If you love the cozy, irresistible aroma of freshly baked homemade bread, then you are going to adore this Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe. These little rolls come out soft and fluffy, bursting with buttery garlic goodness that’s perfect for dinner, snacking, or impressing guests. Whether you’re a baking newbie or a seasoned pro, I promise you’ll find these rolls a comforting and foolproof treat worth making again and again.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Garlic Flavor: Mildly roasted garlic butter infuses each roll with aromatic, savory depth without overpowering the bread.
Soft, Fluffy Texture: A tender crumb achieved by gentle kneading and the right flour-to-liquid balance makes these rolls melt in your mouth.
Simple Ingredients & Steps: Everyday pantry staples and straightforward instructions mean anyone can succeed with this recipe.
Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: These rolls pair beautifully with soups, salads, pasta, or just butter and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.

Garlic Bread Rolls, Homemade Garlic Bread, Fluffy Garlic Rolls, Easy Garlic Bread, Soft Bread Rolls - A close-up view of soft, round dinner rolls arranged in a 3x3 grid, each roll with a shiny golden brown top that is slightly darker in the center, showing a smooth and glossy texture. The rolls are closely packed, with slightly yellow sides touching each other. They are sprinkled with small bits of chopped green herbs and minced garlic scattered unevenly on top, adding a fresh contrast to the warm tones. The background is not visible, focusing tightly on the rolls. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe relies on basic ingredients that come together to create more than just bread — it’s all about balance and fresh flavors. A little sweet sugar works with yeast for a lively rise, while fresh parsley adds a bright herbal note that cuts through the indulgence of butter and garlic.

Garlic Bread Rolls, Homemade Garlic Bread, Fluffy Garlic Rolls, Easy Garlic Bread, Soft Bread Rolls - Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour on a simple white ceramic plate, a few sprigs of fresh chopped parsley on a white ceramic dish, a small white ceramic bowl filled with granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of instant yeast powder, a small white ceramic bowl with fine sea salt, a small white ceramic bowl containing warmed whole milk, one large uncracked brown egg, a small white ceramic bowl of unsalted butter cubes, a small white ceramic bowl of minced fresh garlic, a small white ceramic bowl with flaky sea salt, all elements arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Unsalted Butter: For that rich, creamy base without extra salt throwing off the balance; melted and used in and on the rolls for flavor and softness.
Minced Garlic: Fresh is key here — it provides a punch of garlicky aroma that’s mellowed by gentle cooking.
All-purpose Flour: The backbone of the bread; spooned and leveled to avoid dry or dense dough.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped finely for a fresh, green bite inside the dough and as a finishing touch.
Granulated Sugar: Feeds the yeast and helps the rolls brown beautifully.
Instant Yeast: Makes the dough rise reliably, giving the rolls their airy texture.
Fine Sea Salt: For seasoning that enhances all the flavors without bitterness.
Milk: Warmed for activating yeast and tenderizing the crumb for softness.
Eggs: One for enriching the dough and another for a shiny golden finish once baked.
Flaky Sea Salt: The last touch that adds crunch and bursts of salty flavor once baked and buttered.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

While I love the classic garlic and parsley combo for this recipe, feel free to make these rolls your own. I’ve tried swapping in different herbs or cheeses, and let me tell you—each tweak adds a fun new twist that your friends will ask for again!

Herb Variations: Try rosemary or thyme instead of parsley. I once made these with a combo of oregano and basil, which paired wonderfully with a tomato soup on a chilly night.
Cheese Addition: Toss in some finely shredded Parmesan or mozzarella inside each roll before rising for gooey, cheesy pockets.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes into the garlic butter for a subtle kick that wakes up your taste buds.
Dietary Mods: Substitute milk with a plant-based alternative and use vegan butter to make these dairy-free; just keep an eye on dough consistency and rising times.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Garlic Butter Base

Start by gently melting the butter in a small pot and adding the minced garlic. Cook it just long enough for the garlic to release its fragrance—about 1-2 minutes. This step is crucial because raw garlic can be too sharp, but lightly sautéed garlic brings out that sweet, savory flavor that makes these rolls irresistible. Once done, set it aside to cool while you prep the other ingredients.

Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough

In your stand mixer bowl, whisk together the flour, chopped parsley, sugar, yeast, and salt. Then pour in the warm milk, the beaten egg, and the cooled garlic butter mixture. Attach your dough hook and mix on low speed, kneading until the dough is smooth and slightly tacky. This usually takes 10-12 minutes. If it feels too sticky, sprinkle a tablespoon of flour at a time—but don’t overdo it or your rolls will turn out dense. I always find that a little patience in kneading makes the biggest difference here.

