Go Back

Garlic Butter Bread Rolls

Tender, pillowy bread rolls enriched with butter and infused with garlic and herbs. These irresistible homemade rolls feature a soft interior and slightly crusty exterior, perfect for sopping up sauces or simply enjoying warm from the oven.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Rising Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American, European influences
Servings 12 rolls

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup warm milk 110°F
  • cup unsalted butter softened (for dough)
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter (for garlic butter)
  • 6 garlic cloves finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt for garlic butter

Instructions
 

  • Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk (ensure it’s not too hot—should feel like warm bathwater), sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy and fragrant.
  • Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer with dough hook, combine flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture, softened butter, and eggs. Mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms, about 5-7 minutes.
  • First rise: Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  • Make the garlic butter: While dough is rising, melt the ½ cup butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat, stir in parsley, Italian seasoning, and salt. Set aside.
  • Shape the rolls: Punch down the risen dough and divide into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a smooth ball by pulling the edges toward the bottom and pinching to seal.
  • Second rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, leaving space between each for expansion. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.
  • Preheat and prepare: Preheat oven to 375°F. Brush the tops of rolls generously with half of the garlic butter mixture.
  • Bake the rolls: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown on top. The rolls should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  • Finish with more butter: As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush them with the remaining garlic butter, making sure to get the delicious garlic bits on each roll.
  • Serve warm: Allow to cool for just 5 minutes before serving for the most heavenly experience.

Notes

  • For extra fluffy rolls, don’t skip either rising period—the slow rise is what develops both flavor and texture.
  • To make ahead, prepare the rolls through shaping, then cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. Allow to come to room temperature for 30-45 minutes before baking.
  • If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can knead the dough by hand for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  • The rolls freeze beautifully! After baking and cooling completely, freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.
  • For a tangier flavor profile, substitute half the milk with buttermilk.