Homemade Garlic Rolls Recipe

There’s nothing quite as comforting as the aroma of freshly baked garlic rolls wafting through your kitchen. Golden on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and brushed with buttery garlic goodness, these rolls are a true crowd-pleaser. Perfect for family dinners, festive gatherings, or simply to elevate a weeknight meal, this recipe guarantees bakery-quality garlic rolls right at home.

Ingredients List

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (for garlic topping, melted)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5–7 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, add flour, salt, softened butter, and the yeast mixture. Mix until the dough starts to come together, then knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 3: First Rise

Lightly oil a bowl, place the dough inside, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape the Rolls

Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each into a ball and arrange them on a greased baking tray, leaving slight gaps for expansion.

Step 5: Second Rise

Cover again and let the shaped rolls rise for 30–40 minutes until puffy.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

Step 7: Garlic Butter Glaze

While the rolls are baking, melt butter in a small pan, add minced garlic, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in parsley and black pepper.

Step 8: Finishing Touch

Brush the hot rolls generously with the garlic butter glaze. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve warm.

Cook Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Rise Time: 2 hours
• Baking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 40 minutes

Servings

Makes 12 rolls

Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)

• Calories: 180
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 170mg

Storage Instructions

• Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 8 minutes, or microwave briefly before serving.
• Rolls can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw and reheat before enjoying.

Suggestions

• Add a pinch of chili flakes to the garlic butter for a spicy twist.
• Swap parsley for fresh rosemary or thyme for a different flavor profile.
• Serve with marinara sauce, creamy soups, or alongside roasted meats for a complete meal.
• For an indulgent variation, stuff each roll with a small cube of mozzarella before baking.

Seasonal Relevance

Garlic rolls are versatile year-round, but they truly shine during the cooler months when warm, freshly baked bread is especially comforting. They make an excellent addition to holiday feasts like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, and pair beautifully with hearty fall stews or summer barbecue spreads.

Conclusion

Homemade garlic rolls bring together the simplicity of breadmaking with the irresistible flavors of garlic and butter. With this recipe, you’ll have rolls that are soft, fragrant, and brimming with flavor,perfect to elevate any meal. Once you try these, you’ll find they become a family favorite worth baking again and again.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make the dough ahead of time and bake later?
Yes, you can prepare the dough, let it rise once, shape the rolls, and refrigerate them overnight. Bring them to room temperature and allow a second rise before baking.

Q2: What’s the best flour to use for softer rolls?
Bread flour can be used for slightly chewier rolls, but all-purpose flour works perfectly for soft and tender garlic rolls.

Q3: Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, though fresh garlic provides the best flavor. If substituting, use ½ teaspoon garlic powder in the butter glaze for each clove of garlic.