Garlic Butter Bread Rolls: Buttery, Soft, and Perfectly Fluffy

These Garlic Butter Bread Rolls are soft, golden, and brushed with an irresistible garlic-herb butter that melts right into every fluffy layer. Whether you’re serving them as a side for pasta night, soaking up gravy from a holiday roast, or just enjoying them fresh from the oven with extra butter, these rolls are the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

They’re made from a rich yeast dough that bakes up perfectly pillowy inside and slightly crisp on the outside. With a homemade garlic butter glaze infused with herbs, these rolls are bakery-worthy—but surprisingly easy to make, even for beginners.

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Why You’ll Love These Rolls

• Pillowy soft inside with a golden crust

• Garlic herb butter on every bite

• Perfect side dish for soups, pastas, roasts, and holiday meals

• Freezer-friendly and make-ahead

• Way better than store-bought rolls—and totally worth the little effort

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Ingredients Overview: What You’ll Need & Why

1. All-Purpose Flour

Provides the structure for the rolls. Bread flour can be used for extra chew, but all-purpose keeps the texture light and tender.

2. Instant or Active Dry Yeast

Leavens the dough and gives it a fluffy rise. Instant yeast rises slightly faster, but both work well.

3. Milk & Water

Warm milk and water hydrate the dough and help activate the yeast. Using milk adds richness.

4. Butter (Melted)

Adds richness to the dough and moisture. Also used in the garlic butter glaze.

5. Sugar

Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness that enhances the flavor.

6. Salt

Balances the sweetness and brings out all the flavors in the bread and garlic butter.

7. Garlic (Fresh or Powder)

Essential for that classic garlic bread flavor. Fresh minced garlic is best, but garlic powder works too.

8. Fresh Herbs (Parsley or Chives)

Add color and flavor to the garlic butter topping. Dried herbs can be substituted.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a large bowl or stand mixer:

• Combine 1 packet (2¼ tsp) instant yeast, 1 tbsp sugar, and ½ cup warm water (110°F). Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy if using active dry yeast.

Add:

• ½ cup warm milk

• 2 tbsp melted butter

• 1 tsp salt

• 2½ to 3 cups all-purpose flour, added gradually

Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5–7 minutes (by hand or with a dough hook) until smooth and elastic. Add more flour as needed to prevent sticking, but don’t overdo it.

Step 2: First Rise

• Transfer dough to a lightly greased bowl.

• Cover and let rise in a warm place for 60–75 minutes, or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Shape the Rolls

• Punch down dough and divide into 12 equal pieces.

• Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or sheet pan.

• Leave a little space between each roll for rising.

Step 4: Second Rise

• Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a clean towel.

• Let rise again for 30–40 minutes, until puffy and nearly doubled.

Step 5: Bake

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Bake rolls for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

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Step 6: Make the Garlic Butter

While rolls bake, in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl:

• Melt ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter

• Stir in:

  • 2–3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or chives

  • ¼ tsp salt (if using unsalted butter)

  • Optional: pinch of garlic powder for extra depth

Simmer for 1–2 minutes or let sit so flavors infuse.

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Step 7: Brush and Serve

• As soon as rolls come out of the oven, brush generously with the garlic butter.

• Let cool for a few minutes in the pan before serving warm.

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Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Expert Tips

• Warm your milk and water (not hot!)—about 100–110°F to activate the yeast without killing it.

• Don’t over-flour the dough—too much flour makes dense rolls.

• Use a thermometer: Bread is fully baked when internal temp hits 190–200°F.

• Double the garlic butter if you’re a garlic lover!

Variations

• Cheesy rolls: Add shredded mozzarella or parmesan on top before baking or into the dough.

• Rosemary garlic: Swap parsley for chopped rosemary in the garlic butter.

• Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter.

Substitutions

• Dairy-free: Use almond milk and plant-based butter.

• Garlic powder: Use ½ tsp garlic powder in place of fresh garlic.

• Whole wheat flour: Use half whole wheat, half all-purpose for heartier rolls.

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Serving Ideas & Occasions

These rolls are so versatile, they work for nearly any occasion.

Serve With:

• Soups: Tomato, chicken noodle, creamy broccoli

• Pasta dishes: Alfredo, bolognese, or lasagna

• Holiday meals: Thanksgiving, Easter, or Christmas dinners

• Grilled meats: Chicken, steak, or pork chops

• Breakfast sandwiches: Cut rolls in half and fill with eggs, cheese, and bacon

Occasions:

• Sunday family dinners

• Potlucks and parties

• Meal prep for the week

• Make-ahead freezer rolls for holidays

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Nutritional & Health Notes

These rolls are a treat, but they can be made a bit lighter with a few smart tweaks:

• Use part-skim milk and light butter

• Replace some flour with whole wheat

• Skip the garlic butter for a plain roll (but why would you?)

• Portion control: One roll is around 120–150 calories depending on size and topping

Free from preservatives and trans fats, these are still better than most store-bought dinner rolls.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant?

Yes. Bloom it in the warm water and sugar for 5–10 minutes until foamy before adding other ingredients.

2. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Shape the rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let them sit at room temp for 45–60 minutes before baking.

3. Can I freeze these garlic rolls?

Yes. Freeze fully baked and cooled rolls. Reheat at 300°F wrapped in foil for 10–12 minutes.

4. What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

5. Can I make these gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for yeast breads. The texture will be different, but still delicious.

6. What if I don’t have fresh garlic?

Use ½ to 1 tsp garlic powder instead of fresh garlic in the butter.

7. Why are my rolls dense?

Most likely causes are:

• Too much flour

• Not kneading enough

• Not letting dough rise fully
  Make sure your yeast is active and dough rises properly.

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