Garlic bread rolls are the ultimate comfort food—soft, fluffy, and bursting with garlic flavor. These homemade rolls are perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to holiday gatherings. With fresh garlic mixed into the dough and a generous application of garlic herb butter after baking, these rolls will be a hit at your table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: Packed with garlic and herbs, these rolls are a savory treat that complements any meal.
- Easy to Make: The recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Versatile Use: Perfect as an appetizer or side dish, these rolls suit any cuisine and occasion.
- Homemade Goodness: Enjoy the satisfaction of creating something delightful from scratch with simple ingredients.
- Perfectly Fluffy: The texture is soft and airy, making each bite irresistible.
Tools and Preparation
To make delicious garlic bread rolls, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Utilizing the right equipment can make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer with dough hook
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9×13 baking pan
- Plastic wrap or kitchen towel
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer with dough hook: This tool simplifies the kneading process, ensuring your dough becomes smooth and elastic without much effort.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect texture in your garlic bread rolls.

Ingredients
Garlic bread rolls are soft and fluffy dinner rolls packed with garlic flavor. These homemade rolls are made with lots of fresh garlic in the dough and brushed with even more garlic herb butter after baking!
Ingredients:
– 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)
How to Make Garlic Bread Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Lightly butter the bottom and sides of a 9×13 pan and set it aside.
Step 2: Make Garlic Butter
In a small pot, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant. Take off heat and cool while you measure other ingredients.
Step 3: Mix the Dough
In a stand mixing bowl, combine the flour, parsley, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warmed milk, egg, and cooled garlic butter. Knead on low speed with the dough hook until smooth and soft (about 10-12 minutes). If too sticky, add one tablespoon of flour at a time until workable.
Step 4: Shape the Rolls
Cut kneaded dough into 12 equal portions (about 67 grams each). Shape each portion into a ball by pinching the bottom seam tight. Place shaped balls into prepared baking pan. Cover with plastic wrap or towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1-2 hours).
Step 5: Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
Step 6: Bake Rolls
Brush tops of rolls with beaten egg wash. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Step 7: Finish with Garlic Butter
While rolls bake, make additional garlic butter by melting more butter in a pot with minced garlic for another minute. Stir in parsley after removing from heat. Brush warm rolls with this mixture upon removing them from oven. Sprinkle flaky sea salt if desired; serve warm!
How to Serve Garlic Bread Rolls
Garlic bread rolls are a versatile and flavorful addition to any meal. Here are some creative ways to serve them that will elevate your dining experience.
With Pasta Dishes
- Pair these rolls with your favorite pasta for a comforting meal. Their garlic flavor complements marinara or Alfredo sauces beautifully.
As a Sandwich Base
- Slice the rolls in half and fill them with roasted vegetables, chicken, or turkey for a delicious sandwich option. The soft texture makes them perfect for holding fillings.
With Soup
- Serve warm garlic bread rolls alongside a bowl of soup. They’re excellent for dipping into creamy tomato, minestrone, or vegetable soups.
At Family Gatherings
- Present these rolls at family gatherings or potlucks as an irresistible appetizer. They are sure to be a hit among guests of all ages.
With Salads
- Enjoy garlic bread rolls alongside fresh salads. The savory taste adds depth to green salads or grain-based salads like quinoa or farro.
For Breakfast
- Try serving these rolls with scrambled eggs and avocado for a hearty breakfast. Toast them lightly for an added crunch and flavor boost.
How to Perfect Garlic Bread Rolls
Perfecting garlic bread rolls requires attention to detail and some helpful techniques. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out soft and flavorful every time.
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs make a significant difference in flavor compared to dried options. Always opt for fresh when possible.
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Knead Properly: Kneading the dough until it’s smooth and tacky is crucial. This develops gluten, giving the rolls their lovely texture.
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Let Them Rise: Allow the dough ample time to rise in a warm area. This step enhances the fluffiness of your rolls.
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Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the rolls while baking. Every oven is different, so adjust baking time based on how golden brown they look.
