Name: Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 220ml / 1 cup warm milk (whole or skimmed); 1½ tsp sugar; 7g / 1 tbsp active dry yeast; 3 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 large egg; ½ tsp salt; 400g / 3 cups bread flour (or all purpose flour); 1 egg for brushing; 1 tbsp butter (melted); 1 clove garlic (pressed); 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)

If you’re anything like me, there’s just something irresistible about warm, fluffy rolls slathered in garlic butter fresh from the oven. That’s exactly why I’m excited to share this Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe with you—because these rolls are soft, buttery, and packed with garlic goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive holiday spread, these rolls fit right in and make the meal feel extra special.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft, Fluffy Texture: The yeast and flour combo create rolls that feel like little pillows of yum.
Easy Homemade Garlic Butter: Fresh garlic and parsley melt into butter for that classic restaurant-style finish at home.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have everything in your pantry already, making it perfect for last-minute baking.
Versatile for Any Meal: These rolls pair beautifully with soups, roasts, and even holiday feasts.

A white oval dish holds fifteen golden brown bread rolls arranged tightly in three layers: the bottom layer covered by the two upper layers, the middle layer with five rolls, and the top layer with five rolls, all with shiny, smooth, and slightly cracked tops showing a soft texture. To the top right of the dish, there is a small white bowl with a green herb sauce that looks fresh and slightly chunky. The dish rests on a light beige cloth with red stripes on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls, easy homemade dinner rolls, fluffy garlic bread rolls, buttery dinner rolls recipe, soft yeast dinner rolls

Ingredients You’ll Need

When I first tried this Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe, I realized how each ingredient plays a role—warm milk activates the yeast, fresh garlic brightens the butter glaze, and the flour ensures that tender crumb we all love. Here’s a quick look at the key players before we dive into the how-to.

Flat lay of a small mound of white bread flour, a single large brown egg with an uncracked shell, a small white ceramic bowl of warm milk, a few granules of sugar scattered near the bowl, a pinch of salt crystals, a fresh whole garlic clove, a few sprigs of bright green chopped fresh parsley, a small white ceramic bowl of golden vegetable oil, and a small white ceramic bowl with melted butter, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls, easy homemade dinner rolls, fluffy garlic bread rolls, buttery dinner rolls recipe, soft yeast dinner rolls

Warm Milk: Keeps the yeast happy and helps the dough rise perfectly.
Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness.
Active Dry Yeast: The magic behind soft, fluffy rolls.
Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and tenderizes the dough.
Egg: For richness and that beautiful golden color when brushed.
Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
Bread Flour (or All-Purpose Flour): Bread flour gives more chew and structure, but all-purpose works too!
Butter: Melted with garlic for that irresistible finish.
Garlic Clove: Freshly pressed gives the butter that classic punch.
Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal flavor.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love tweaking this Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe depending on what I have in the kitchen or the occasion. Feel free to personalize it and make it your own—cooking should always be fun and flexible, right?

Herb Infusion: I sometimes swap parsley for fresh rosemary or thyme for different flavor vibes.
Cheese Lovers: Adding shredded cheddar or parmesan inside the dough makes for an ooey-gooey treat.
Garlic Intensity: If you’re a garlic fanatic like me, add an extra clove or brush the rolls twice for a bolder taste.
Whole Wheat: For a healthier twist, substitute half the flour with whole wheat, but expect a heartier texture.

How to Make Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Mix Wet Ingredients

Start by combining warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast in a small bowl. When I first tried this, I was amazed watching the yeast bloom—those bubbles mean your dough is going to rise beautifully. Let the mixture rest for about 5 minutes until frothy, then add vegetable oil, salt, and one egg. Use a fork to mix everything smoothly.

Step 2: Combine and Knead the Dough

Pour your wet mixture into a bowl filled with flour. At this point, you’ll start mixing until a rough dough forms. Here’s where you need a little patience—knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until the dough feels smooth and elastic. If you have a stand mixer, use the dough hook: mix on low for 1 minute, then medium for about 4 more minutes. This part really makes the difference for that light texture.

Step 3: First Rise

After kneading, rub the bowl with a bit of vegetable oil to prevent sticking, then place your dough inside. Cover it with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel, and set it in a warm spot. I like to place mine near the oven or in the microwave with just the light on. Let it rest for 1 to 1.5 hours until it triples in size—this patience pays off with airy rolls.

