Garlic Bread Rolls for Thanksgiving Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a side that will absolutely steal the show at your Thanksgiving feast, this Garlic Bread Rolls for Thanksgiving Recipe is your new best friend. Soft, buttery, garlicky, and with just the right touch of fresh herbs, these rolls are so much better than your average bread basket filler — trust me, once you try them, your family will be asking for seconds (and thirds!). I love how versatile they are too, so whether you want to serve them as a centerpiece at dinner or sneak a few warm ones before the meal, they never disappoint.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this garlic bread rolls recipe plays a key role in creating that perfect texture and flavor combo. Fresh parsley and garlic are must-haves for that herby, savory punch, and warming the milk makes the yeast really come alive for a great rise. Don’t skip on using whole milk if possible — it makes a noticeable difference in softness!

• Unsalted butter: Use high-quality butter for richness; you’ll melt some with garlic to infuse the rolls.
• Minced garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best punch — keep it finely chopped for even flavor.
• All-purpose flour: Measure carefully for the right dough consistency; too much flour makes dense rolls.
• Fresh parsley: Adds freshness and color; chop finely so it’s well-distributed.
• Granulated sugar: Just a bit to feed the yeast and balance flavors.
• Instant yeast: Makes rising fast and reliable; make sure it’s fresh for good results.
• Fine sea salt: Enhances flavor without being overpowering.
• Whole or 2% milk: Warmed to 110°F to activate the yeast perfectly.
• Eggs: One for the dough and one beaten for a beautiful glossy brush on top.
• Flaky sea salt (optional): For finishing touch — adds subtle crunch and extra flavor.

Variations

I love that this Garlic Bread Rolls for Thanksgiving Recipe is easy to tweak depending on what you have on hand or your taste preferences. You can make it your own without losing that classic garlicky goodness.

• Cheesy Twist: Adding shredded mozzarella or Parmesan to the dough or sprinkling it on top before baking is a family favorite twist I often do for game day snacks.
• Herb Swap: Sometimes I swap fresh parsley for rosemary or thyme for a deeper, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with turkey.
• Spicy Kick: A pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne folded into the garlic butter gives these rolls a subtle heat that wakes up your taste buds.
• Whole Wheat Option: For a healthier take, replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat; just expect a slightly denser texture.

How to Make Garlic Bread Rolls for Thanksgiving Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Garlic Butter Base

Start by melting butter gently in a small pot then stirring in the minced garlic. Cook it over low heat for 1-2 minutes — you want that garlicky aroma but be careful not to burn it. Once fragrant, remove it from the heat and let it cool while you get other ingredients ready. This garlic butter is the secret star that will infuse your bread with incredible flavor.

Step 2: Mixing and Kneading the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine your measured flour, chopped parsley, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Pour in the warmed milk, the egg at room temp, and the cooled garlic butter mixture. Using a dough hook on low speed, knead the mixture for 10-12 minutes until you get a smooth, soft, and slightly tacky dough. If it feels too sticky (it’s okay to be a little sticky!), add flour one tablespoon at a time. A good dough will pull away from the sides but still feel soft to the touch.

Step 3: Shaping and Rising

Once your dough is kneaded, divide it into 12 equal portions — I use a kitchen scale to get exactly 67 grams each so they bake evenly. Roll each piece into a tight ball by pinching the seams on the bottom to seal. Place them in your buttered 9×13 pan, evenly spaced. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel and find a warm spot to let the dough rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 2 hours. This step makes all the difference in getting those fluffy, pillowy rolls.

Step 4: Baking Your Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Gently brush the tops of the risen rolls with the beaten egg wash — this gives you that gorgeous golden shine. Bake for 20-30 minutes until the rolls are a beautiful golden brown. Keep an eye on them around the 20-minute mark; ovens vary, and you want them perfectly baked but not overdone.

Step 5: The Best Garlic Butter Finish

While the rolls are baking, melt the butter for the finishing garlic butter and stir in the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until just fragrant, then take off the heat and add chopped parsley. When your rolls come out of the oven, brush them immediately with this warm garlic butter mixture and sprinkle flaky sea salt on top if you like a little textured crunch. Serve warm for that melt-in-your-mouth experience.

How to Serve Garlic Bread Rolls for Thanksgiving Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top these rolls with just a sprinkle of fresh parsley and flaky sea salt — simple but it adds a bright color contrast and a bit of texture. For holidays, you can try finely grated Parmesan or even a smattering of chopped chives for a little surprise zing that complements the garlic beautifully.

Side Dishes

These garlic bread rolls are a dream alongside classic Thanksgiving staples like turkey with gravy, creamy mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole. I’ve also found they pair wonderfully with a warm bowl of butternut squash soup as a light starter or alongside a fresh cranberry relish for a bright contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

One fun way I serve these is in a wreath shape by placing the rolls into a round pan touching each other before baking, giving a pull-apart bread effect — perfect for sharing and looks fantastic on a festive table. Another idea is to use individual festive ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for a rustic look at each place setting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to keep leftover rolls fresh by placing them in an airtight container or sealing them tightly in plastic wrap and storing at room temperature for up to 2 days. If your kitchen is a bit dry, wrapping them in a damp paper towel before sealing can help preserve moisture.

Freezing

Garlic Bread Rolls freeze beautifully. After baking and cooling completely, wrap them individually or in batches using plastic wrap and foil. They’ve held their soft texture well in my experience for up to 2 months. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For reheating, I pop the rolls in a 325°F oven wrapped loosely in foil to avoid drying out, heating for about 10-12 minutes. Alternatively, if short on time, a quick microwave burst covered with a damp paper towel does the trick, but the oven brings back that freshly baked feel best.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Bread Rolls for Thanksgiving Recipe has quickly become my go-to when I want something comforting yet special on the holiday table. It’s one of those recipes that combines simple ingredients and straightforward steps to create pure magic—warm, fragrant rolls that feel like a big cozy hug. I’m excited for you to give it a try, and I’m pretty sure these will become a Thanksgiving staple in your family too. Here’s to making your feast even more memorable with irresistible, homemade garlic bread rolls!

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