Okay, fellow food lover, I have to spill the tea on these Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls I just made—they’re next-level drool-worthy. Picture this: the first bite hits you with a perfect combo of rich, buttery garlic flavor that’s savory but not overpowering, with this subtle sweetness from the dough that balances everything out. These rolls are soft garlic rolls that almost melt in your mouth, leaving behind a little garlicky warmth that lingers just enough to make you want to reach for another one. Honestly, it’s that backyard-restaurant-meets-homemade vibe that hits so right.
I was seriously craving something cozy and comforting, and these Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls delivered hardcore. I love homemade dinner rolls because they have that personal touch you can’t get from store-bought stuff—the kind where every bite shows you took your time and didn’t cut corners (but still easy enough, wink). Plus, buttery garlic dinner buns are basically my weakness. From mixing the dough to brushing on the garlic butter glaze, the whole kitchen smelled like the coziest garlic-infused dream.
If you’ve ever wanted to whip up fluffy garlic bread rolls that disappear as soon as they hit the table, this recipe is for you. You don’t have to be a pastry pro either; this easy dinner roll recipe has your back with clear steps and flavorful results. I can’t wait for you to try them and taste what I mean—your next meal is about to get seriously upgraded. And hey, if you love this, you’ve got to check out more garlic goodness like Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Creamy Mashed Potatoes or the flair of Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon. You’re welcome.
What You Need
Here’s everything you need to make these Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls absolutely crave-worthy:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (splurge on fresh-milled if you want those extra soft garlic rolls to be next level)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (grab this from the baking aisle or the international section of your grocery store for freshness)
- ½ cup whole milk, warmed (warming brings out that buttery soft texture in your homemade dinner rolls)
- ¼ cup sugar (I go heavy on the sugar to get that perfect golden crust on these buttery garlic dinner buns)
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for brushing) (swapping salted butter changes how salty and rich your garlic butter dinner rolls taste, so pick based on preference)
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 large eggs, room temp (this helps with the fluffiness of your fluffy garlic bread rolls)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (the real garlic star—freshly minced, not powder, makes these garlic butter dinner rolls pop!)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional but this little green sprinkle is a flavor and look upgrade for your easy dinner roll recipe)
Pro tip: Store your yeast in the fridge sealed up tight to keep it active longer. If you don’t want to mince garlic every time, prepping a garlic butter mix in advance and freezing it in portions is a lifesaver.
If you want a ready-made shortcut, there’s a killer take on this kind of bread over at Cambrea Bakes’ garlic bread rolls, which might inspire your next twist.
These ingredients make sure your Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls bring all the cozy, buttery, garlicky vibes straight to your plate.
How to Make It
Let’s get into every fluffy step of making these Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls—your kitchen is about to smell like garlic heaven.
- Activate your yeast: Warm the milk to around 110°F and sprinkle the yeast over it with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy. This is your shiny golden ticket to fluffy garlic bread rolls.
- Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs with melted butter and garlic. Pour the foamy yeast mixture and your butter-garlic egg mix into the dry ingredients. Stir until it pulls together in a sticky dough.
- Knead the dough: Turn it onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. This step is where the magic happens with your Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls’ soft texture. If the dough feels sticky, sprinkle a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much or your rolls will be dense.
- First rise: Shape dough into a ball, place it in a greased bowl, and cover with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1-1.5 hours until doubled. This slow rise makes homemade dinner rolls gently puff up into fluffy perfection.
- Shape your rolls: Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and place close together in a baking dish. Cover again and let rise for 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat and brush: Get your oven heating to 375°F. Mix softened butter with more garlic and parsley, and generously brush over the tops of your buttery garlic dinner buns. Bonus points for brushing again after baking for that glossy finish.
- Bake: Pop them in the oven for about 20 minutes until golden and gorgeous. Your Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls should have a soft crust that invites you to tear into them immediately.
Bonus: The smell of these Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls will have everyone asking what’s cooking. Trust me, your counters will be crowded with fork-wielding friends before you know it. If you want a shortcut, Vikalinka’s garlic butter dinner rolls have a similar approach that’s all about speed and flavor.
Serving This Up
Drooling yet? These Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls deserve some killer pairings that make any meal pop.
