Garlic Bread Rolls | Soft, Buttery, Easy Homemade Rolls

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Warm, buttery, golden, and irresistibly soft — these Garlic Bread Rolls are everything you love about classic garlic bread but in fluffy, pull-apart roll form. Each roll is brushed with rich garlic butter infused with herbs, melted over soft pillowy dough that bakes to perfection. They’re the kind of rolls that disappear the moment they hit the table. Whether served with pasta, soups, salads, or holiday dinners, these garlic bread rolls elevate any meal with their heavenly aroma and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Simple to make, bakery-worthy, and absolutely addictive — this is a must-have recipe for garlic lovers and carb lovers alike.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Bread Rolls

These rolls bring together the best of both worlds — soft dinner rolls and garlic butter bread.

  • Fluffy, tender texture inside with a lightly crisp golden top.
  • Loaded with rich garlic-herb butter flavor in every bite.
  • Perfect for beginners — simple ingredients and easy steps.
  • Ideal for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or holiday feasts.
  • Smell absolutely incredible while baking.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

If you want a bread recipe that feels indulgent yet effortless, this one delivers every time. You can use homemade dough or store-bought for convenience. These rolls freeze well, reheat beautifully, and pair with almost anything. They’re the perfect side dish when you need something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Rolls:

  • 12 soft dinner rolls (homemade or store-bought)
    OR
  • Homemade dough:
    • 3 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 cup warm milk
    • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
    • 3 tbsp sugar
    • 1 tsp salt
    • 4 tbsp butter, softened
    • 1 egg

For the Garlic Butter:

  • 6 tbsp butter, melted
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley or 1 tsp dried parsley
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Optional: 2 tbsp Parmesan for cheesy rolls

How to Make Garlic Bread Rolls

If Using Store-Bought Rolls:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place rolls in a baking dish, close together but not packed.
  3. Mix melted butter with garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  4. Brush garlic butter generously over the tops of the rolls.
  5. Bake 10–12 minutes until warm, golden, and fragrant.
  6. Brush with extra garlic butter before serving.

If Making Homemade Dough:

  1. Activate Yeast: Mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make Dough: Add flour, salt, egg, and butter. Mix and knead until smooth (5–7 min).
  3. First Rise: Cover and rise for 1 hour until doubled.
  4. Shape Rolls: Divide dough into 12 balls and place in a greased baking dish.
  5. Second Rise: Let rise again for 25–30 minutes.
  6. Bake: Brush rolls with garlic butter and bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes.
  7. Finish: Brush with more garlic butter and sprinkle Parmesan if desired.

Nutritional Information (Estimated per roll)

  • Calories: 165
  • Protein: 4g
  • Carbs: 20g
  • Fat: 7g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sodium: 180mg

Tips for the Best Garlic Bread Rolls

  • Use fresh garlic for the strongest flavor.
  • Brush rolls twice — before and after baking — for maximum richness.
  • Add Parmesan or mozzarella for a cheesy twist.
  • Warm rolls slightly before brushing so the butter soaks in.
  • Don’t overbake — rolls should be soft, not dry.
  • Use a pastry brush to get garlic butter into every crack.

Variations & Substitutions

  • Cheesy Rolls: Add shredded mozzarella inside each roll before baking.
  • Spicy Version: Add chili flakes to the garlic butter.
  • Herb Lovers: Add basil, oregano, or fresh thyme.
  • Garlic Knots: Shape dough into knots instead of round rolls.
  • Vegan Version: Use vegan butter and plant-based milk.

What to Serve with Garlic Bread Rolls

  • Pasta dishes like Alfredo, Bolognese, or Lasagna
  • Soups: Tomato, Chicken Noodle, Broccoli Cheddar
  • Salads: Caesar, Garden, Italian chopped salad
  • Holiday dinners: turkey, ham, roast beef
  • Dipping sauces: marinara, ranch, garlic butter

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Burning garlic: Brush butter before and after baking to avoid burnt garlic flavor.
  • Dry dough: Add milk slowly if your dough seems dry.
  • Overbaking: Leads to tough rolls — check early.
  • Using cold butter: Warm, melted butter spreads flavor better.

Storing Tips

  • Store cooled rolls in an airtight container for 3 days.
  • Reheat in the oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 10–15 seconds.
  • Freeze baked rolls for up to 2 months — warm in oven before serving.
  • Freeze garlic butter separately for future batches.

Conclusion

These Garlic Bread Rolls are warm, buttery, soft, and bursting with savory garlic flavor — the perfect upgrade to any meal. Whether you want a quick side dish, a holiday bread basket, or a comforting snack, these rolls deliver satisfaction in every bite. Once you make them, they’ll become a staple in your dinner rotation.

Recipe FAQ’s

Can I use crescent roll dough?
Yes — roll into balls and bake as directed.

Can I use roasted garlic instead of fresh?
Absolutely — roasted garlic gives a sweeter, milder flavor.

How do I keep rolls soft?
Cover with foil if browning too fast and avoid overbaking.

Can I make these ahead?
Yes — prepare rolls, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

Can I double the recipe?
Easily — just use a larger baking dish.

Can I add cheese?
Yes — Parmesan, mozzarella, or cheddar work great.

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