There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the house, beckoning family and friends to gather around the table. When these Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls make an appearance, I can’t help but grin. With a golden crust that crackles ever so slightly as you break it open, exposing a soft, fluffy interior infused with the savory goodness of garlic and herbs, these rolls are a true feast for the senses.
Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a cozy weeknight dinner, these delightful little bundles are the perfect complement to any meal. Trust me, it’s hard to resist snatching one right out of the oven; they’re that good! Not only are they a comfort food classic, but they also offer an easy way to elevate your dining experience from mundane to magnificent. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this deliciously simple recipe that’s sure to impress, without the fuss!
Why are Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls a must-try?
Irresistible aroma: The moment these rolls begin to bake, the delightful scent of garlic and herbs fills your kitchen. It’s a warm invitation that no one can resist!
Soft and fluffy: Their tender texture is perfect for mopping up savory stews or just enjoying with some butter.
Quick and easy: This recipe is designed for busy home cooks, ensuring you can whip up a batch effortlessly.
Customizable flavors: Feel free to mix in your favorite herbs or cheeses to create a unique twist that suits your palate!
Family favorite: These rolls always bring smiles to the table, making any meal feel extra special.
Perfect for any occasion: From holiday feasts to everyday dinners, they’re versatile enough for any gathering!
Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Ingredients
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For the Dough
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Warm Milk (220ml or 1 cup) – Provides moisture and activates yeast; feel free to use whole or skimmed milk.
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Sugar (1½ tsp) – Acts as food for yeast, helping it to bloom; can be substituted with honey for a different sweetness.
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Active Dry Yeast (7g or 1 tbsp) – Ferments to leaven the dough; instant yeast can be used without the need for blooming.
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Vegetable Oil (3 tbsp) – Adds fat for moisture and tenderness; olive oil is a great substitute that also adds flavor.
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Egg (1 large) – Enhances richness and structure; for a vegan option, substitute with a flax egg.
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Salt (½ tsp) – Enhances flavor and controls yeast activity; adjust to taste if desired.
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Bread Flour (400g or 3 cups) – Provides structure and chewiness; all-purpose flour can be used if that’s what you have on hand.
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Egg for brushing (1) – Gives your rolls a shiny, golden crust when baked.
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For the Garlic Butter Topping
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Butter, melted (1 tbsp) – Used in the garlic butter; can be replaced with margarine for a dairy-free option.
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Garlic (1 clove, pressed) – Infuses the rolls with delicious flavor; garlic powder can be used as an alternative.
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Fresh Parsley (1 tbsp, chopped) – Adds a hint of freshness; feel free to use other herbs according to your preference.
With these easy-to-find ingredients, your Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls will shine at your next meal!
How to Make Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
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Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast, letting it sit for 5 minutes until frothy. This activates the yeast, ensuring your rolls will rise perfectly!
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Mix Well: Add vegetable oil, salt, and one egg to the yeast mixture, stirring until combined. This creates a rich base for your dough, enriching every bite!
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Form the Dough: Gradually incorporate bread flour into the mixture, stirring until a rough dough forms. It should start pulling away from the sides of the bowl.
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Knead the Dough: Transfer your dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer for convenience!
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Let It Rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has tripled in size. Patience is key here—as it transforms into fluffy goodness!
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Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F). While it’s heating, divide the dough into 16 equal pieces, rolling each into a smooth ball.
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Prepare for Second Rise: Arrange the dough balls in a buttered 9×13 inch baking pan, spacing them 1 inch apart. Cover again and let rise for an additional 30 minutes.
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Bake the Rolls: After the final rise, brush the tops with a beaten egg. Bake for 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown and fragrant!
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Add Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, melt the remaining butter and mix in pressed garlic and parsley. Brush this mixture over the rolls as soon as they come out of the oven for maximum flavor.
Optional: Sprinkle with additional fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are perfect for busy home cooks looking to streamline their meal prep! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance—just follow the first five steps of the recipe, then store the dough in an oiled bowl, covered with plastic wrap, in the refrigerator. This slow rise allows the flavors to deepen. Alternatively, after shaping the rolls, place them in the baking pan and cover tightly with plastic wrap. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking. Just allow them to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then brush with egg and bake as directed for warm, fluffy rolls that are just as delicious as freshly made!
Expert Tips for Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
- Use Fresh Yeast: Always ensure your yeast is fresh; it should create a frothy layer in warm milk. If it doesn’t, your rolls won’t rise properly!
- Knead Thoroughly: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic; this helps develop the gluten for that fluffy texture in your Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls.
- Monitor Rising Times: Keep an eye on the dough during rising; factors like temperature and humidity can affect how long it needs to grow.
- Brush While Warm: Don’t forget to brush the garlic butter on the rolls while they’re still warm to maximize flavor absorption and create a gorgeous, shiny crust.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add in grated cheese or additional herbs directly into the dough for a delicious twist on your rolls!
Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Variations
Feel free to get creative and make these rolls your own with fun twists and tasty substitutions!
