: I like to proof my dough in the oven with just the light on; it keeps the temperature steady without overheating.
Even Roll Sizes: Using a kitchen scale to weigh the dough balls ensures even baking and consistent results.
Garlic Butter Application: Brushing the rolls immediately after baking locks in moisture and infuses flavor better than brushing before baking.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe

Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a bit of extra fresh parsley right after I brush on the garlic butter. It adds such a fresh pop of color and brightness. Sometimes, I’ll add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top just before serving—it gives a lovely contrast to the soft, buttery rolls.

Side Dishes

These rolls are a dream alongside soups like creamy tomato bisque or rich butternut squash. They also shine with classic roast dinners or alongside a fresh salad for a lighter meal. Whenever I make these for a holiday meal, my family insists on serving them with honey-glazed ham—it’s a perfect pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love placing the rolls in a pull-apart bread basket or arranging them in a circle on a pretty platter with a small bowl of extra garlic butter in the center for dipping. It turns simple dinner rolls into a festive centerpiece everyone can dig into.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After they’ve cooled, I store leftovers in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature. They usually keep perfectly soft for 2 days, but if my family has their way, they won’t last that long!

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing these rolls individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then in freezer bags. When you want to enjoy them, just thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter for a couple of hours.

Reheating

To bring them back to life, I pop the rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes wrapped loosely in foil. This keeps them moist and soft, almost like freshly baked. A quick brush of warmed garlic butter after reheating will freshen up that garlic flavor nicely.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast straight from the fridge?

It’s best to proof the yeast before use, especially if it’s been in the fridge. Mixing the yeast with warm milk and sugar, as in this recipe, lets you see if it’s active – if it foams up, you’re good to go!
Is bread flour necessary or can I use all-purpose flour?

Bread flour provides more gluten, which gives the rolls more elasticity and chewiness, but all-purpose flour works perfectly fine if that’s what you have on hand. I’ve made this recipe both ways, and both come out delicious.
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

Look for your dough to triple in size during the first rise. It should be noticeably puffed and not collapse easily if you gently press it with a finger. If your kitchen is cooler, it might take a bit longer – patience is key!
Can I make the garlic butter in advance?

Absolutely! You can melt the butter with garlic and parsley ahead of time and refrigerate it. Before using, just warm it gently so it’s brushable. This saves time on baking day.

Final Thoughts

Making this Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe has become one of my favorite kitchen rituals because it’s so rewarding – soft, fragrant rolls that bring comfort and smiles. Whether it’s a weekday dinner or a holiday feast, these rolls always make the meal feel a little more special. I’m sure once you try them, you’ll be reaching for this recipe anytime you want homemade bread magic. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and bake up some love!