Name: Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons minced garlic; 3 1/2 cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 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; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; Flaky sea salt, for finishing

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 18 reviews

If you’ve ever wanted to make the coziest, most irresistible bread for your family or next dinner party, you’re going to love this Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe. These rolls come out soft, buttery, and packed with that perfect garlicky punch that keeps everyone coming back for more. Trust me, once you try making your own garlic bread rolls from scratch, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for store-bought!

💚

Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Garlic Butter Blend: The garlic butter is cooked just enough to release its aroma without turning bitter, infusing each bite with rich flavor.
Soft, Pillowy Texture: Kneading the dough properly gives these rolls a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
Simple, Fresh Ingredients: The recipe uses pantry staples but brightens them up with fresh parsley and homemade garlic butter.
Flexible Rise Times: You can prep and refrigerate dough overnight, making it great for planning ahead.

Garlic Bread Rolls, homemade garlic bread, buttery garlic rolls, soft bread rolls, easy garlic bread recipe - 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

Each ingredient in this Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe has a role that’s key to delivering that perfect balance of soft bread and bright garlic flavor. Choosing fresh herbs and measuring your flour right can make a big difference in the final texture.

Garlic Bread Rolls, homemade garlic bread, buttery garlic rolls, soft bread rolls, easy garlic bread recipe - 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: Gives a rich buttery flavor without the unpredictability of salted butter.
Minced garlic: Fresh garlic provides that vibrant, pungent kick essential for garlic bread.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough — measuring it accurately ensures a dough that’s soft but not sticky.
Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note that balances the garlic’s intensity.
Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and helps the rolls develop a beautiful golden crust.
Instant yeast: Convenient and reliable, it helps the dough rise beautifully without extra fuss.
Fine sea salt: Enhances all the flavors without overwhelming the bread.
Whole or 2% milk: Warmed milk tenderizes the dough and lends a subtle creaminess.
Large eggs: Provide richness and help bind the dough.
Beaten egg (for brushing): Gives the rolls a shiny, inviting golden finish.
Flaky sea salt (optional garnish): Sprinkled on top after baking, it adds delightful texture and flavor bursts.

📝

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.

Make It Your Way

I like to keep things classic, but don’t be afraid to experiment! One of the best parts of this Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe is how easy it is to customize to your household’s tastes or dietary needs.

Variation: Sometimes, I swap parsley for fresh basil or add a pinch of chili flakes for a little heat—my family loves this twist.
Dietary Option: You can use olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free take, but the rolls won’t be quite as rich.
Make It Ahead: I often refrigerate the shaped dough overnight when I’m short on time, and that slow rise only improves the flavor.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter Base

Start by melting the butter gently in a small pot over low heat, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 1-2 minutes. You want that garlic to become fragrant without browning or burning it, which can create bitterness. Once it’s smelling amazing, remove it from the heat and let it cool while you prep the dry ingredients.

Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough

In your stand mixer bowl, whisk together flour, chopped parsley, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Add the warm milk, the large egg, and the cooled garlic butter. Use your dough hook on low speed to knead everything until the dough is smooth and soft, about 10-12 minutes. It should be tacky but not overly sticky—if it feels wet, sprinkle in a tablespoon of flour at a time.

Step 3: Shape and Proof the Rolls

Divide your dough into 12 even pieces (67 grams each works great if you have a kitchen scale). Roll each piece into tight, smooth balls by pinching the seam on the bottom, so they hold their shape nicely while baking. Place them spaced evenly in a buttered 9×13 pan, cover with plastic wrap or a towel, and set in a warm spot to double in size — this usually takes 1-2 hours. Watching the dough rise is honestly one of my favorite parts!

Step 4: Bake with a Beautiful Egg Wash

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Once the rolls have puffed up, brush the tops with a beaten egg — this is what gives these garlic bread rolls that irresistible golden sheen. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until they’re a gorgeous golden brown on top.

Step 5: Finish with Garlic Butter and Serve Warm

While the rolls bake, whip up a quick garlic butter topping by melting butter and briefly cooking minced garlic until fragrant, then stirring in fresh parsley. Immediately brush this fragrant butter over the warm rolls once they’re out of the oven. For a little grown-up flair, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top — it adds a lovely crunch.

💡

Tips from My Kitchen

Flour Measuring Method: I’ve always had better results when spooning flour into the measuring cup rather than scooping—it keeps the dough soft and tender.
Don’t Skip the Cooling Step: Cooling the garlic butter before adding to the dough ensures you don’t accidentally cook the egg or yeast.
Use a Kitchen Scale: I can’t recommend this enough—dividing the dough evenly ensures uniform baking and pretty rolls.
Watch the Rise, Not the Clock: Oven temperature and room humidity vary, so I always check that the dough has doubled rather than sticking strictly to timing.

How to Serve Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe

Garlic Bread Rolls, homemade garlic bread, buttery garlic rolls, soft bread rolls, easy garlic bread recipe - 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 usually finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt after brushing the warm rolls with garlic butter—it adds just the right little crunch and flavor pop. Fresh parsley on top brightens the look and taste even more. If I’m feeling fancy, a tiny dusting of Parmesan can work wonders too!

Side Dishes

These garlic bread rolls pair wonderfully with almost any meal, but I especially love serving them with a creamy tomato soup, hearty pasta dishes like spaghetti bolognese, or alongside a fresh green salad for a lighter dinner. They also shine next to roasted chicken or even dipped into warm olive oil infused with herbs.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to arrange the rolls in a wreath shape on a baking sheet, so your guests can pull them apart roll by roll. Another fun idea is to stuff the dough balls with a small cube of mozzarella or herbs before baking—talk about a delicious surprise inside!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover garlic bread rolls are best eaten the same day, but if you need to save them, store cooled rolls in an airtight container or sealed ziplock bag on your countertop. They’ll stay soft for about 2-3 days, perfect for snacking or warming up later.

Freezing

I freeze the rolls after baking and letting them cool completely, popping them into an airtight container or freezer bag. They keep wonderfully for up to a month. When I want to enjoy them, I just thaw at room temperature for a couple hours before warming.

Reheating

To reheat and keep that fresh-baked flavor, I wrap the rolls in foil and bake them at 350°F (180°C) for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through. Microwaving works, too—20-30 seconds per roll—but it’s less crispy on top. You can always brush a little extra garlic butter before serving.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast in this Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe?

Yes, you can! If using active dry yeast, activate it first by stirring it into the warm milk along with a pinch of the sugar and letting it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy. Then proceed with the recipe. Just be sure to let the dough rise until doubled before shaping and again after shaping, which may take a bit longer than with instant yeast.
How do I know if the dough has risen enough?

The dough should roughly double in size and look puffy and soft when it’s ready. A good test is to gently press your finger into the dough—it should leave an indentation that slowly fills back in. If it springs back quickly, it needs more time.
Can I make these rolls vegan?

You can! Replace butter with a plant-based margarine or olive oil, use a flax or chia egg substitute, and swap dairy milk for plant-based milk like almond or oat. The texture will change slightly but will still be delicious.
What’s the best way to store leftover garlic bread rolls?

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container or ziplock bag at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, freeze them individually and thaw as needed.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it reliably delivers that warm, toasty comfort we all crave. There’s something so satisfying about pulling apart soft, garlicky rolls fresh from the oven, especially when shared with loved ones. I really hope you give these a try — making homemade bread feels like magic, and these rolls are a beautiful, tasty place to start your journey.