Name: Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
Prep time: PT-488376H25M24S
Cook time: PT-488376H25M24S
Total time: PT-488376H25M24S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Dough: Warm milk; Active dry yeast; Sugar; All-purpose flour; Salt; Melted butter; Egg; For the Garlic Butter Topping: Butter; Garlic, minced; Fresh parsley, chopped; Sea salt (for topping)

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I love making these Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls because they’re soft, pillowy, and bursting with rich garlic butter flavor. They’re perfect as a side for pasta, soups, roasted meats, or any dinner where warm, fluffy rolls are a must. These rolls feel special enough for holiday dinners but easy enough for any weeknight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These classic dinner rolls are elevated with a generous coating of garlic butter and fresh herbs, giving them that irresistible garlic bread taste. The texture is light and tender, yet sturdy enough to hold up to hearty meals. Making them from scratch is surprisingly simple, especially if you have a stand mixer with a dough hook. Plus, they use basic pantry ingredients that are easy to keep on hand. Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

Ingredients

Warm milk
Active dry yeast
Sugar
All-purpose flour
Salt
Melted butter
Egg
Garlic
Fresh parsley
Sea salt (for topping)

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

Directions

Mix warm milk, yeast, and sugar in a bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
Add flour, salt, melted butter, and egg to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the dough with a dough hook on low speed for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding flour if sticky.
Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
Grease a 9″x13″ baking pan. Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball. Arrange the balls in the pan with some space between them. Cover and let rise for another 1 to 2 hours until puffy.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the rolls with an egg wash and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
While the rolls bake, melt butter in a small saucepan, add minced garlic, and cook until fragrant.
Brush the warm rolls generously with garlic butter, then sprinkle with fresh parsley and flaky sea salt. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 dinner rolls. The total time, including rising and baking, is about 3 to 4 hours, but most of this is hands-off waiting time.

Variations

Add grated Parmesan or shredded cheese on top before baking for cheesy garlic rolls.
Swap parsley for fresh thyme or rosemary for a different herbal note.
Use whole wheat flour for a heartier texture, though the rolls will be denser.

Storage and reheating

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving, and brush with extra garlic butter if desired.

FAQs

Can I knead the dough by hand?

Yes, kneading by hand takes about 12-15 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Can I prepare the dough the night before?

You can refrigerate the dough after the first rise and bake the rolls the next day. Just bring the dough to room temperature before shaping.

What if I don’t have fresh garlic?

Use garlic powder or roasted garlic for a milder flavor.

Can I freeze these rolls?

Yes, freeze baked rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

How do I get a soft crust?

Cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel as they cool to retain moisture and keep the crust soft.

Conclusion

These Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are a favorite in my kitchen because they combine classic, fluffy bread with rich garlic butter and fresh herbs. They’re perfect for elevating any meal and easy enough to make from scratch at home. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a simple dinner, these rolls always bring smiles around the table.