Garlic Bread Rolls: A Cozy Treat for Any Occasion
Ah, Garlic Bread Rolls—the very mention of them brings back a rush of warm memories from my childhood kitchen. I remember sitting at the counter with my grandma, her flour-dusted apron wrapped around her, as we whipped up these tender, golden rolls. The air was filled with the intoxicating aroma of melting butter and sautéed garlic, a smell that instantly felt like a hug. We’d pull them out of the oven just in time for dinner, and I’d get my fair share of slathering garlic butter on the warm, crusty tops. There’s something inherently nostalgic about sharing warm rolls with loved ones, isn’t there?
If you’re looking for a recipe that screams cozy, family-friendly dinner or an easy weeknight dinner side, then these Garlic Bread Rolls will become your new go-to. Trust me, you’ll want to pin this one for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Soft and Tender: Each roll is light and pillowy, making them a comforting addition to any meal.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of garlic and butter is like a warm embrace for your taste buds, delivering a flavor that’s both rich and satisfying.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, this recipe is beginner-friendly, allowing anyone to create bakery-style rolls at home.
- Versatile Pairing: These rolls are perfect alongside soups, salads, or pasta dishes; they complement a variety of meals and are always a hit with guests!
- Customizable: Feel free to mix in different herbs or cheeses to create your own special twist on this classic recipe.
Gather These Simple Ingredients
To make these delightful Garlic Bread Rolls, you will need:
- 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 (for garlic butter)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (for garlic butter)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garlic butter)
- Flaky sea salt (for finishing)
Let’s Make It Together
-
Lightly butter the bottom and sides of a 9×13 pan and set it aside.
-
In a small pot, melt 4 1/2 tablespoons of butter and add the minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic becomes fragrant. Remove from heat and let it cool while you measure the other ingredients.
-
In a stand mixing bowl, combine the flour, parsley, sugar, yeast, and salt. Then, add the warmed milk, the egg, and the cooled garlic butter.
-
Knead the mixture on low speed with a dough hook until the dough appears smooth and feels soft yet tacky, about 10-12 minutes. If the dough is too sticky, feel free to add one tablespoon of flour at a time until you achieve a workable texture.
-
Cut the kneaded dough into 12 equal portions (using a scale for accuracy, aim for 67 grams each). Shape each piece of dough into a smooth ball with your hand, pinching the bottom where the seam comes together to keep it tight. Place the shaped dough balls into the prepared baking pan.
-
Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1-2 hours. For extra inspiration, watch the video below for a visual aid!
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
-
Brush the tops of the risen rolls with the beaten egg wash. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the tops are a glorious golden brown.
-
While the rolls are baking, prepare the garlic butter. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a pot, then add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, remove from heat, and stir in 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley.
-
Once the rolls are out of the oven, immediately brush them with the prepared garlic butter, sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired, and serve them warm!
Variations & Creative Twists
- Cheesy Garlic Bread Rolls: Add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese to the dough for a gooey, cheesy surprise inside every bite.
- Herbed Rolls: Mix in a teaspoon of dried Italian herbs or even some fresh rosemary for an aromatic twist that brings extra depth of flavor.
- Stuffed Garlic Rolls: Consider filling your rolls with a dollop of pesto or a piece of turkey bacon before shaping them into balls for an indulgent treat.
- Sweet Cinnamon Rolls: Use the same dough base but add sugar and cinnamon for a sweet version, perfect for breakfast.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-ahead Magic: You can prepare the dough in advance and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.
- Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley or even Italian seasoning will work well in a pinch.
- Storage Tips: Leftover rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Rewarm them in the oven for a few minutes to regain their fluffy texture!
- Slicing Trick: For even slicing, use a serrated knife when cutting the rolls. This keeps the soft texture intact.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving size: 1 roll
- Calories: 180
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Sugar: 1g
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I make this ahead? Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge.
-
Can I use different ingredients? Yes! Feel free to mix it up with different herbs or add cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
-
How do I store leftovers? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but can be re-warmed for that fresh-from-the-oven feel!
-
How long does it last? Leftover rolls can be kept for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to a month! Just reheat before serving.
Final Thoughts
These Garlic Bread Rolls are more than just a side; they are a warm hug of flavor and comfort that brings people together around the dinner table. The aroma, the texture, and the comforting taste built from such simple ingredients create a recipe that’s both memorable and easy to make.
So, whether you serve them with a scrumptious soup or eat them straight from the oven, you can feel the love in each bite. Save this Garlic Bread Rolls recipe to your cozy treats board so it’s ready when you need a comforting, warm delight!

Garlic Bread Rolls
Ingredients
Roll Ingredients
- 4.5 tablespoons unsalted butter for the dough
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic for the dough
- 3.5 cups all-purpose flour Plus 1 tablespoon for adjusting texture
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for the dough
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2.25 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
Garlic Butter Ingredients
- 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
Preparation
- Lightly butter the bottom and sides of a 9x13 pan and set it aside.
- In a small pot, melt 4 1/2 tablespoons of butter and add the minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- In a stand mixing bowl, combine the flour, parsley, sugar, yeast, and salt. Then, add the warmed milk, the egg, and the cooled garlic butter.
- Knead the mixture on low speed with a dough hook until smooth and soft yet tacky, approximately 10-12 minutes.
- If the dough is too sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time until workable.
- Cut the kneaded dough into 12 equal portions and shape into balls. Place in the prepared baking pan.
- Cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (1-2 hours).
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Brush the tops of the risen rolls with the beaten egg wash.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the garlic butter: melt 2 tablespoons of butter, add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, then stir in 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley.
- Once the rolls are done, brush them with the garlic butter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt before serving warm.