Step 3: Shape and Proof the Rolls

Once your dough is perfectly kneaded, divide it into 12 equal pieces—around 67 grams each if you want precision! Roll each piece into a smooth ball, pinching the seam tightly underneath to keep them round and neat. Arrange these dough balls in your buttered 9×13 pan. Cover them with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let them rise somewhere warm for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size. Watching those little dough balls puff up is always so satisfying—like magic happening right before your eyes!

Step 4: Brush and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Brush the tops of your risen rolls with the beaten egg wash to give them a beautiful golden sheen as they bake. Pop them in the oven and bake for 20-30 minutes until the tops are perfectly golden brown and the rolls sound hollow when tapped. This step fills your kitchen with that incredible garlic bread smell—the best part of baking, hands down!

Step 5: Final Garlic Butter Touch

While the rolls bake, melt your butter again with minced garlic and fresh parsley. When the rolls come out hot from the oven, brush them immediately with this garlic butter blend for extra gooey, irresistible flavor. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt at this point adds a crunchy contrast that I adore. Serve warm and prepare for a happy crowd around your table.

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Pro Tips for Making Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe

Measure Flour Properly: Fluff and spoon flour into your cup or better yet, use a kitchen scale—I’ve seen too many batches turn out dense just from too much flour.
Temperature Matters: Make sure your milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it—think cozy bath temperature, around 110°F.
Don’t Rush the Rise: Patience pays off here; letting dough double fully means softer rolls and better texture.
Garlic Butter Timing: Always brush the butter right after baking to lock in moisture and flavor—wait too long and it won’t soak in as wonderfully.

How to Serve Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe

Garlic Bread Rolls, Homemade Garlic Bread, Fluffy Garlic Rolls, Easy Garlic Bread, Soft Bread Rolls - The image shows close-up soft dinner rolls with a shiny golden-brown top layer brushed with garlic butter and small pieces of chopped green herbs, likely parsley, sprinkled generously. The inside of the roll is fluffy and white with a light and airy texture. The rolls are placed closely together on a white plate over a white marbled surface. The focus is on one roll slightly pulled apart to show its soft inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love to add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after brushing the garlic butter—this little crunch adds a delightful contrast. Sometimes, I finish with a touch of finely chopped extra fresh parsley on top to brighten the look and flavor because it makes the rolls feel that much fresher and more inviting.

Side Dishes

These rolls are my go-to side for rich dishes like creamy tomato soup, Italian pasta with lots of sauce, or slow-cooked stews. They’re perfect for mopping up any sauce or gravy, and my family especially enjoys them alongside baked chicken or roasted veggies for a classic comfort meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or dinner parties, I like to serve the rolls in a large rustic basket lined with a linen cloth, with little jars of extra garlic butter and herb-infused olive oil on the side for dipping. Another fun idea is to make a “pull-apart” bread platter by arranging the rolls close together in a round pan for guests to tear apart — it feels interactive and super cozy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover rolls keep pretty well at room temperature in an airtight container or sealed ziplock bag for 2-3 days. I always try to eat them fresh, but when I have leftovers, I’ll refresh them in the oven to bring back that soft texture.

Freezing

I’ve found freezing these garlic bread rolls after baking works great too—just cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to one month. When you want to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature for a few hours before reheating.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, I pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F wrapped in foil for about 10 minutes. This softens the rolls without drying them out. The microwave works in a pinch too—heat for 20-30 seconds—but I prefer the oven for that fresh-baked vibe.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast in this recipe?

Yes! If you only have active dry yeast, just activate it by stirring it into the warm milk with a pinch of sugar and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes until it gets frothy. Then proceed with the recipe as usual. Be aware that using active dry yeast might require a slightly longer rise time.
How do I prevent the rolls from getting too dense?

Measuring your flour correctly is usually the culprit behind dense rolls—avoid scooping the flour directly from the bag. Instead, fluff it then spoon into your measuring cup or weigh it. Also, don’t add too much extra flour during kneading; a slightly tacky dough is what you want for soft rolls.
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can shape the dough and place the rolls in the pan the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. The next day, let them come to room temperature and double in size before baking. This slow rise actually develops more flavor!
What’s the best way to serve these rolls?

Serve them warm, brushed with freshly melted garlic butter and finished with flaky sea salt. They’re perfect alongside soups, salads, or as a snack with a good cheese spread. Trust me, you’ll want to keep a batch in your freezer ready to warm any time!

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it’s simple, comforting, and loved by everyone who tries it. I remember the first time I made them—they disappeared so fast at dinner, and I knew I had to share the recipe with all my friends. So, grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and bake these up—you’re in for a treat that’ll fill your kitchen with warmth and your belly with happiness.