Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

The Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are the perfect addition to any meal. Fluffy, soft, and bursting with flavor, these rolls are ideal for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or just a cozy night in. Their irresistible garlic butter topping makes them a standout choice that complements various dishes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Pillowy Soft Texture: These rolls are incredibly soft and fluffy, making each bite delightful.
• Flavorful Garlic Butter: The garlic butter adds a rich and savory taste that elevates the rolls.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as a side dish for soups, stews, or pasta; they also shine at special occasions like Thanksgiving or Christmas.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these rolls without stress.
• Homemade Goodness: There’s nothing quite like the aroma of fresh bread baking in your kitchen.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather the essential tools needed to make these delicious rolls. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Clean surface for kneading
• Parchment paper
• Pastry brush

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for combining ingredients without spills.
• Clean surface for kneading: Ensures that your dough can be worked smoothly without sticking.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy when baking the rolls.
• Pastry brush: Essential for evenly applying the egg wash for a beautiful finish.

Ingredients

The best, pillowy soft and fluffy homemade garlic butter dinner rolls

• 1 cup whole milk (240g), warm (around 110F)
• 3 teaspoons active dry yeast or instant yeast
• 1/3 cup sugar (70g)
• 3 3/4 cup all purpose flour (490g)
• 1 large egg
• 1.5 teaspoon salt
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened at room temperature (85g)
• Egg wash: 1 egg yolk and 1 tbsp milk
• 1/4 cup salted butter (57g)
• 2-3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1-2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley

How to Make Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, stir together the warm milk with the yeast until combined.
2. Add all other ingredients for the dinner rolls to this bowl.
3. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

1. Turn out the dough onto a clean surface.
2. Knead using a push-pull motion with your palms for about 15 minutes; it will become smooth and stretchy over time.

Step 3: First Rise

1. Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl.
2. Cover with cling wrap and place it in a warm spot to rise until doubled in size (about 90 minutes).

Step 4: Shape the Rolls

1. Punch down the risen dough and turn it onto a clean surface.
2. Divide into 12 equal pieces and roll each into a tight ball.

Step 5: Second Rise

1. Line a 9×13 baking sheet with parchment paper and space the rolls evenly on it.
2. Brush with egg wash made from mixing an egg yolk with milk.
3. Allow them to rise again in a warm place for 30–45 minutes until puffy.

Step 6: Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 350F during the last 20 minutes of rising.
2. Brush rolls again with egg wash before baking for about 20–22 minutes until golden brown.

Step 7: Add Garlic Butter Topping

1. Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes; then mix in parsley off heat.
3. Brush hot rolls generously with garlic butter right after baking.

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!

Let cool slightly before serving those delicious Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls alongside your favorite meals!

How to Serve Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are versatile and pair well with a variety of dishes. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

With Soups

• Creamy Tomato Soup: The soft rolls are perfect for dipping into the rich, flavorful broth.
• Minestrone: A hearty vegetable soup that complements the buttery flavor of the rolls.

As a Side for Main Dishes

• Herb-Roasted Chicken: These rolls can soak up the savory juices from roasted chicken.
• Beef Stew: Serve alongside a warm bowl of beef stew for a comforting meal.

At Celebratory Gatherings

• Thanksgiving Feast: Ideal for turkey dinners, these rolls add a festive touch to your table.
• Holiday Parties: Great for sharing with friends and family during special occasions.

With Salads

• Caesar Salad: Enjoy the rolls with a classic Caesar salad for a complete meal.
• Greek Salad: The fresh flavors of this salad contrast beautifully with the garlic butter rolls.

How to Perfect Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

Perfecting Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls can elevate your baking game. Follow these tips for amazing results every time.

• Use Warm Milk: This activates the yeast properly, ensuring fluffy rolls.
• Knead Thoroughly: Kneading develops gluten, which gives the rolls their structure and softness.
• Don’t Rush Rising Time: Allow the dough to rise until it doubles; this is crucial for light and airy rolls.
• Brush Generously with Egg Wash: This gives your rolls a beautiful golden color when baked.
• Serve Warm: For the best taste, serve these rolls warm right out of the oven.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

Pairing side dishes with Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls can make your meal even more enjoyable. Here are some fantastic options.

1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Fluffy mashed potatoes topped with gravy make a comforting combination.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted to perfection provide a colorful and nutritious side.
3. Classic Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw offers a refreshing contrast to the soft dinner rolls.
4. Baked Zucchini Casserole: This cheesy dish pairs wonderfully with garlic butter flavors.
5. Garlic Parmesan Asparagus: The garlicky notes in both dishes complement each other nicely.
6. Chili Con Carne: Spicy chili served alongside these soft rolls makes for a hearty meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making homemade Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Not using warm milk: Warm milk helps activate the yeast. If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast; too cold and it won’t activate properly. Aim for around 110°F.
• Skipping the kneading: Kneading is essential for developing gluten, which gives the rolls their soft texture. Don’t rush this step; knead for a full 15 minutes.
• Overcrowding the baking sheet: If the rolls are too close together, they won’t rise properly or cook evenly. Ensure there’s enough space between each roll on the baking sheet.
• Forgetting to brush with egg wash: The egg wash gives your rolls that beautiful shiny finish. Don’t skip this step; brush them before and after baking for extra flavor and gloss.
• Underestimating rising time: Allowing the dough to rise adequately is crucial for light and fluffy rolls. Be patient and let it double in size as needed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap before placing them in the fridge.

Freezing Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

• Freeze rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 1 hour.
• Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.

Reheating Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Wrap rolls in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Place rolls on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for 20-30 seconds at a time until warm.
• Stovetop: Lightly butter a skillet over medium heat. Add rolls and cover until warmed through, about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls that might help you on your baking journey.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

You can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that this might affect the texture and fluffiness of your rolls.

How do I make these dinner rolls vegan?

To make vegan Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls, replace the butter with plant-based margarine and omit the egg wash, using almond or soy milk instead.

What can I add to customize my Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls?

Feel free to add herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough, or incorporate cheese such as cheddar for added flavor!

How long do these dinner rolls stay fresh?

These rolls will stay fresh at room temperature for about 2-3 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I prepare these rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time, shape the rolls, then refrigerate them overnight before letting them rise again and baking.

Final Thoughts

These Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are not only delicious but also versatile enough to fit any meal. With their fluffy texture and buttery garlic flavor, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering. Feel free to customize them with different herbs or cheeses to suit your taste!