Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe

Garlic Bread Rolls are soft, fluffy, and packed with buttery garlic flavor in every bite. These rolls are the perfect companion to any meal or delicious enough to enjoy on their own. Once I baked a batch from scratch, I found myself making them again and again—they’re just that good.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these garlic bread rolls combine the cozy texture of homemade bread with the bold taste of garlic and herbs. They’re easy to pull apart, loaded with flavor, and ideal for serving at dinner parties, family meals, or just when I’m craving something savory and fresh from the oven.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour

• Instant yeast

• Sugar

• Salt

• Warm milk

• Unsalted butter

• Egg

• Garlic cloves (minced)

• Fresh parsley (chopped)

• Olive oil or more butter (for brushing)

Directions

1. I start by mixing the warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a bowl and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.

2. I add flour, salt, a beaten egg, and softened butter to the yeast mixture and knead until I get a smooth, elastic dough.

3. I place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for about 1 hour until it doubles in size.

4. While the dough is rising, I make the garlic butter by melting butter and mixing in minced garlic and chopped parsley.

5. Once the dough is ready, I divide it into equal portions and roll them into balls.

6. I place the dough balls into a greased baking dish, brush them with garlic butter, and let them rise again for 20–30 minutes.

7. I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the rolls for 18–22 minutes, until golden brown on top.

8. After baking, I brush them with more garlic butter and serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 rolls. It takes approximately 20 minutes to prepare, 1.5 hours for rising, and around 20 minutes to bake. In total, I set aside about 2 hours and 15 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

• I sometimes add shredded mozzarella or parmesan inside each dough ball for cheesy garlic rolls.

• For extra flavor, I mix a little Italian seasoning or chili flakes into the garlic butter.

• I also use roasted garlic instead of raw garlic for a milder, sweeter flavor.

storage/reheating

I store leftover garlic bread rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, I warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes, or briefly in the microwave for 15–20 seconds (wrapped in a damp paper towel to prevent drying out).

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight. I bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Do I have to use fresh garlic?

I prefer fresh garlic for the boldest flavor, but garlic powder works in a pinch—about 1 teaspoon for every 2 cloves.

Can I freeze these rolls?

Absolutely. I let the baked rolls cool completely, then wrap and freeze them. They keep well for up to 2 months. I reheat them in the oven straight from the freezer.

What type of herbs work well in the butter?

I like using parsley, but basil, oregano, or thyme also work great depending on the flavor I want.

Why didn’t my rolls rise properly?

Usually, it’s because the yeast was expired or the milk was too hot and killed the yeast. I always make sure my yeast is fresh and my milk is warm but not hot (around 110°F or 43°C).

Conclusion

Garlic Bread Rolls are the kind of homemade treat that turns a simple meal into something special. Once I made them myself, I realized how easy it is to have bakery-quality bread at home. Whether I serve them with pasta, soup, or just enjoy them plain, they never last long on the table.