Name: Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 15 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, beaten (for brushing); 1 tbsp butter, melted; 1 clove garlic, pressed or minced; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Jump to Recipe·5 from 54 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate comfort food side, this Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe is exactly what you need. Soft, fluffy, and wrapped in melty garlic butter, these rolls are pure magic straight from your oven. I absolutely love how they come out every time—golden, tender, and bursting with that buttery garlic goodness. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be making them a staple at every family dinner or holiday feast.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Soft Texture: These rolls turn out incredibly fluffy thanks to the perfect rise and knead technique.
Garlic Butter Flavor Explosion: Brushing them with garlic-infused butter right out of the oven seals in rich, savory flavor.
Easy to Make: Even if you’re new to bread-making, this recipe’s straightforward steps and soft dough make it approachable.
Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for holidays, weeknight dinners, or whenever you want fresh, homemade rolls.

The image shows a white oval dish filled with 15 golden brown rolls arranged in a close cluster. Each roll has a smooth, shiny surface that looks soft and fluffy with a slight crisp on top. The rolls are topped with chopped green herbs spread evenly, adding fresh color contrast. There is a light glaze that makes the rolls appear moist, and small bits of coarse salt can be seen scattered on the surface. The dish is set on a white marbled texture background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls, Fluffy Dinner Rolls, Garlic Bread Rolls, Easy Dinner Rolls, Soft Dinner Rolls

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe relies on a few simple ingredients that work together beautifully to create that soft, golden crust and tender crumb. I always recommend using fresh yeast if you can find it, but active dry yeast works just as well. Bread flour gives the best texture, but all-purpose flour is a solid stand-in if that’s what you have on hand.

Flat lay of a mound of fine white bread flour, a small white bowl of warm milk, a small white bowl with a mix of golden vegetable oil, a whole large brown egg with a smooth uncracked shell, a small white bowl of golden melted butter, a whole garlic clove with papery white skin, a few vibrant green sprigs of fresh parsley, a small white bowl containing sparkling granulated sugar, a small white bowl with fine white salt crystals, and a small white bowl holding active dry yeast granules, all arranged in perfect symmetry 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 m7354615311229779997 - Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls, Fluffy Dinner Rolls, Garlic Bread Rolls, Easy Dinner Rolls, Soft Dinner Rolls

Warm milk: I use whole milk for richness, but skimmed milk is fine if you prefer lighter rolls.
Sugar: Just enough to wake up the yeast and give that lovely slight sweetness.
Active dry yeast: Key to that perfect rise—make sure it blooms bubbly to know it’s alive!
Vegetable oil: Keeps rolls tender without adding strong flavors.
Egg: Helps bind and add richness—one in the dough, one for brushing.
Salt: Essential for flavor balance—don’t skip!
Bread flour: I swear by this for soft, chewy rolls; all-purpose flour works too.
Butter: Melted with garlic for that iconic finish.
Garlic clove: Freshly pressed for maximum flavor punch.
Fresh parsley: Adds a bright, herby note when sprinkled on top.

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

One of the things I love about this Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to your taste or occasion. Whether you want a dairy-free version or a flavor twist, this dough is super flexible—let me share a few favorites I’ve experimented with.

Herb Infusion: Sometimes I add rosemary or thyme alongside the parsley for a woodsy note that goes great with roast dinners.
Cheese Addition: A handful of shredded cheddar incorporated into the dough or melted on top before the garlic butter makes the rolls ooey-gooey amazing.
Whole Wheat Flour: Substituting half or all of the bread flour adds nuttiness and extra fiber without losing much softness.
Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk and vegan butter for a dairy-free version that still tastes rich and buttery.

How to Make Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Bloom the Yeast and Mix the Wet Ingredients

This is where you get that yeast party started! Warm milk (not hot, just pleasantly warm to the touch) wakes up the yeast when you mix it with sugar and the yeast itself. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s bubbly and frothy—this means the yeast is good to go. Then add your vegetable oil, salt, and one egg, mixing with a fork to bring it all together. I always take this time to smell the mixture; it’s such a comforting stage!

Step 2: Combine with Flour and Knead the Dough

Pour the wet mix into your flour and stir until a rough dough forms. Now, this is key—kneading! If you’re kneading by hand, flip the dough onto a floured surface and get ready for about 8 to 10 minutes of kneading until it’s smooth and elastic. I like to do little stretch-and-folds; it really helps build the gluten. If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, it’s a total time-saver: low speed for 1 minute, then medium for 4 more minutes should do the trick. You’ll know you’ve succeeded when the dough is soft but not sticky to the touch.

