You know that feeling when you walk into a restaurant and the smell of warm, freshly baked bread hits you? That’s the exact feeling I wanted to bottle up and bring into our home kitchens. These garlic bread rolls are my answer to that. More than just a side dish, they’re the star of the dinner table, transforming an ordinary weeknight meal into a special occasion. They’re soft, fluffy, and generously coated in a garlicky, herby butter that’s downright addictive. If you’ve ever been tempted to fill a swimming pool with garlic butter, you’ve found your people. Let’s get baking.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Garlic Bread Rolls
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, no fancy equipment needed.
- Unbeatable Flavor: Fresh garlic and herbs create a taste that blows store-bought versions out of the water.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family spaghetti night, a holiday feast, or a potluck with friends, these rolls are always a hit.
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare the dough ahead of time, making your day-of cooking a breeze.

Buttery Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe Baking Technique
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
Description
Learn to make homemade garlic bread rolls with our easy recipe baking tech Perfect buttery soft dinner rolls Stepbystep instructions
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Soft, fluffy homemade garlic bread rolls generously coated in a garlicky, herby butter. A simple recipe that transforms any meal into a special occasion.
- Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 rolls
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Fat: 11 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
Ingredients
For the Rolls
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
For the Garlic Herb Butter
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 4-5 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but recommended)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Equipment You’ll Need
- Stand mixer with a dough hook (or a large bowl and some strong arms!)
- Large mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Pastry brush

Step-by-Step Instructions
Activate the Yeast: In the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is how you know your yeast is alive and ready to make your rolls beautifully fluffy.
Make the Dough: Add the flour, salt, softened butter, and egg to the yeast mixture. Using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed until the ingredients come together. Then, increase the speed to medium and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it pulls away from the sides of the bowl. For a deeper dive into perfect dough, check out this guide on working with yeast from King Arthur Baking.
First Rise: Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, and turn it to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape the Rolls: Punch down the risen dough to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about ½-inch thick. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice the dough into 12-15 equal-sized strips. Roll each strip into a tight coil and place it in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Second Rise: Cover the baking dish and let the shaped rolls rise again for 30-45 minutes, until they’ve puffed up nicely.
Prepare the Garlic Butter: While the rolls are on their second rise, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the risen rolls generously with about half of the garlic butter mixture. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the tops are a beautiful golden brown.
Butter and Serve: As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush them with the remaining garlic butter. This is the key to maximum flavor and that gorgeous glisten. Let them cool for a few minutes before pulling them apart and serving.

Tips for the Best Garlic Bread Rolls Ever
My family went through a serious “bread phase,” and let me tell you, I’ve learned a thing or two. For rolls that are soft and never dry, make sure your water is warm but not hot. Too much heat will zap the yeast. If you’re short on time, you can let the dough do its first rise in the fridge overnight—just give it a few hours to come to room temperature before shaping. Don’t skip the second brush of garlic butter right after baking; it soaks into the warm rolls and creates an incredible depth of flavor. And if you have leftovers (a rare occurrence in my house!), they make the best garlic bread croutons for a salad.
What to Serve With Your Rolls
These garlic bread rolls are the ultimate companion to so many dishes! They’re a must-have with a big, comforting bowl of Creamy Tomato Soup for dipping. They also pair perfectly with a hearty Weeknight Pasta or a simple green salad for a complete meal. Honestly, they’re so good you might just forget about the main course.
Nutrition Information
Approximate values per roll (based on 12 rolls): Calories: 220, Fat: 11g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Carbohydrates: 27g, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 2g, Protein: 4g.
There’s something so satisfying about pulling a tray of golden, buttery, homemade garlic bread rolls out of your own oven. The aroma alone is worth the effort, but the taste? That’s what keeps everyone coming back to the table. It’s a simple recipe that feels like a grand gesture, perfect for nourishing both body and soul. I’d love to hear how your baking adventure goes—share your pictures and stories with me!
Your Garlic Bread Roll Questions, Answered
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
You can! Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but in a pinch, you can substitute ½ to ¾ teaspoon of garlic powder for the fresh minced garlic in the butter sauce.
How should I store leftover garlic bread rolls?
Store any leftover rolls (lucky you!) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They are best reheated in the oven or a toaster oven to bring back their crisp exterior.
Can I freeze these rolls?
Absolutely. These rolls freeze beautifully. Once baked and cooled completely, place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven before serving.
Can I make the dough in a bread machine?
Yes, you can. Add the liquid ingredients to the pan first, followed by the dry ingredients (holding the salt slightly away from the direct touch of the yeast). Use the dough cycle, then proceed with shaping and baking as directed.
More Bread Recipes You’ll Adore
If you loved making (and eating!) these rolls, you have to try your hand at my super simple No-Knead Artisan Bread. It’s shockingly easy and delivers a gorgeous, crusty loaf perfect for any meal.
