If you’re craving something that feels like a warm hug from the oven, look no further than the Best Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe. These fluffy, buttery rolls bursting with fragrant garlic and fresh herbs are simply irresistible. Perfectly golden on the outside and soft on the inside, each bite delivers that perfect balance of savory richness that will have you reaching for another roll again and again. Whether you’re serving them alongside pasta, soup, or just enjoying them by themselves, these garlic bread rolls will quickly become your new favorite comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to the Best Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe lies in a handful of simple, quality ingredients that do the heavy lifting for flavor, texture, and that perfect golden crust. Each one has a special role to play in making these rolls unforgettable.
- Unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor; use high-quality butter if possible for the best taste.
- Fresh garlic cloves: The real deal—minced finely for a bold, aromatic punch throughout the rolls.
- All-purpose flour: Reliable and gives the rolls their perfect structure and chew.
- Fresh parsley: Brings a lovely green color and a subtle, fresh earthiness to complement the garlic.
- Granulated sugar: Helps with yeast activation and adds just the right hint of balance to the flavors.
- Instant yeast: Speeds up the dough rise without needing prior activation, making preparation easier.
- Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors, ensuring your rolls taste thoughtfully seasoned.
- Whole milk: Warmed to activate the yeast and adds creaminess for tender dough.
- Large egg: Binds the dough and contributes to a soft yet structured texture.
- Egg wash: For that irresistible shiny, golden-brown crust that looks as good as it tastes.
- Herbs: Swap parsley for fresh oregano, rosemary, or thyme to customize your flavor profile.
- Cheese: Add shredded parmesan or mozzarella either inside or on top for an indulgent twist.
- Honey or maple syrup: Can replace sugar for a subtle, natural sweetness that plays perfectly with garlic.
- Active dry yeast: If using instead of instant yeast, activate it in warm milk with a pinch of sugar before adding.
How to Make Best Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter
This step builds the very foundation of flavor. Melt unsalted butter gently in a saucepan over medium heat, then stir in minced fresh garlic. Let the mixture cook just enough for the garlic to become fragrant and slightly golden, infusing the butter with its unmistakable aroma. Remove from heat and allow to cool a bit—this infused butter will bring the magic to every single roll.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Next, combine all your dry ingredients—flour, sugar, salt, instant yeast, and fresh parsley—in the bowl of a stand mixer or a large mixing bowl. Give them a quick whisk so everything is evenly distributed. This ensures that your bread rolls rise evenly and develop great flavor with each bite.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Pour in the warm whole milk, the cooled garlic butter, and one large egg to the dry mix. Using a dough hook attachment on low speed or just your hands if doing this by hand, knead until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and feels soft yet slightly tacky. This usually takes around 10 minutes and results in a dough that’s ready for shaping.
Step 4: Divide and Shape
Once the dough is smooth and elastic, divide it evenly into 12 portions. Using a kitchen scale can guarantee a consistent size and bake. Shape each portion into a neat ball by tucking the edges underneath and rolling gently beneath your palm. This gives rolls their classic smooth, rounded shape and helps them bake evenly.
Step 5: First Rise
Place the shaped balls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or a greased baking dish, leaving enough space between each for expansion. Cover loosely with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let them rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, which takes about 45 to 60 minutes. This rising period is what gives the Best Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe its iconic fluffy texture.
Step 6: Apply Egg Wash and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Just before baking, brush each roll generously with the egg wash—this will give your bread rolls that gorgeous golden crust we all love. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the tops are beautifully browned and the rolls sound hollow when tapped. The smell at this point will be utterly mouthwatering, guaranteed to draw everyone to the kitchen!
How to Serve Best Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or your favorite fresh herbs right after baking for an extra pop of green color and freshness. A light dusting of parmesan cheese on top just before baking adds an irresistible savory layer that pairs wonderfully with the garlic flavor.
Side Dishes
These garlic bread rolls are incredibly versatile. Serve them warm alongside a hearty bowl of tomato soup, a creamy pasta such as Alfredo or Bolognese, or alongside a fresh salad for a balanced meal. Their buttery garlic essence complements so many dishes, making them a go-to side for any dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleaser, serve the rolls in a bread basket lined with a crisp napkin or a wooden board for a rustic touch. You can also split them warm and stuff with melted cheese or grilled veggies for a fun garlic bread sandwich twist that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be rare!), store your Best Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping them covered keeps the rolls soft and fresh, perfect to enjoy later without losing that wonderful buttery-garlic aroma.
