Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe

If you’ve been craving soft, fluffy dinner rolls that pack a punch of flavor, you absolutely need to try this Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe. I promise you, these rolls come out golden, buttery, and irresistibly garlicky—perfect for any meal or even just a cozy snack. Stick with me here, because I’m sharing all my tips and tricks so you can nail this at home, even if you’ve never made rolls from scratch before. Trust me, once you try these, your family and friends will be asking for seconds (and thirds) every time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe plays a key role in crafting tender, flavorful rolls. I always recommend using fresh yeast and warm milk for a perfect rise, and real butter for that rich, melt-in-your-mouth taste.

• Whole milk: Warm milk activates the yeast and tenderizes the dough, making it soft and rich.
• Active dry yeast or instant yeast: This is the magic behind your rolls’ rise—make sure it’s fresh and not expired.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds just a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
• All-purpose flour: Forms the structure of your rolls, so choose a good quality brand for best results.
• Egg: Adds richness and helps bind the dough together for a perfect crumb.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Gives tenderness and flavor; don’t skip softening it ahead of time.
• Egg yolk and milk (for egg wash): This gives your rolls that irresistible golden, glossy finish.
• Salted butter (for garlic butter): For that luscious topping that melts into every bite.
• Garlic cloves: Freshly chopped garlic makes all the difference—skip the powder for this one.
• Fresh parsley: Adds color, freshness, and a hint of herbal brightness to cut through the richness.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe to match the mood or occasion. Whether you’re making these for a holiday dinner or a quick weeknight meal, adding your personal twist makes it all the more special.

• Cheesy Twist: Adding shredded cheddar or parmesan right into the dough or as a topping before baking adds a melty, savory surprise my family adores.
• Herb Infusion: Mix fresh rosemary or thyme into the garlic butter for a fragrant kick that pairs beautifully with roasted meats.
• Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the butter gives these rolls an exciting edge—I’m hooked on this variation for game day snacks.
• Gluten-Free Version: Though a bit trickier, swapping in a good gluten-free flour blend and slightly adjusting the liquid can yield tasty results.

How to Make Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast & Combine Ingredients

Start by warming your milk to about 110°F—it should feel warm but not hot to the touch, like a cozy bath. Stir in the yeast until it dissolves and bubbles a bit, signaling it’s ready to work its magic. Next, add your sugar, flour, egg, salt, and softened butter directly into the same bowl. You’ll find the dough looks shaggy at this point—that’s totally normal and exactly what you want before kneading.

Step 2: Knead Until Perfectly Smooth and Elastic

Turn the dough onto a clean surface and knead using a push-pull motion with your palms for about 15 minutes. It’s sticky at first, which threw me off the first time I made these—I wanted to add more flour! Resist that urge. With patience, the dough becomes smooth and stretchy. You’ll know you’re done kneading when it passes the “windowpane test”—stretch a piece gently between your fingers until it’s thin and translucent without tearing. This texture tells you the gluten is well-developed, which means soft, fluffy rolls.

Step 3: First Rise in a Warm, Humid Spot

Place your dough into a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with cling wrap. I usually pop mine into a warm spot in the kitchen—like the top of the fridge or inside the oven with just the light on—to create a cozy environment. After about 90 minutes, the dough should at least double in size (sometimes mine rises faster depending on the day). This rise is what makes your rolls light and airy.

Step 4: Shape and Second Rise

Punch down the dough gently (I like to imagine releasing all the built-up air bubbles) and turn it out onto a clean surface. Divide it into 12 equal pieces and shape each into a tight, smooth ball—this is my favorite part because you get to feel the dough’s transformation. I hold one palm flat and use the other to twist and tuck the dough underneath, making sure there are no wrinkles. Arrange your rolls on a parchment-lined 9×13” pan, leaving some space so they can puff up nicely. Then brush generously with egg wash and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy.

Step 5: Bake and Brush with Garlic Butter

Preheat your oven to 350°F about 20 minutes before baking. Just before sliding the rolls in, brush them with another coat of egg wash for that beautiful golden crust. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until the tops are golden and glossy. While the rolls bake, melt butter in a small saucepan, sauté the garlic just until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes), then stir in the fresh parsley. The moment you pull your warm rolls from the oven, brush them with this garlicky butter and watch everyone swoon.

How to Serve Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a light dusting of parmesan right after brushing the garlic butter—adds a beautiful pop of color and flavor. Sometimes a few flaky sea salt crystals on top bring these rolls to the next level of savory perfection.

Side Dishes

These rolls pair beautifully with hearty soups like tomato basil, classic chicken noodle, or even alongside a big salad and roasted chicken. I’ve also served them with pasta dinners and creamy casseroles—and honestly, they soak up gravy and sauces like champs.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love arranging the rolls in a wreath shape on a platter, brushing the garlic butter over the whole wreath just before serving. It’s festive, extra inviting, and perfect for sharing. Another fun idea: bake the rolls in individual ramekins or muffin tins for a cute, pull-apart presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover rolls in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature—they stay soft and tasty for about 2 days. To keep them fresh longer, I add a small slice of bread inside the container to maintain humidity and prevent drying out.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully—just let them cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. When you want them, thaw at room temperature or overnight in the fridge. I’ve found freezing actually helps if you want to prep ahead for a big meal.

Reheating

To reheat, I wrap the rolls in foil and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. Then, I brush a little extra garlic butter on top to freshen up the flavor and restore that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Microwave can work in a pinch, but it tends to dry them out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it captures everything I want from homemade bread—comfort, flavor, and a little bit of magic with every bite. I hope you take the leap to make them yourself; the process is as rewarding as the delicious results, and you’ll impress anyone lucky enough to share them with you. Happy baking, friend!

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