If you’re looking for a warm, irresistible treat that brings comfort and a burst of garlicky goodness to your table, this Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe is your new best friend. Soft, fluffy, and generously coated with fragrant garlic butter, these rolls are the kind of homemade magic that makes every meal feel special. Whether you’re serving up a simple weeknight dinner or a festive feast, these rolls banish store-bought blandness and fill your kitchen with an aroma that’s impossible to resist. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make these buttery rolls a forever staple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, pantry-friendly, and each plays a vital role in creating that perfect tender crumb and rich flavor you crave. From the warm milk that wakes up the yeast to the silky butter that ensures a melt-in-your-mouth finish, every component is essential for the ultimate Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe.
- Whole milk (1 cup, warm around 110°F): Activates the yeast and keeps the dough tender and moist.
- Active dry yeast (3 teaspoons): The powerhouse of your dough’s rise and airy texture.
- Sugar (1/3 cup): Adds subtle sweetness and helps feed the yeast for a perfect rise.
- All-purpose flour (3 3/4 cups): The backbone of the dough, creating structure and softness.
- Large egg (1): Improves dough richness and adds color to the rolls’ golden crust.
- Salt (1.5 teaspoons): Balances and enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.
- Unsalted butter (6 tablespoons, softened): Infuses the dough with richness and buttery goodness, plus the garlic butter glaze adds a final luscious coating.
How to Make Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by mixing the warm milk with the active dry yeast in a bowl, then let it rest until it becomes frothy, about 5 to 10 minutes. This bubbling froth is your yeast waking up and ready to bring amazing fluff and rise to your rolls.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
Into the same bowl with your yeast mixture, add the sugar, flour, egg, salt, and softened butter. Stir these together to form a shaggy dough. Don’t worry if it looks a little rough at first—this is exactly what you want before you get to kneading.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn your dough out onto a clean surface and knead it for about 15 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Kneading develops the gluten, which is why your rolls will be beautifully tender and airy instead of dense.
Step 4: First Rise
Place your kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it tightly with cling wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until it has doubled in size—this usually takes about 90 minutes. Imagine it puffing up like a soft pillow, ready for the next step.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Once your dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release some of the air. Divide it into 12 equal pieces and shape each into a smooth ball. This shaping step ensures even baking and the perfect size for individual rolls.
Step 6: Second Rise
Arrange your dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with an egg wash to get that beautiful golden crust, then cover again and let them rise for another 30 to 45 minutes until puffy and ready for baking.
Step 7: Preheat Your Oven
While the rolls finish rising, preheat your oven to 350°F to get it perfectly ready for baking these babies to golden perfection.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your rolls for 20 to 22 minutes, keeping an eye out for that gorgeous golden-brown color that signals they’re done. Your kitchen will start to fill with the most delightful aroma.
Step 9: Brush with Garlic Butter
Right after they come out of the oven, brush the rolls generously with melted garlic butter. This is where the magic truly happens—the buttery garlic finish seals in flavor and adds a mouthwatering shine.
How to Serve Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to elevate your rolls a bit more, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a pinch of grated Parmesan over the garlic butter while it’s still warm. This adds a little color pop and a fresh, savory touch that perfectly complements the buttery richness.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair beautifully with hearty soups like creamy tomato basil, classic chicken noodle, or even a spicy chili. They also feel right at home alongside roasted meats, grilled veggies, or a generous green salad for balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at your next gathering, arrange the rolls in a circular loaf shape on a serving platter or load a basket with warm rolls inside a cozy cloth napkin. You can even slit a few in half to make mini sliders with garlic aioli, lettuce, and ham for irresistible finger food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them soft and fresh. If you want to extend their life, wrapping them well helps maintain the moisture.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the rolls individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months, making them perfect for meal prep or surprise guests.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or leftover rolls by wrapping them in foil and warming in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or pop them in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for about 20 seconds. Don’t forget a quick brush of garlic butter again after reheating for that fresh-out-of-the-oven flavor.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! If using instant yeast, reduce the amount slightly (about 2 1/4 teaspoons), and you can mix it directly with the flour without proofing in warm milk first.
What can I substitute for whole milk?
You can use 2% milk or even a non-dairy milk like almond or soy milk warmed to the same temperature; just make sure it’s not too hot or it could kill the yeast.
Is it possible to make the dough in a stand mixer?
Definitely! Use the dough hook attachment and knead on medium speed for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. It’s a fantastic timesaver.
How do I make the garlic butter topping?
Simply melt the butter and mix it with minced garlic (fresh or powdered), then brush generously over the hot rolls immediately after baking for maximum flavor.
Can I add herbs or cheese to the dough?
Absolutely! Adding chopped rosemary, thyme, or a handful of shredded cheese can customize the rolls to your taste and make them extra special.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe is more than just a side—it’s a cozy hug on your plate that brings joy to any meal. Soft, buttery, and infused with garlic flavor, these rolls will quickly become a beloved part of your cooking repertoire. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself and your loved ones to warm, homemade goodness that’s truly unforgettable.
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Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 52 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Dinner Rolls
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and infused with rich garlic butter for the perfect homemade bread accompaniment. Made from scratch with simple ingredients, these rolls are ideal for dinner sides or sandwiches and feature a tender crumb and golden crust.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup whole milk (240g), warm (around 110°F)
- 3 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/3 cup sugar (70g)
- 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (490g)
- 1 large egg
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (85g), softened
Egg Wash and Garlic Butter
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1–2 cloves garlic, minced or garlic powder equivalent (for garlic butter)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm whole milk with the active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make the dough: Add sugar, all-purpose flour, the large egg, salt, and softened unsalted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a clean surface and knead for about 15 minutes until it is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky.
- First rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl and cover with cling wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 90 minutes or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the rolls: Punch down the risen dough to remove air bubbles. Divide the dough evenly into 12 pieces and shape each piece into a smooth ball.
- Second rise: Arrange the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with egg wash and allow them to rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat the oven: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) in preparation for baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20 to 22 minutes until the rolls are golden brown on top.
- Garlic butter finish: Immediately after baking, brush the warm rolls generously with the melted garlic butter to infuse them with rich garlicky flavor.
Notes
- For best results, make sure the milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Kneading time can be shortened with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, but the dough should still be smooth and elastic.
- You can add fresh herbs such as parsley or rosemary to the garlic butter for extra flavor.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container to keep them soft.
- Reheat rolls briefly in the oven and re-brush with garlic butter to revive softness.
