Garlic Butter Bread Rolls – Soft, Buttery & Perfectly Golden

Thank you so much for stopping by! If your heart melts at the smell of freshly baked bread, you’re going to love these Garlic Butter Bread Rolls. They’re pillowy-soft, rich with buttery garlic flavor, and finished with a golden crust that practically begs for a dip in soup, sauce, or just more butter!

This is one of those recipes that makes your whole kitchen smell like heaven. Whether you’re making them for a holiday dinner, a cozy weekend meal, or just to have a stash of something warm and comforting — these rolls never disappoint.

If you’re new here, be sure to subscribe to my recipe emails so you never miss a feel-good bake like this one!

What Are Garlic Butter Bread Rolls?

Garlic Butter Bread Rolls are soft, homemade dinner rolls brushed with a generous layer of melted butter infused with garlic, parsley, and sometimes Parmesan. They’re the perfect mix of fluffy inside and golden-brown outside, with just enough garlicky richness to make them unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Loaded with real garlic flavor
  • Soft and fluffy inside, golden outside
  • Perfect with soups, pastas, or on their own
  • Make-ahead friendly
  • Way better than store-bought

What Do Garlic Butter Rolls Taste Like?

Imagine your favorite soft dinner roll — but with a rich, garlicky butter glaze baked right in and brushed on again while warm. They’re slightly chewy on the outside, incredibly soft on the inside, and that buttery flavor? Next level.

Health Benefits (and Treat-Worthy Vibes!)

These rolls are more about comfort than clean eating — and that’s perfectly okay! But if you’re baking at home, you get to control:

  • The quality of your ingredients
  • The amount of salt and butter
  • Whether to add whole wheat flour or keep it classic
  • And they’re preservative-free!
Garlic Butter Bread Rolls

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 egg

For the Garlic Butter Topping:

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: 1 tbsp grated Parmesan

Tools You’ll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Dough hook or wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking dish or sheet
  • Pastry brush
  • Clean kitchen towel
  • Oven

Ingredient Substitutions & Additions

  • Use bread flour for a chewier roll
  • Sub plant-based milk and butter for a dairy-free version
  • Add cheese inside each roll for a melty surprise
  • Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning for a flavor twist

How to Make Garlic Butter Bread Rolls – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Add melted butter, egg, salt, and flour. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead for 8–10 minutes by hand or with a dough hook until smooth and elastic.

Step 3: Let It Rise

Cover the bowl with a towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape the Rolls

Punch down the dough and divide into 12 even pieces. Roll each into a ball and place in a greased baking dish or sheet pan.

Step 5: Second Rise

Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes, until puffy.

Step 6: Bake

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 7: Brush with Garlic Butter

While still warm, brush rolls with garlic butter mixture. Sprinkle with parsley and Parmesan if desired.

What to Serve with Garlic Butter Bread Rolls

  • Creamy soups (like tomato basil or potato leek)
  • Spaghetti or lasagna
  • Roasted chicken or turkey
  • Grilled veggies
  • Breakfast eggs & bacon (trust me on this!)

Tips for Perfect Bread Rolls

  • Don’t overheat the milk — it should feel warm but not hot
  • Knead until dough is soft and stretchy (windowpane test helps!)
  • Let the dough rise somewhere warm and draft-free
  • For extra golden tops, brush rolls with egg wash before baking
  • Always brush with garlic butter while rolls are still warm

Storage Instructions

  • Room temp: Store rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days
  • Freeze: Freeze baked rolls in a zip bag for up to 2 months
  • Reheat: Warm in oven at 300°F for 8–10 minutes or microwave for 15–20 seconds

General Info

  • Prep time: 15 minutes
  • Rise time: 90 minutes
  • Bake time: 20 minutes
  • Total time: About 2 hours
  • Yield: 12 rolls

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these ahead?

Yes! Make the dough and shape the rolls. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Let them rise at room temp before baking.

Can I use pre-made dough?

You can! Store-bought dough works in a pinch, though homemade is best for flavor.

What’s the best way to freeze them?

Freeze the rolls after baking, then thaw and reheat in the oven for fresh-baked flavor.

Conclusion: Why These Rolls Are Worth Every Minute

These Garlic Butter Bread Rolls are everything we love in a homemade bake: warm, buttery, garlicky, and deeply satisfying. They’re simple enough for a weeknight, special enough for a holiday, and absolutely irresistible fresh from the oven.

You’ll Also Love:

Show Me Your Rolls! 🧄

If you make this recipe, I’d love to see it!
📸 Tag @easyrecipesteps on Pinterest or Instagram and leave a review — your warm, buttery success deserves to be shared!

Nutritional Info (per roll – approx.)

  • Calories: 180
  • Carbs: 25g
  • Fat: 6g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Fiber: 1g

Let’s bake some love — and brush it in garlic butter.

Garlic Butter Bread Rolls

These soft, golden Garlic Butter Bread Rolls are brushed with garlicky herb butter for the ultimate homemade dinner roll experience. Perfect with soups, pastas, or straight from the pan.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Bread, Side
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2.25 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 egg
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for garlic butter topping)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (2–3 cloves)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
  • Pinch of salt (for garlic butter)
  • 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan (optional)

Equipment

  • large mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon or dough hook
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking dish or sheet pan
  • pastry brush
  • Kitchen towel
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add melted butter, egg, salt, and flour. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  4. Punch down dough and divide into 12 pieces. Roll each into a ball and place in greased baking dish.
  5. Cover and let rise 30–40 minutes until puffy.
  6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–22 minutes until golden brown.
  7. While still warm, brush with melted garlic butter and sprinkle with parsley and Parmesan, if using.

Nutrition

Calories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 4gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 70mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 220IUCalcium: 30mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Make ahead tip: Shape rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let rise at room temp before baking. These also freeze beautifully and reheat well.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating