Soft Garlic Bread Rolls

Garlic bread rolls are soft pillowy dinner rolls bursting with rich garlic flavor and finished with shimmering garlic herb butter in every bite. When I first started baking during holidays with my family making these rolls from scratch felt magical and now they are the one thing everyone requests for special dinners

Every time I bake these I remember rolling the dough into little balls with my kids their hands coated in flour and the kitchen warm and filled with buttery garlic aroma

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: creates the structure for fluffy rolls choose a high quality unbleached flour for best texture
• Instant yeast: saves time and gives a yeasty flavor make sure the date is fresh for a good rise
• Fresh garlic cloves: infuse every bite with real garlic punch select firm unbroken bulbs for bold flavor
• Fresh parsley: gives color and herby brightness pick bunches with bright green leaves and no wilting
• Granulated sugar: gives tenderness and helps yeast rise can swap for honey for sweeter notes
• Whole milk: makes the rolls rich and soft try for full fat milk for best results
• Butter: is essential for richness and flavoring topping use a high quality European style butter
• Salt: not only seasons but balances all the flavors use fine sea salt if available
• Egg: helps bind the rolls and gives them a golden color look for large eggs for baking consistency

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make Garlic Butter:

Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat add minced garlic and cook until the garlic is sizzling and fragrant but not browned Swirl the pan to infuse the butter then set aside to cool slightly This step unlocks the base flavor for your rolls

Combine Dry Ingredients:

In the bowl of a stand mixer whisk together the all purpose flour sugar yeast salt and parsley Ensure even blending so your rolls rise evenly and the herbs are evenly distributed

Mix and Knead Dough:

Pour warm milk the cooled garlic butter mixture and one egg into the dry ingredients Attach dough hook and knead on low speed until everything comes together into a sticky soft dough ball Continue kneading for about 6 to 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic

Shape Rolls:

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and cut into twelve equal portions Use a scale for accuracy Cup your hand around each piece and move in a circular motion applying gentle pressure to create a round smooth ball This helps your rolls bake up with an even texture

First Rise:

Place the shaped rolls in a greased baking dish cover with plastic wrap and set in a warm spot until the rolls have doubled in size about one to two hours Do not rush this step a slow rise means fluffy rolls

Bake Rolls:

Mix up a quick egg wash and gently brush over the risen rolls Bake in a preheated oven until golden brown and puffed up the kitchen should smell heavenly

Finish With Garlic Butter:

Immediately after taking the hot rolls from the oven brush generously with more melted garlic herb butter Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for freshness Serve warm for best results

Pin

My favorite part is swirling the soft dough with garlicky butter and seeing my family hover by the oven as the rolls puff up and turn golden My little one always sneaks the first steamy roll before it even hits the basket

Storage Tips

These rolls taste best fresh from the oven but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container or zip top bag at room temperature for two to three days For longer storage let them cool completely then freeze in a sturdy container for about one month When ready to eat reheat gently covered in foil in a moderate oven or pop briefly in the microwave until just warmed through

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap the parsley for fresh thyme or oregano if you have those on hand and in a pinch one teaspoon of dried parsley will do Honey or maple syrup brings a touch of floral sweetness as a sugar substitute and low fat milk can work though whole milk really gives the fluffiest bread If you only have active dry yeast dissolve it in the warm milk until foamy before mixing with the other ingredients

Serving Suggestions

These rolls make any meal special whether you are pairing them with a hearty pasta dinner dunking into creamy soup or serving alongside a big holiday roast For appetizers try slicing and serving with little bowls of olive oil or marinara sauce or fill with your favorite cheeses for a snack

Pin

Cultural and Historical Context

Garlic bread rolls take inspiration from classic Italian American garlic bread but bring a homey twist with their soft squishy dinner roll style The tradition of baking bread and using herbs goes back centuries in family kitchens and making these from scratch connects you to generations of home bakers I have always loved how a simple bread recipe manages to bring people together around the table

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I get soft, fluffy rolls?

Allowing the dough to rise until it doubles in size in a warm environment and kneading thoroughly creates a tender, airy texture in the rolls.

→ Can I substitute fresh herbs in this dish?

Yes, fresh thyme or oregano can replace parsley to offer a different herbal flavor, while dried herbs can be used in smaller quantities.

→ What is the best way to enhance the garlic flavor?

Brushing the rolls immediately after baking with warm garlic herb butter magnifies the garlic aroma and taste.

→ How should I store leftover rolls?

Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze them for longer storage.

→ Can I prepare the dough the day before baking?

Yes, after shaping the rolls, refrigerate them overnight covered tightly; bring them to room temperature and let rise before baking for fresh results.