Step 3: First Rise

Rub your bowl lightly with vegetable oil and pop your dough back in, making sure to turn it once to coat it evenly in oil (this prevents drying). Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and a towel, then place it somewhere warm and cozy for about 1 to 1.5 hours. Here’s what I’ve learned: don’t stress about the exact time—what you want to look for is the dough tripling in size. When your dough passes this test, you’re ready for the next step.

Step 4: Shape and Second Rise

After the dough has had its big nap, turn it out onto a floured surface and divide it into 16 equal pieces. I sometimes weigh mine for consistency, but eyeballing works fine too. Roll each piece into a tight little ball and arrange them about an inch apart in a generously buttered 9×13-inch pan. Now, cover again with a tea towel and let these little beauties proof for another 30 minutes until puffed and ready.

Step 5: Bake and Garlic Butter Finish

Before popping the rolls into the oven preheated to 350°F (180°C), brush them with a beaten egg—that glossy finish is a game-changer. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and irresistibly inviting. While they bake, melt your butter and mix in freshly pressed garlic and chopped parsley. Right after the rolls come out of the oven, brush this garlic butter all over. This last finishing touch infuses the rolls with that classic garlic butter flavor and softens the crust perfectly. My family goes crazy for this part!

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Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe

Test Your Yeast: If your yeast doesn’t foam up in warm milk, it’s dead—start fresh for best results.
Watch Your Dough, Not The Clock: Proofing times vary, so judge rise by dough size, not the minutes.
Don’t Over-knead: Knead until smooth and elastic; overworking can make rolls dense.
Apply Garlic Butter While Warm: This ensures the butter soaks in and softens the crust perfectly.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe

Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a tiny bit more fresh chopped parsley on top after brushing with the garlic butter—it not only looks vibrant but adds a fresh punch that balances the richness. Sometimes I also add a light dusting of flaky sea salt for a little extra contrast.

Side Dishes

These rolls are absolute heroes alongside soups like tomato basil or creamy potato. I also love serving them with roasted chicken or a hearty beef stew—perfect for sopping up all those juices. Honestly, they complement almost any comforting meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged the rolls in a spiral or a wreath shape on a baking tray then decorated them with fresh herbs or even edible flowers after baking—makes a stunning centerpiece that people can tear apart and enjoy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover rolls store beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. I find wrapping them in foil and placing inside a bread box or cupboard keeps them soft longer.

Freezing

I often freeze unbaked dough balls arranged on a tray, then transfer them to a bag once frozen. Alternatively, fully baked rolls freeze well too—wrap tightly in plastic and foil. Defrost overnight in the fridge or on the countertop for a few hours before reheating.

Reheating

To revive that fresh-baked taste, pop your rolls in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 5-8 minutes wrapped in foil to prevent drying out—add a little extra melted garlic butter on top after heating, and you’re golden again.

FAQs

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

Yes, you definitely can! Bread flour gives you a higher protein content, which creates a chewier, softer roll texture, but all-purpose flour will still work well and yield tasty rolls. If using all-purpose flour, the rolls might be a little less chewy but still delicious.
What if my dough doesn’t rise as expected?

Yeast activity depends on temperature and freshness. If your dough isn’t rising, make sure your yeast is fresh and your liquids aren’t too hot or cold. Find a warm spot in your kitchen (like near a radiator) and give it time. Sometimes it just needs a bit longer to triple in size.
Can I make the dough ahead and bake later?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise in the fridge overnight—this slow fermentation enhances flavor. Just take it out to warm up before shaping and proceeding with the second rise and bake.
How do I avoid sticky dough when kneading?

A slightly sticky dough is normal, but if it’s too wet, add a little flour, a tablespoon at a time. Remember, dough should be soft and elastic but not sticking excessively to your hands or the surface.

Final Thoughts

I started making this Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe years ago when I wanted that bakery-style softness right at home—and it became an instant hit with my family. There’s something incredibly satisfying about pulling warm, fragrant rolls fresh from the oven and slathering on more garlic butter. If you want a reliable, delicious recipe that’s also fun to make, give this one a try. I promise you’ll keep coming back to it, just like I do!