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Brush with Garlic Butter: Don’t skimp on brushing the tops with garlic butter right after baking. This adds an extra layer of flavor that’s hard to resist.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Bread Rolls
Garlic bread rolls pair well with many side dishes that complement their rich flavor. Here are some great options to consider:
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Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and croutons balances the richness of the rolls perfectly.
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Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add nutrients and vibrant colors to your plate while enhancing the meal’s overall taste.
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Chili: A hearty bowl of chili brings warmth and spice that pairs beautifully with the buttery texture of garlic bread rolls.
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Stuffed Bell Peppers: These colorful peppers filled with rice, beans, or ground turkey create a satisfying combination when served together.
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Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy grilled chicken skewers add protein and complement the flavors of garlic without overpowering them.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Fluffy mashed potatoes topped with garlic butter create a comforting side dish that matches well with any dinner setting.
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Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with fresh veggies offers a healthy option that contrasts nicely against rich garlic flavors.
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Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds brightness and health benefits while enhancing your meal’s aesthetic appeal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making garlic bread rolls can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
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Using Cold Ingredients: Always ensure your milk and egg are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can hinder yeast activation and affect the dough’s rise.
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Not Measuring Flour Correctly: Incorrect flour measurement can lead to dense rolls. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate results, or weigh your flour for precision.
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Skipping the Second Rise: Allowing the dough to rise twice enhances texture and flavor. Don’t rush this step; let the rolls double in size for the best outcome.
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Overbaking the Rolls: Keep an eye on your rolls while baking. Overbaked rolls can become dry. Aim for a golden brown color and check doneness with a toothpick.
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Ignoring Garlic Freshness: Fresh garlic delivers better flavor than pre-minced options. Use fresh garlic for both the dough and butter mixture to enhance taste.
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Not Brushing with Garlic Butter Immediately: For maximum flavor, brush the hot rolls with garlic butter as soon as they come out of the oven. This helps absorb all those delicious flavors.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store garlic bread rolls in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Garlic Bread Rolls
- Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- These can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Garlic Bread Rolls
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Oven: Preheat to 350°F (180°C). Place rolls on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
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Microwave: Place a roll on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in short intervals (10-15 seconds) until warm.
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Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making garlic bread rolls.
How can I make my Garlic Bread Rolls even more flavorful?
You can add cheese like mozzarella or parmesan into the dough or sprinkle it on top before baking. Herbs such as oregano or thyme also pair well with garlic.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition. Just be aware that it may change the texture slightly.
What is the best way to shape my Garlic Bread Rolls?
To shape your rolls, pinch off equal portions of dough, roll them into smooth balls using your palms, and ensure seams are tucked underneath for a neat appearance.
Can I make these Garlic Bread Rolls vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute dairy butter with plant-based butter and use a flax egg or applesauce instead of a chicken egg in the recipe.
How do I know when my Garlic Bread Rolls are done?
The rolls should be golden brown on top when baked. A toothpick inserted should come out clean, indicating they are fully cooked inside.
Final Thoughts
Garlic bread rolls are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile as an appetizer or side dish. You can customize them by adding herbs or cheese to suit your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to impress family and friends!
Garlic Bread Rolls
Garlic bread rolls are the ultimate comfort food, combining a fluffy texture with robust garlic flavors that elevate any meal. These homemade rolls are incredibly versatile, perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a base for scrumptious sandwiches. With fresh garlic kneaded into the dough and a luscious garlic herb butter brushed on top after baking, these rolls will impress your family and friends at any gathering. Easy to prepare, they are made with simple ingredients that transform into delightful bites of savory goodness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 3 1/2 cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 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 (for garlic butter)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (for garlic butter)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garlic butter)
- Flaky sea salt (for finishing)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking pan by lightly buttering it.
- Make garlic butter by melting butter and adding minced garlic; let cool.
- Mix flour, parsley, sugar, yeast, and salt in a bowl. Add warmed milk, egg, and cooled garlic butter; knead until smooth.
- Shape the dough into 12 equal balls, place them in the prepared pan, cover, and let rise until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Brush rolls with beaten egg wash and bake for 20-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Finish by brushing with more garlic butter and sprinkling flaky sea salt on top before serving warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (67g)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg



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