Garlic Butter Bread Rolls Recipe

I recently discovered this garlic bread rolls recipe and I’m totally hooked. I love how the soft, fluffy dough is packed with fresh garlic and then elevated with that irresistible garlic herb butter. Every bite bursts with flavor, making it my go-to treat for a cozy dinner or a casual hangout with friends.

I love making garlic butter bread rolls because they are the perfect mix of soft, fluffy dinner rolls bursting with garlic flavor. I start with 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 2 teaspoons salt combined with a packet of yeast along with 1 cup warm milk and 1/2 cup warm water.

I mix in 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter and 1 large egg along with 8 cloves of fresh garlic (using half in the dough) to form a rich base. After letting the dough rise, I shape it into rolls.

Then I brush them with a garlic herb butter topping made by mixing 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter, 4 more cloves minced garlic, fresh parsley, and a pinch of salt. I think this recipe really brings out an easy homemade garlic butter taste that feels just right for dinner or even a Thanksgiving twist.

Its simple yet delicious flavor makes me feel proud of every batch I bake.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe because it gives me a sense of comfort whenever i make it. First, the rolls come out soft and fluffy every time even if i mess up a bit with the kneading. I like how the dough is loaded with garlic, which means every bite is packed with flavor. The garlicky herb butter brushed on top after baking makes them extra irresistible and reminds me of family dinners. Also, it fills my kitchen with an amazing aroma that makes me super excited every time i bake them. These little details make it a favorite of mine.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour gives the bread structure and offers hearty carbohydrates essential for energy.
• Granulated sugar adds subtle sweetness and helps feed yeast making the dough rise nicely.
• Salt boosts flavor and balances the taste while improving the overall texture.
• Active dry yeast helps the dough become soft and fluffy giving an airy bread feel.
• Warm milk and water create moist dough enriched with protein, ensuring a tender crumb.
• Butter and egg add richness with essential fats and protein for a better texture.
• Fresh garlic and herb topping intensify taste with a zesty aroma that delights.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 8 cloves fresh garlic, minced (use half in the dough and half later)
• For the garlic herb butter topping:
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• A pinch of salt

How to Make this

1. In a small bowl, mix the warm milk, warm water, sugar and active dry yeast and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it starts to froth.

2. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt and 4 cloves of minced garlic.

3. Add in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg into the dry ingredients then mix until a sticky dough starts to form.

4. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and soft.

5. Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl and cover it with a towel then let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour till its doubled in size.

6. After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into equal sized pieces, shaping them into rolls.

7. Arrange the rolls on a greased baking pan and let them rest for an extra 10 minutes while you preheat your oven to 375°F.

8. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until they are lightly browned on top.

9. While the rolls are baking, mix the softened butter with the 4 remaining cloves of minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.

10. When the rolls come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic herb butter and serve warm. Enjoy your garlic butter bread rolls!

Equipment Needed

1. Small bowl to mix the warm milk, water, sugar and yeast
2. Large bowl to combine the flour, salt and minced garlic
3. Measuring cups and spoons for accurately measuring all ingredients
4. Whisk or fork and a spoon for stirring liquids and mixing the dough
5. Greased bowl along with a kitchen towel to cover and let the dough rise
6. Floured countertop or cutting board to knead the dough
7. Baking pan (or sheet pan) that’s greased for arranging the shaped rolls
8. Oven preheated at 375°F for baking the rolls
9. Small bowl to blend the softened butter, additional garlic, parsley and salt for topping
10. Pastry brush to generously apply the garlic herb butter on the warm rolls
11. Knife and cutting board if you need to chop fresh parsley or garlic

FAQ

• Q: How do I know if my yeast is active?
  A: Make sure your milk and water are around 110°F. Mix the yeast in a little warm water with a pinch of sugar and wait about 5-10 minutes. If it gets foamy, it’s good to go.
• Q: Can I use garlic powder if I dont have fresh garlic?
  A: Yes, you can substitute garlic powder, but it wont give you the same punch of flavor as fresh minced garlic does.
• Q: What if I dont have a thermometer to check the milk temperature?
  A: If your milk feels just a little warm to the touch (around comfortable for a bath), you’re likely in the safe zone.
• Q: How do I know when the dough is ready to be shaped?
  A: The dough should double in size after the first rising, which usually takes about an hour, but it might vary depending on your kitchen.
• Q: How can I get the crust on my rolls a bit crispier?
  A: After baking, brush the rolls with the garlic herb butter topping. If you want them extra crispy, you can even pop them under the broiler for a couple of minutes. Just keep an eye on them so they dont burn.

Garlic Butter Bread Rolls Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you dont have all-purpose flour, you can try using bread flour instead. It gives a chewier texture that many folks enjoy.
• You can swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar. Just note that the flavor might change a bit so adjust to your taste.
• If active dry yeast isnt available, use instant yeast instead. Use it in the same amount and make sure it’s fresh.
• Instead of warm milk, almond milk works well. Heat it up to about 110°F to help activate the yeast.
• For the melted unsalted butter, salted butter is an okay substitute. Just cut back a touch on the salt in the recipe.

Pro Tips

1. Pro tip: make sure the milk and water are really warm but not hot because if they get too hot they can kill the yeast and your dough won’t rise like it’s supposed to.
2. Pro tip: don’t be afraid to get your hands messy – knead the dough until its smooth, but if you overdo it, the rolls might turn out too tough.
3. Pro tip: try letting the garlic herb butter sit for a few minutes before brushing it on the warm rolls so the flavors really get to mix and add a burst of taste.
4. Pro tip: if you want even more garlic flavor, you can roast some of the garlic before mixing it in, it also gives a softer, sweeter taste to your butter.