Step 4: Shape and Second Rise

Once your dough is wonderfully puffed up, turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide it into 16 equal parts—you can eyeball it or weigh them if you want perfect uniformity. Roll each piece into a tight ball and place them about an inch apart in a generously buttered 9×13 inch baking pan. Cover again with a tea towel and let these balls rise for 30 more minutes. This second rise is the secret to softness.

Step 5: Bake and Brush with Garlic Butter

Brush the tops of your rolls gently with a beaten egg to get that glossy golden finish in the oven. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes until they’re perfectly golden brown. While they bake, melt butter with pressed garlic in a small saucepan, then stir in fresh chopped parsley. As soon as your rolls come out, brush them liberally with this fragrant garlic butter mixture. Trust me—this step transforms them from good to unforgettable.

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Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe

Perfect Temperature: I learned that milk should be just warm, not hot—too hot can kill yeast and slow your rise.
Kneading Consistency: When kneading by hand, focus on the dough feeling elastic and slightly tacky but not sticky.
Even Size Rolls: Using a kitchen scale helps keep roll sizes uniform, so they bake evenly and look pretty on the plate.
Garlic Butter Timing: Wait to brush the garlic butter right after baking to keep the garlic flavor fresh and vibrant.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe

The image shows a white oval dish filled with 15 soft, golden-brown dinner rolls, arranged in three rows with five rolls each. The rolls have a shiny, slightly glossy surface, topped with small bits of chopped green herbs and tiny white salt crystals. A woman's hand is pulling apart one roll from the top right corner, revealing its fluffy, light interior. The dish is set on a white marbled surface with a folded cloth napkin beneath it on the left side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls, easy homemade dinner rolls, fluffy garlic bread rolls, buttery dinner rolls recipe, soft yeast dinner rolls

Garnishes

I often finish these rolls with a sprinkle of extra chopped parsley or a pinch of flaky sea salt. It adds that little garnish that catches the eye and adds a sophisticated touch. Sometimes, a light dusting of parmesan cheese right after brushing with butter makes for a deliciously cheesy crust.

Side Dishes

These rolls are my go-to with hearty soups like tomato basil or chicken noodle, but they also shine alongside roast dinners or a fresh salad. I love serving them during holiday feasts—they soak up gravy and sauces like champs!

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I’ve tried arranging the rolls in a wreath shape on a round platter, garnished with rosemary sprigs for that festive look. You can also place each roll in a mini cupcake liner for a charming touch, especially when serving kids or at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them soft, avoid the fridge—it tends to dry bread out. I’ve found wrapping them in foil also works well for softer texture.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully! After the first rise, shape and freeze them unbaked on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, thaw and bake fresh. It’s saved me many times when unexpected guests arrive.

Reheating

I reheat leftover rolls by wrapping them in foil and warming at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. Sometimes I brush a bit more garlic butter on top beforehand—makes them taste freshly baked all over again.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour in this Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe?

Yes! All-purpose flour works perfectly fine if that’s what you have. Bread flour has more protein which creates a chewier texture, but all-purpose will still yield soft, delicious rolls.
How do I know if the yeast is still good for this recipe?

Mix yeast with warm milk and sugar and wait 5 minutes—if it becomes frothy and bubbly, it’s alive and well. If it stays flat, it’s time to get new yeast for best results.
Can I prepare the dough the night before?

Absolutely. After kneading, cover and refrigerate the dough overnight. Just bring it back to room temperature before the second rise, shape, and bake as usual.
What’s the best way to store leftover garlic butter rolls?

Keep them in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil at room temperature for a day or two. For longer storage, freezing is ideal and preserves texture and flavor better than refrigeration.
Can I make this recipe vegan-friendly?

You can swap the egg with a flax egg or other egg substitute, and use vegan butter instead of regular butter. Keep in mind the texture may differ slightly but will still be delicious.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe turns out every time—soft, pillowy, and infused with garlic butter goodness that just can’t be beaten. When I first made these, my family went crazy for them, and now they’re a staple whenever I want to impress without fuss. Give them a try—you’ll enjoy the process as much as the delightful results. Trust me, once you bake these, you won’t be reaching for store-bought rolls again!