- Cheesy: Mix in shredded cheese like cheddar or parmesan for a delightful, rich surprise in every bite.
- Herb-Infused: Substitute fresh parsley with herbs like rosemary or thyme to add a rustic, aromatic flavor profile. It’s a great way to personalize each batch!
- Sweet and Savory: Swap out garlic for caramelized onions for a nuanced sweetness that pairs wonderfully with savory dishes.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dough for a gentle heat that complements the garlic perfectly. It’s a surprising and delightful twist!
- Whole Wheat: Combine half of the bread flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier roll. You’ll still achieve that fluffy texture while adding a nutty flavor.
- Dairy-Free: Replace butter and milk with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter to create a delicious dairy-free version that everyone can enjoy!
- Basil Pesto: Mixing in a couple tablespoons of basil pesto into the dough will give your rolls a vibrant green color and burst of flavor that shouts Italian feast!
- Onion Powder: If you prefer a subtler onion flavor, you can replace the garlic with onion powder in the butter mixture for an elevated taste experience without the risk of overpowering the rolls.
Experiment with these variations for a fun—yet comforting— take on your Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls!
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls?
There’s nothing quite like the experience of a hearty meal made complete with delicious sides. Let your imagination run wild as you create a truly comforting feast!
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Savory Beef Stew: The rich flavors of beef stew beautifully complement the soft rolls; perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious broth.
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Creamy Chicken Alfredo: The velvety sauce of chicken Alfredo pairs wonderfully with the buttery rolls, providing a delightful textural contrast. Imagine that creamy goodness mingling with the warmth of the rolls!
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Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad with tangy dressing adds a crisp element to your meal, balancing the richness of the garlic butter rolls. The combination is light yet satisfying.
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Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables bring a delightful sweetness and charred flavor, making them a perfect counterpart to the savory rolls. Their earthy notes elevate each bite.
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Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes: For those who can’t resist garlic, this creamy mash echoes the garlic-infused rolls and creates a comforting plate brimming with flavor.
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Homemade Soup: A hearty soup, like tomato basil or butternut squash, becomes even more delightful when served alongside these buttery rolls, perfect for dipping and enjoying.
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Chilled White Wine: A crisp, chilled white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, pairs beautifully with the savory garlic flavors, adding a refreshing contrast to your meal.
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Chocolate Chip Cookies: For dessert lovers, finishing off with warm chocolate chip cookies makes for a delightful ending—soft, warm, and utterly indulgent!
Storage Tips for Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
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Room Temperature: Keep your rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their softness and flavor.
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Fridge: If you need them to last longer, store in the fridge for up to a week, but expect a slight loss in freshness. Reheat before serving!
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Freezer: Freeze your Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2-3 months.
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Reheating: To enjoy your rolls after freezing, thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to regain that warm, fluffy goodness.
Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe FAQs
What type of milk should I use for the dough?
You can use either whole or skimmed milk for your Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls. The warmth of the milk is essential for activating the yeast, so make sure it’s warm but not boiling—about 110°F (43°C). This moisture helps create a soft, fluffy texture.
How should I store the rolls after baking?
To keep your Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’re looking to extend their life, refrigerate them for up to a week. However, for the best flavor and texture, I recommend reheating them before serving.
Can I freeze these rolls, and how?
Absolutely! To freeze your Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until they’re firm. Then, transfer the rolls into a freezer-safe bag and store them for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to restore their fluffy goodness.
What if my dough doesn’t rise well?
If you find that your dough isn’t rising, it could be due to inactive yeast. Make sure your yeast is fresh, and when you mix it with warm milk, it should become frothy within 5-10 minutes. If it doesn’t, consider starting fresh with new yeast. Also, ensure that your dough is in a warm, draft-free spot to encourage rising. If the kitchen is cold, try turning your oven on low for a few minutes, then turning it off and placing the dough inside with the door closed.
Can I make these rolls vegan?
Yes, you can make vegan Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls! Substitute one egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit until it thickens) and replace the butter with a vegan alternative like margarine or coconut oil. These adjustments will give you a deliciously fluffy roll without dairy!
Do these rolls contain allergens?
These Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls do contain common allergens like wheat (gluten) and eggs. For a gluten-free version, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend, but rising times and textures may vary. If making for someone with an egg allergy, don’t forget the flax egg replacement mentioned earlier!
Delicious Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls for Cozy Family Meals
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast, letting it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add vegetable oil, salt, and one egg to the yeast mixture, stirring until combined.
- Gradually incorporate bread flour into the mixture, stirring until a rough dough forms.
- Transfer your dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm area for 1-1.5 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Divide the dough into 16 equal pieces and roll each into a ball.
- Arrange the dough balls in a buttered 9x13 inch baking pan, cover, and let rise for an additional 30 minutes.
- Brush the tops with a beaten egg and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Melt remaining butter and mix in garlic and parsley. Brush this over the rolls after baking.