Garlic Bread Rolls

Garlic bread rolls fresh from the oven are the kind of thing that makes you pause mid-bite and close your eyes. They’re warm, buttery, swirled with real garlic and herbs, and honestly? They smell like a hug. If you’re looking for a cozy side to serve with soup or pasta, you just found it. These garlic bread rolls are soft on the inside, golden on the outside, and every bite is a little celebration of comfort food at its best.

Why You’ll Love These Garlic Bread Rolls

These rolls are impossibly fluffy thanks to a simple enriched dough that comes together without fuss. The outside turns a beautiful golden color while the inside stays pillowy and soft. Each roll gets brushed with real melted butter infused with garlic and herbs, making them downright irresistible. You can serve them with anything from soups to salads to roasts, and they freeze like a dream if you’re planning ahead. They’re the perfect make-ahead for holidays, family dinners, or honestly just a carb-craving Tuesday.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough

• 3½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm milk (about 100°F)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 egg, room temperature

For the Garlic Herb Butter

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 Activate the Yeast

In a large bowl, stir together warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it starts to foam. That frothy top means the yeast is alive and ready to work.

Step 2 Mix and Knead the Dough

Add in the flour, salt, egg, and softened butter. Mix everything until a shaggy dough forms. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and slightly tacky. If it’s sticking to your hands, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it’s just right.

Step 3 First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 4 Shape the Rolls

Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, tucking the edges underneath so they bake up round and smooth. Arrange them in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish or round pan with a little space between each one.

Step 5 Second Rise

Cover the rolls and let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy. While they rise, preheat your oven to 375°F.

Step 6 Bake and Butter

Bake the rolls for 18 to 22 minutes or until they’re golden brown on top. While they’re baking, stir together the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and parsley. As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush that garlicky butter all over the tops. It’ll sizzle a little and soak right in.

Tips for the Softest Rolls Every Time

• Measure your flour using a spoon and level method or a kitchen scale. Too much flour = dense rolls.
• Don’t skip the second rise. That puffiness is what gives these rolls their signature soft texture.
• Make sure your milk isn’t too hot. Around 100°F is the sweet spot. If it’s too warm, it could kill the yeast.
• If your kitchen is cold, let the dough rise in your (off) oven with the light on for a cozy, warm space.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Once cooled, store your garlic bread rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in a 300°F oven wrapped in foil for 10 minutes. You can also freeze baked rolls for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temp and warm before serving. Want to freeze them before baking? Shape the dough balls, flash freeze on a tray, and then transfer to a freezer bag. Let them thaw and rise before baking like normal.

Serving Ideas

These garlic bread rolls are the perfect match for hearty soups, saucy pastas, or cozy casseroles. Try serving them with this pumpkin bread for the ultimate comfort combo. Craving something crustier too? This crusty Italian bread is a rustic option you’ll love having in your bread basket. For a full restaurant-style dinner at home, pair the rolls with this creamy Olive Garden-style chicken gnocchi soup that tastes just like the real thing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Try these garlic bread rolls and let me know how they turn out! Leave a comment below or tag @ElyRecipes if you post your warm, fluffy batch on Instagram.

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