Serve these soft garlic rolls alongside comfort foods like roasted chicken or your favorite garlicky salmon, maybe even the buttery goodness of Garlic Butter Salmon Delight. The rolls soak up sauces beautifully, making every bite juicy and flavorful.
They shine at gatherings where you want to impress with minimal fuss—think holiday dinners, casual weekend feasts, or any time you crave a little extra love on the table.
For a fun twist, split the rolls and make mini garlic sandwiches with melty cheese or fresh herbs. Or toast leftover rolls for breakfast with eggs and avocado—fluffy garlic bread rolls taste amazing any time.
Plating tip: Arrange in a rustic basket with a bowl of herb butter for dipping. It’s effortless but totally ‘gram-worthy for those foodie feeds.
The crowd at my last family dinner could not get enough—these Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls disappeared fast. Even picky eaters were sneaking seconds.
If you want some inspo on how these buttery garlic dinner buns can elevate any meal, check out this easy garlic butter dinner rolls recipe for more ideas.
Your Questions Answered
Q: How do I make this Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls extra flavorful?
A: Loading up on fresh garlic and adding chopped parsley gives these rolls a bright, fresh twist. Brushing them with extra garlic butter right after baking seals in that punch. I’ve played with adding parmesan on top before baking—big win for umami lovers!
Q: Can I meal prep this Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls?
A: Yes! Make the dough ahead, shape the rolls, and refrigerate before the second rise. When ready to bake, let them warm and rise a bit before popping in the oven. They still come out soft and buttery every time.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls without losing quality?
A: Wrap leftovers in foil and warm at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warm. Avoid microwaving since it can make them gummy. A quick toast with fresh garlic butter works wonders too!
Q: Can I freeze these homemade dinner rolls?
A: Absolutely. Freeze after baking or right after shaping (before second rise). When ready, thaw at room temp and bake or reheat. Freezing keeps the buttery garlic dinner buns tasting fresh.
Q: What makes these softer than store-bought rolls?
A: The milk and eggs add moisture and richness, plus the gentle kneading and multiple rises help build that fluffy garlic bread rolls texture.
Q: How to avoid dense rolls?
A: Don’t add too much flour when kneading. Also, make sure your yeast is active and dough is properly risen before baking.
Q: Can I customize the garlic butter topping?
A: Yes! Swap parsley for rosemary or thyme, add chili flakes for a little heat, or sprinkle with sea salt for crunch.
The flavor-packed Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are a total crowd pleaser and worth all the attention they get. For more garlic roll inspiration, check out Cambrea Bakes’ garlic bread rolls.
Final Bites
This Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls recipe will totally earn a spot in your meal rotation because it hits that perfect balance of soft, buttery, and garlicky every single time. Once you nail it, these rolls will be your secret weapon for any meal needing that cozy sidekick.
My Foodie Tips:
- Use room-temp eggs and warm milk to get the fluffiest rolls.
- Don’t skip the garlic butter brush after baking—it’s what makes these buttery garlic dinner buns shine bright.
- Knead with love but don’t overdo it; you want tender, soft garlic bread rolls, not tough ones.
Try variations like adding cheese inside for a gooey center, swapping some flour for whole wheat for a nutty flavor, or tossing herbs into the dough for a fresh twist. Cheese-stuffed rolls get the loudest cheers at my table!
Above all, play with this recipe and make it yours. There’s no wrong way to add garlic butter magic to your dinner rolls. I’m so pumped for you to try and share your bites—do yourself a favor and get these Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls baking ASAP. I know once you taste that first soft, garlicky bite, you’re hooked for life!
For a little extra inspiration while you wait for your kitchen to fill with garlic aroma, check out this garlic butter dinner rolls post from Vikalinka.
Let’s get rolling—these Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are the cozy, flavor-packed treat you didn’t even know you needed today!
Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
Fluffy, buttery dinner rolls infused with rich garlic flavor, perfect as a comforting side for any meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 tsp sugar in warm milk. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
- Add melted butter, egg, and garlic to the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
- Pour wet ingredients into the flour mixture and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal portions. Shape each into a ball and place in a greased baking dish.
- Cover and let rise for another 30–45 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush rolls with melted butter.
- Bake rolls for 18–20 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and immediately brush with remaining melted garlic butter and sprinkle parsley on top.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
For an extra cheesy twist, sprinkle shredded parmesan on top before baking or serve with garlic herb butter for dipping.