Freezing
To enjoy these rolls another day, freeze them after the first rise or after baking. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. This way, you’ll always have a batch of your Best Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe ready to pop in the oven whenever you want.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or leftover rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes. If reheating from frozen, unwrap them first and cover loosely with foil to prevent drying out. The warmth will revive the rolls’ perfect texture and bring back that delightful garlic aroma.
FAQs
Can I make these garlic bread rolls vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the butter with a vegan margarine, use plant-based milk instead of whole milk, and replace the egg with a flaxseed or chia egg. The flavor and texture will still be deliciously satisfying.
What’s the best way to get a crispy crust on my garlic bread rolls?
Using an egg wash before baking helps create a beautiful golden, slightly crisp crust. For an even crispier finish, you can place a small oven-safe dish with water in the oven to create steam while baking.
Can I add cheese inside the rolls?
Yes! Adding shredded mozzarella or parmesan inside the dough before rolling into balls is a fantastic way to make these rolls extra indulgent. Just make sure the cheese is well distributed and sealed inside to avoid leaking during baking.
Is instant yeast necessary or can I use active dry yeast?
You can definitely use active dry yeast instead. Just remember to activate it first in warm milk with a pinch of sugar and wait until bubbly before adding to the dry ingredients. This step ensures your dough rises perfectly.
How long do these rolls keep fresh after baking?
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these garlic bread rolls stay fresh for about two days. For longer storage, freezing is the best option.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got this Best Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe down, you’re armed with a foolproof way to bring bakery-quality, soul-soothing garlic bread right into your kitchen. There’s something truly comforting about pulling these rolls fresh from the oven, their buttery garlic aroma filling the air. Give this recipe a try, and soon enough, you might find these rolls becoming the highlight of your meals and the new favorite in your home!
Print
Best Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Best Garlic Bread Rolls are soft, fluffy, and bursting with rich garlic butter flavor, perfect as a side or snack. Made with simple ingredients and an easy homemade dough, they have a golden crust thanks to an egg wash and a fragrant burst of fresh parsley. Ideal for garlic lovers seeking a delightful, homemade bread experience.
Ingredients
Garlic Butter
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 fresh garlic cloves, minced finely
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Dough
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (or 2 teaspoons active dry yeast activated in warm milk)
- 1 ½ teaspoons sea salt
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1 large egg
For the Egg Wash
- 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water
Optional Ingredients
- Shredded parmesan or mozzarella cheese (for stuffing or topping)
- Fresh herbs swap: oregano, rosemary, or thyme
- Honey or maple syrup (can replace sugar for subtle sweetness)
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter and stir in the finely minced fresh garlic. Cook until the garlic sizzles and releases a fragrant aroma, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and let the butter cool to room temperature.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, sea salt, instant yeast, and chopped fresh parsley. Whisk together briefly to evenly distribute all the ingredients.
- Add the Wet Ingredients and Knead: Pour warm whole milk, cooled garlic butter, and one large egg into the dry ingredients. Using a dough hook attachment, knead the mixture on low speed until the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl and feels soft but slightly tacky, approximately 10 minutes.
- Divide and Shape the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Using a kitchen scale for accuracy, divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each piece into a smooth ball by tucking the edges underneath and rolling gently under your palm on the counter.
- First Rise: Place the shaped dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased pan, spacing them evenly. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Preheat and Egg Wash: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Just before baking, brush the tops of the risen rolls gently with the beaten egg wash to achieve a shiny, golden crust.
- Bake the Rolls: Bake the garlic bread rolls in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the rolls sound hollow when tapped.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the rolls from the oven and transfer to a wire rack. Let them cool slightly before serving warm. For extra indulgence, sprinkle with additional fresh herbs or grated cheese while still warm.
Notes
- Use high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor in the garlic butter.
- If substituting active dry yeast, dissolve and activate it first in warm milk with a pinch of sugar before mixing with dry ingredients.
- You can add shredded cheese inside the rolls before baking or sprinkle on top after the egg wash for a cheesy variation.
- Herbs like oregano, rosemary, or thyme can be swapped for parsley to customize flavor.
- Honey or maple syrup can replace sugar for a subtle natural sweetness.
- Use a kitchen scale for consistent roll sizes and even baking.
- Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
