Rosemary Garlic Dinner Rolls Recipe

If you’re craving soft, fluffy, and fragrant bread that practically melts in your mouth, then you’re in for a treat with this Rosemary Garlic Dinner Rolls Recipe. I absolutely love how these rolls come out—perfectly tender with a subtle herbal kick from fresh rosemary and a comforting garlic aroma that fills the kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or just want a comforting side, these are the rolls you’ll want to make again and again.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

I trust simple, fresh ingredients that give these rosemary garlic dinner rolls their amazing flavor and texture. You’ll find that quality matters, especially with herbs and butter, so grab the best you can get.

• Water: Warm water helps activate the yeast—make sure it’s about 110°F, not too hot or you might kill the yeast.
• Melted Butter: Adds richness and tenderness to the rolls.
• Milk: Using milk helps give the rolls a soft crumb and subtle sweetness.
• Honey: Sweetens gently and feeds the yeast for a good rise.
• Active-Dry Yeast: The magic that makes your dough rise and become fluffy.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of your dough—start with 3 1/2 cups, but have a bit extra ready to adjust the dough’s texture.
• Fresh Rosemary: Finely chopped for that fragrant herbal note.
• Fine Sea Salt: Enhances all the flavors without being overpowering.
• Garlic Powder: Boosts the garlic flavor without wetting your dough.
• Flaky Sea Salt (optional): A sprinkle on top adds that gourmet finish after baking.
• Butter and Garlic for Garlic Herb Butter: Melted butter infused with sliced garlic and fresh parsley to brush on warm rolls.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, bright color and flavor to the garlic butter.

Variations

I like to keep this Rosemary Garlic Dinner Rolls Recipe flexible to fit different moods or dietary needs—feel free to experiment and make it your own. That’s part of the fun!

• Cheesy Rolls: Adding shredded parmesan or mozzarella into the dough gave my family an exciting twist they begged me to repeat.
• Vegan Option: Swap out butter for olive oil and use a plant-based milk to make these rolls vegan—still deliciously soft and flavorful.
• Herb Mix: Try adding thyme or oregano with the rosemary to customize the herbal flavor profile.
• Garlic Butter Variations: I sometimes fold roasted garlic into the butter instead of sliced garlic for a mellow, sweet garlic flavor.

How to Make Rosemary Garlic Dinner Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Warm the Liquid Ingredients Perfectly

Start by combining the water and melted butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the milk and honey, stirring until everything’s blended and warmed to around 110°F. This temperature feels warm to the touch but not hot—you want to wake up your yeast without killing it. When I first tried rushing this step with hotter liquid, my dough didn’t rise well. So trust me on this temperature check!

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

Pour your warm liquid mixture into your mixing bowl and sprinkle the yeast on top. Give it a quick stir so it’s evenly moistened, then let it sit for 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture becomes foamy and bubbly, like it’s alive and kicking. This step always excites me because I know great rolls are on their way!

Step 3: Combine and Knead the Dough

Next, add in most of your flour (about 3 1/2 cups), the finely chopped rosemary, salt, and garlic powder. If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, use it on medium-low speed until things come together. Your dough will still be a bit sticky—that’s okay! Slowly add a little more flour, 1/4 cup at a time, only until the dough pulls away from the bowl sides but stays slightly tacky. I discovered that adding too much flour makes rolls dense, so resist the urge to add too much!

If you don’t have a mixer, no worries: after mixing briefly in a bowl, transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead by hand for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 4: First Rise—Keep It Short and Sweet

Shape your dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp towel or foil, then leave it somewhere warm to rest for 15 minutes. This brief rise gives your dough a nice puff without the wait of traditional bread making. When I started making this recipe, this part surprised me by working so quickly, and I loved the convenience.

Step 5: Shape Your Rolls

Lightly punch down the dough and divide it into 15 pieces. I use a kitchen scale to keep them evenly sized, but rough estimates work too. Roll each into a smooth ball and place them side-by-side in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover again with a damp towel or foil and let them rise another 15 to 20 minutes. They should look puffy and ready to bake.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 400°F (if you haven’t yet), and bake the rolls uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes. Watch closely near the end—you want the tops nicely browned but not burnt. I learned to keep an eye here because ovens can vary, and you don’t want dry rolls. Once baked, transfer the pan to a rack to cool just a bit before adding the finishing touch.

Step 7: Make the Garlic Herb Butter and Brush On

While the rolls bake, melt butter over low heat and add thinly sliced garlic. Let it gently simmer for 2 minutes to infuse the buttery goodness. Then strain out the garlic slices (unless you want to keep them—just mince finely!), stir in fresh parsley, and brush this heavenly garlic butter over the warm rolls right out of the oven. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top adds the perfect crunch and flavor boost.

How to Serve Rosemary Garlic Dinner Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

I love brushing on that homemade garlic herb butter and finishing with a pinch of flaky sea salt—it feels indulgent and adds a slight crunch. Sometimes I sprinkle extra fresh chopped rosemary or parsley for color and an extra burst of freshness right before serving.

Side Dishes

These rosemary garlic dinner rolls are my go-to side for roasted chicken, hearty stews, or creamy soups. They soak up sauces beautifully and balance rich dishes nicely. You’ll also find they pair wonderfully with salads dressed lightly in lemon or vinaigrettes to cut through the buttery richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, I arranged rolls in a circular pattern on a round baking platter, brushed them with garlic butter, and topped each with a tiny sprig of rosemary. It makes for a stunning centerpiece at holiday dinners or celebratory meals. You can also separate the rolls slightly and drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil infused with herbs on top for a rustic presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover rolls store best in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. I learned keeping them wrapped tightly prevents them from drying out, but they’re always best fresh. Warming slightly before eating brings back that soft texture I love.

Freezing

I occasionally freeze leftover rolls once fully cooled. To freeze, I wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag. They keep well up to one month without losing their soft texture. When you want to eat, just thaw overnight on the counter.

Reheating

To reheat, I preheat my oven to 350°F, wrap the rolls in foil to lock moisture, and warm for about 10 minutes. Then, I unwrap and brush with a little extra garlic butter or olive oil if desired before serving—just like fresh-baked all over again!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Rosemary Garlic Dinner Rolls Recipe has become one of my favorites because it’s quick, approachable, and just downright delicious. Whenever I pull a pan of these out of the oven, my family gathers around immediately—there’s truly nothing like soft, fragrant rolls to bring people together. Give this recipe a try; I promise you’ll enjoy the process and the lovely results. Happy baking, friend!

Print