Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

There’s something magical about tearing into a warm, fluffy roll brushed with garlic butter, and these easy garlic butter dinner rolls deliver just that. They are soft, pillowy, and rich in flavor, perfect for serving at the dinner table or enjoying on their own. I love how approachable this recipe is, even if I don’t consider myself a bread baker. With just a bit of kneading and proofing, the result is bakery-quality rolls that taste even better than what I get at restaurants.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like how simple and fuss-free these rolls are to make. They don’t require a stand mixer, although I can use one if I prefer, and the dough is very forgiving. Once baked, the rolls turn out incredibly light and fluffy, with a beautiful golden crust that looks as good as it tastes. I always enjoy the balance of flavors – the slight sweetness from the dough, the richness of butter, and the savory touch of garlic and parsley brushed over at the end. These rolls elevate even the most casual dinner.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Dinner rolls:

• whole milk, warm

• active dry yeast or instant yeast

• sugar

• all purpose flour

• egg

• salt

• unsalted butter, softened at room temperature

Egg wash:

• egg yolk

• milk

Garlic butter:

• salted butter

• garlic cloves, finely chopped

• freshly chopped parsley

Directions

1. I start by mixing warm milk with yeast in a large bowl.

2. I add sugar, flour, egg, salt, and softened butter, stirring everything into a shaggy dough.

3. I knead the dough on a clean surface for about 15 minutes until it becomes smooth and passes the window-pane test.

4. I place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (about 90 minutes).

5. Once risen, I punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.

6. I shape each piece into a smooth ball and place them on a parchment-lined baking pan.

7. I brush them with egg wash and let them rise again until puffy (30–45 minutes).

8. I preheat the oven to 350°F and brush the rolls once more with egg wash before baking.

9. I bake for 20–22 minutes until golden brown.

10. While the rolls are still hot, I melt butter, sauté garlic briefly, stir in parsley, and brush this garlic butter over the rolls before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 dinner rolls.

• Prep time: about 40 minutes

• Rising/proofing time: 2 to 2.5 hours

• Bake time: 20–22 minutes

• Total time: about 3 hours

Variations

I sometimes like to make these rolls with shredded cheese sprinkled on top before baking for an extra cheesy touch. If I want more of a herby flavor, I add rosemary or thyme to the garlic butter. For a sweet version, I skip the garlic butter and brush the rolls with honey butter instead.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, I refrigerate them for up to 5 days. To reheat, I place them in the oven at 300°F for about 5–7 minutes until warm. I avoid microwaving since it makes them chewy instead of fluffy. These rolls also freeze well – I bake them fully, let them cool, then freeze in a bag. When I’m ready, I reheat straight from frozen in the oven.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, I can use instant yeast. I don’t need to bloom it in milk first; I can just mix it directly with the flour.

What can I use instead of egg in the dough?

If I want an egg-free version, I replace the egg with 3 tablespoons of whole milk or plain yogurt.

How do I know when the rolls are done baking?

I check for a deep golden color on top. If I’m unsure, I gently tap the bottom of a roll – it should sound hollow.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I can let the dough rise overnight in the fridge for the first proof. The next day, I shape the rolls, proof them again, and bake fresh.

Can I stuff these rolls with fillings?

Definitely. I sometimes stuff them with cheese cubes, sautéed mushrooms, or even spiced chicken for a fun twist.

Conclusion

These easy garlic butter dinner rolls are one of my favorite recipes to make when I want fresh bread at the table without complicated steps. I love how soft, airy, and flavorful they turn out every time. Whether I pair them with soup, pasta, or simply enjoy them on their own, they never fail to impress. Once I started baking these at home, I stopped craving restaurant rolls – because these truly are better.

Print