Name: Garlic Bread Rolls
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet); 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C); 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (plus more for brushing); 2 large eggs; 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or mixed herbs (such as thyme and rosemary)

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Soft, fluffy, and brushed with rich garlic herb butter—these garlic bread rolls are everything I love about homemade dinner rolls with a flavorful twist. Infused with fresh garlic and topped with aromatic herbs, these rolls are perfect for the dinner table, especially during the holidays or whenever I’m craving cozy comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these garlic bread rolls bring together the comforting softness of traditional dinner rolls and the bold flavor of garlic bread. They’re made completely from scratch with real ingredients, including fresh garlic and herbs, giving them that authentic, homemade taste. Whether I’m serving them with pasta, roasted meats, or soup, they always steal the spotlight. Plus, they freeze and reheat beautifully! Garlic Bread Rolls

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Active dry yeast
Warm water
Sugar
Salt
Unsalted butter
Eggs
Fresh garlic
Fresh parsley or mixed herbs (like thyme and rosemary)

Directions

I start by activating the yeast in warm water with a bit of sugar until it’s foamy. This helps ensure a great rise.
Then, I mix the flour, salt, and garlic together in a bowl. I add the yeast mixture, butter, and eggs, and knead everything until the dough becomes soft and elastic.
I let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size—usually about an hour.
Once risen, I divide the dough into equal portions and shape them into rolls. I place them in a greased baking dish and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
I bake the rolls until golden brown and then brush them generously with melted garlic herb butter while they’re still warm.
For extra flavor, I sometimes sprinkle more chopped herbs or a pinch of flaky salt on top before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 rolls.
Prep time: 2 hours (including rising time)
Cook time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: About 2 hours and 30 minutes

Variations

I sometimes add grated parmesan or mozzarella inside the rolls for cheesy garlic bread rolls.
For a spicier version, I mix crushed red pepper flakes into the garlic butter.
To make them vegan, I substitute the butter with plant-based butter and use a flax egg in place of the regular egg.
For a sweeter contrast, I’ve brushed them with honey garlic butter—delicious with savory main dishes.

Storage/Reheating

Once the rolls are completely cooled, I store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, I wrap them in foil and warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes. For a quick fix, I microwave one roll at a time for 15–20 seconds.

To freeze, I let the rolls cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They stay fresh for up to 2 months. I thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned above. Garlic Bread Rolls

FAQs

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

I check if the dough has doubled in size and gently press it—if the indentation stays, it’s ready.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the dough a day ahead and let it rise in the fridge overnight. It saves time and makes the flavor even better.

What kind of herbs work best in the garlic butter?

I usually use parsley for a classic flavor, but thyme, rosemary, or chives also taste amazing.

Can I use pre-minced garlic?

Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but in a pinch, I’ve used pre-minced garlic. I just make sure it’s not packed in water or oil to avoid affecting the texture.

Why are my rolls dense and not fluffy?

Dense rolls usually mean the yeast wasn’t active or the dough wasn’t kneaded long enough. I always make sure my yeast is fresh and I knead the dough until smooth and elastic.

Conclusion

These garlic bread rolls are a go-to side dish I love making for any meal, whether it’s a casual dinner or a festive holiday spread. With their pillowy texture and rich garlic-herb flavor, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Once I made these from scratch, I never wanted to go back to store-bought rolls again.