Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls Recipe

If you love soft, fluffy bread with a savory twist, you’re absolutely going to adore this Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls Recipe. These rolls come together in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a last-minute dinner party addition. I’ve made these countless times—each bite bursting with buttery garlic and nutty Parmesan flavor—and trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to keep them on repeat.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic behind this Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls Recipe lies in its simple, quality ingredients that blend to create a dough that’s both tender and flavorful. I always recommend fresh Parmesan for the best cheesy notes and warm water at just the right temp to get the yeast happily bubbling.

• Warm Water: Keeps yeast activated without killing it; aim for 95-105°F for perfect proofing.
• Granulated Sugar: Feeds the yeast, helping the dough rise beautifully.
• Yeast: Instant or platinum yeast works well; I use what’s on hand and it’s reliable every time.
• Canola Oil: Adds moisture and keeps rolls soft without overpowering flavor.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall taste.
• Egg: Contributes richness and helps texture with a lovely golden-brown crust.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough; provides enough gluten to create fluffy rolls with minimal kneading.
• Melted Butter: Brushed on top for a glossy finish and sprinkled with garlic and Parmesan for flavor.
• Granulated Garlic: Gives that unmistakable garlic punch without sogginess.
• Parmesan Cheese: Nutty and salty—my personal favorite cheese for bread toppings!
• Parsley: Adds a fresh, herby note and pretty color contrast on the finished rolls.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love playing around with this Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls Recipe to suit the occasion or mood. Sometimes I add fresh minced rosemary for a piney herb kick, or swap out parsley for chives. Honestly, these rolls are like a blank canvas—feel free to customize!

• Variation: Once, I swapped water for milk and the egg for Greek yogurt (a reader’s tip) and the rolls came out just as tender and delicious—perfect for a dairy-rich touch.
• Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes into the garlic butter mixture for a subtle heat that wakes up the flavor.
• Gluten-Free: For gluten intolerance, you could experiment with a gluten-free bread flour blend, but be aware dough texture will vary.
• Cheese Swap: Try asiago or even a sharp cheddar instead of Parmesan for a different cheesy vibe.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Wake Up the Yeast

Start by combining your yeast, warm water, and sugar in a large bowl. I always keep an eye on the water temp—they say 95-105°F is ideal because hotter than that and your yeast might fizz out. After about 2–5 minutes, you’ll notice the mixture bubbling or foaming—this signals your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Mix It Up

Next, add your oil, salt, egg, and flour right into the bowl. I usually use a stand mixer with the dough hook, which saves my arms, but you can also stir and knead by hand. The dough should come together and pull away from the bowl sides. If it feels sticky, add flour by a tablespoon until it firms up. Remember, a slightly sticky dough yields a softer roll once baked.

Step 3: Shape Your Rolls

Divide the dough into 16 even pieces (I weigh them on my kitchen scale to be precise) and roll each into a round ball. I like to cup my hands and gently roll the dough on the counter—a light touch is key here. Then, arrange your rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little room to expand.

Step 4: Let Them Rise

Place your rolls in a warm spot to rise for about 5-10 minutes. I’m lucky to have a fireplace hearth, which is the perfect cozy spot for proofing, but your microwave with just the light on works too. You want the dough to puff up slightly but not necessarily double in size because this is a quick-rise recipe.

Step 5: Butter, Garlic & Cheese Time

Brush the tops generously with melted butter, then sprinkle your granulated garlic, Parmesan cheese, and parsley over the rolls. This step is where the flavor really starts to pop—don’t be shy with the garlic or cheese! It bakes into a golden, savory crust that’s just irresistible.

Step 6: Bake and Serve

Pop the rolls into a preheated 375ºF oven for about 18-20 minutes. You’re looking for a beautiful golden brown on top and a slightly firm feel when gently pressed. Once out of the oven, slather on another layer of butter immediately—that’s my secret for the ultra-rich finish you’ll love.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

For garnish, I stick with the classic parsley flakes for a fresh pop of green, but feel free to sprinkle a little extra Parmesan right before serving for a nutty finish. Sometimes, just a touch of flaky sea salt adds a nice crunch and extra dimension to these buttery rolls.

Side Dishes

I love pairing these rolls with hearty soups like creamy tomato or chicken and wild rice. They’re also incredible alongside a roasted chicken dinner or a rich, homemade pasta sauce—they’re basically the ultimate bread for soaking up all those delicious juices.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange these rolls in a round baking dish in a flower pattern, pressing them close together so they pull apart easily at the table—perfect for family-style meals. Another idea I’ve tried is brushing on some garlic butter with a sprinkle of fresh thyme before baking for an herbal twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftover rolls in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them soft, I sometimes place a slice of fresh bread inside the container—it helps maintain moisture.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully! Just wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. When I’m ready to enjoy, I thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temp for a few hours before reheating.

Reheating

To restore that fresh-baked feel, I pop the rolls into a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. For extra moisture, a quick brush of melted butter before warming does wonders. Avoid microwaving if you can; it tends to make the crust gummy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

These Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls have become a staple in my kitchen—not just because they’re quick, but because they bring everyone to the table with their irresistible aroma and flavor. I hope this recipe becomes a favorite for you and yours, too. Trust me, once you make them, you’ll have a new go-to that’s way better than store-bought. Pop these rolls in your oven and enjoy a little homemade magic tonight!

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