Garlic Dinner Rolls Recipe

Soft, fluffy, and truly irresistible, these Garlic Dinner Rolls are the kind of bread you’ll find yourself craving for days after the pan is empty. Picture a pillowy homemade roll, fragrant with garlic-infused butter, tucked with fresh herbs and golden edges that crunch gently before melting into delicate chewiness. Whether you’re planning a cozy family meal or wowing guests at your next gathering, these rolls will steal the show and have everyone reaching for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the backbone of these Garlic Dinner Rolls—simple ingredients that each lend something magical, from tenderness to flavor and golden color. Don’t be intimidated if you’re new to bread-making! Every component has a role to play, and your kitchen will smell incredible as they come together.

• Whole Milk (1 cup, warmed): Gives the rolls a soft, rich crumb and helps bloom the yeast for that essential rise.
• Active Dry Yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons): The secret to fluffy, air-pocket-laden dinner rolls—make sure it’s fresh for the best results!
• Granulated Sugar (2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon): Wakes up the yeast and adds just a hint of sweetness for balance.
• Large Eggs (2, lightly beaten): Enrich the dough, making every bite tender and full-bodied.
• Unsalted Butter (¼ cup, melted and cooled): Encourages a supple, fragrant dough—plus more for brushing the tops!
• Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Distributes garlicky goodness evenly throughout the rolls themselves.
• Salt (1 ½ teaspoons): Don’t skimp; salt enhances flavor and brings everything together.
• Bread Flour (3 ½ to 4 cups, plus more as needed): The higher protein content means chewier, higher-rising rolls.
• Fresh Rosemary (¾ tablespoon, chopped): Lends earthy, aromatic bursts to every bite.
• Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, finely chopped and fully patted dry): Adds flecks of color and a clean, herby flavor.
• Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon): Brings a Mediterranean twist to the background flavor notes.
• Unsalted Butter (6 tablespoons, melted): For the signature garlic herb butter brushed on top.
• Italian Seasoning (½ tablespoon): Infuses the garlic butter with extra depth and warmth.
• Fresh Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Rich, pungent, and completely essential for peak garlic flavor.

How to Make Garlic Dinner Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start with warm milk in your stand mixer bowl—think cozy, not hot, since anything above 115 degrees F will harm the yeast. Sprinkle in a teaspoon of sugar and your active dry yeast, then let it sit for 10–15 minutes. You’ll see the mixture turn foamy and bubbly, a satisfying sign that your yeast is alive and well. If it doesn’t get frothy, don’t fret—just grab fresh yeast and start again.

Step 2: Make the Dough

It’s time to build the flavor foundation! Attach your dough hook, and on medium speed, blend in the rest of the sugar, beaten eggs, cooled melted butter, garlic powder, and salt. Everything should come together into a rich, velvety mixture. The aroma at this stage already hints at the savory Garlic Dinner Rolls to come.

Step 3: Incorporate the Flour and Herbs

With the mixer on medium-low, add bread flour a cup at a time, pausing to scrape the bowl as you go. Once you’re at around 3 cups, start adding more flour in 1/4-cup increments until the dough is easy to handle—soft, moist, and only slightly tacky. Boost the mixer to high and knead for about 3 minutes (or work by hand for 8–10 minutes) until you get a smooth, elastic dough. Sprinkle in the rosemary, parsley, and oregano, letting them swirl into the dough until everything is evenly speckled with herbs.

Step 4: Knead and First Rise

Tip the dough onto a lightly floured surface, then knead by hand for a few minutes to perfect the texture. The dough should feel alive and springy, bouncing back slowly when pressed with your finger. Tuck it into a lightly oiled bowl, coat it gently with oil, and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Let it rest in a warm space for about one hour. It’ll double in size, becoming puffy and ready to shape.

Step 5: Shape and Second Rise

Once your dough is airy and doubled, punch it down to release any excess air. Divide in half, then cut each half into six, shaping the pieces into neat little balls. Pinch the bottoms to seal, and arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Cover again and let rise for another hour or so, until doubled once more. Watching these Garlic Dinner Rolls grow is half the fun!

Step 6: Bake and Finish

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Mix up the garlic herb butter by combining melted butter, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic. Brush generously over the risen rolls—don’t be shy! Bake for 18–20 minutes until the tops turn a glorious golden-brown and the kitchen smells, frankly, irresistible. As soon as they’re out, brush again with a little more melted butter for a glossy, decadent finish. Serve while still warm and bask in the compliments!

How to Serve Garlic Dinner Rolls

Garnishes

For an eye-catching finish, sprinkle a touch of flaky sea salt and a scattering of fresh chopped parsley over the still-warm rolls. Not only does this boost flavor, but it also brings out the beautiful golden tones. Grated parmesan or a drizzle of extra garlic butter can take things over the top if you’re feeling indulgent.

Side Dishes

Garlic Dinner Rolls play well with just about any entrée, but they’re especially dreamy alongside hearty pasta dishes, creamy soups, or classic roast chicken. Let them soak up brothy stews or provide a buttery companion to salads for a full-flavored meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile the rolls high in a rustic basket lined with a linen towel, or arrange them on a wooden board with olive oil and balsamic for dunking. For a fun dinner party twist, serve each roll in an individual ramekin, brushed with extra garlic butter and fresh herbs, and watch them disappear.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow end up with extra Garlic Dinner Rolls, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll stay soft and flavorful, ready to round out any meal or serve as an irresistible snack.

Freezing

Want to plan ahead? You absolutely can! Once cooled, tightly wrap your rolls in foil and then place them inside a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months, and you can reheat them straight from frozen when you need a quick homemade bread fix.

Reheating

To bring Garlic Dinner Rolls back to their just-baked glory, warm them in a 300 degree F oven for 8-10 minutes (longer if frozen). For a quick option, a few seconds in the microwave works, but be sure to cover them with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture and softness.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Absolutely! Substitute in an equal amount of instant yeast and skip the activation step. Just add the instant yeast directly with the dry ingredients, and continue as usual. The rise times may be slightly shorter, so keep an eye on the dough.

Do I really need bread flour, or can I use all-purpose?

Bread flour is best for chewy, fluffy Garlic Dinner Rolls, but you can use all-purpose in a pinch. The texture will be slightly less chewy and more tender, but the rolls will still rise and taste fantastic.

What’s the best way to make the dough rise if my kitchen is cold?

An easy hack: briefly preheat your oven to the lowest setting, switch it off, then place your covered bowl inside with the door closed. This creates a cozy, draft-free environment to encourage that lovely rise.

Can I prep the dough ahead of time?

Yes! After the first rise, shape the dough into balls, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let them come to room temperature and finish the second rise before baking fresh Garlic Dinner Rolls.

How do I keep the rolls extra soft?

Cover the rolls as they cool with a clean kitchen towel. This helps trap steam and keeps them delightfully pillowy. Don’t skimp on the butter, either—it enhances softness and flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to wow your favorite people and treat yourself to something special, give these Garlic Dinner Rolls a try. Homemade bread doesn’t get much better than this—so pull out your apron, turn up the tunes, and get ready for a baking adventure everyone will remember!

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