Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

If you’re looking for a comforting addition to your dinner table, you’ve come to the right place! These Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are not just any rolls; they are pillowy soft, fluffy, and filled with the delightful aroma of garlic butter. There’s something magical about homemade bread that brings everyone together. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner, hosting friends for a game night, or just want to treat yourself after a long day, these rolls are sure to impress.

I love this recipe because it’s uncomplicated yet satisfying. The process involves simple ingredients that you probably already have at home. Plus, they pair perfectly with any meal or can be enjoyed on their own as a snack!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any special skills. You’ll feel like a pro in no time!
• Family Favorite: These rolls are loved by both kids and adults alike, making them perfect for family gatherings.
• Versatile Snack: Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or use them for sandwiches the next day—either way, they’re delicious!
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake them just before serving for warm, fresh rolls.
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of garlic and butter makes these rolls truly mouthwatering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients! Each one plays an essential role in creating those soft and buttery dinner rolls we all crave.

For the Dough

• 1 cup whole milk (240g), warm (around 110F)
• 3 teaspoons active dry yeast or instant yeast
• 1/3 cup sugar (70g)
• 3 3/4 cup all purpose flour (490g)
• 1 large egg
• 1.5 teaspoon salt
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened at room temperature (85g)

For the Egg Wash

• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tbsp milk

For the Garlic Butter Topping

• 1/4 cup salted butter (57g)
• 2-3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1-2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible! Feel free to get creative with these variations to suit your taste.

• Add Cheese: Mix in shredded cheese like mozzarella or cheddar for cheesy garlic rolls.
• Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs such as rosemary or thyme for added flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a bit of heat.
• Sweet Twist: For a sweet version, omit the garlic and brush with melted butter mixed with cinnamon and sugar.

How to Make Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large bowl, stir together the warm milk with the yeast. This step is crucial as it wakes up the yeast and gets it ready to help our dough rise beautifully.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Add all the other ingredients for the dinner rolls into that same bowl. Mixing everything together now ensures that each ingredient gets incorporated evenly into your dough.

Step 3: Knead Your Dough

Turn out your shaggy dough onto a clean surface. Knead it using a push-pull motion with your palms for about 15 minutes. At first, it may feel sticky, but don’t worry! As you knead, it will become smooth and stretchy—this is what we want!

Step 4: First Rise

Transfer your dough into a large clean bowl sprayed lightly with oil. Cover it with cling wrap and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size—typically around 90 minutes. This is when your dough develops flavor!

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

Once risen, punch down your dough gently and turn it out onto a clean surface. Divide it into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a tight ball. This shaping helps create those lovely soft layers in each roll.

Step 6: Second Rise

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place your shaped rolls on it with some space between each one. Cover them again and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy—this second rising is key for lightness!

Step 7: Preheat Your Oven

While your rolls are rising again, preheat your oven to 350F (conventional). A properly heated oven ensures even baking.

Step 8: Brush with Egg Wash

Once they’ve puffed up beautifully, mix together your egg yolk and milk to create an egg wash. Brush this generously over each roll; this gives them that gorgeous golden crust!

Step 9: Bake Away!

Bake those beauties in your preheated oven for about 20-22 minutes until they are golden brown on top. The smell will be irresistible!

Step 10: Prepare Garlic Butter

While they bake, melt some butter in a saucepan over low heat. Add your finely chopped garlic and sauté for just 1-2 minutes until fragrant—don’t let it burn! Stir in parsley once off heat.

Step 11: Final Touches

As soon as the rolls come out of the oven hot and steamy, brush them generously with that aromatic garlic butter while they’re still warm—this adds an extra layer of deliciousness!

Step 12: Serve & Enjoy!

These Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are now ready to be devoured! Serve them warm alongside your favorite dishes or enjoy straight from the baking sheet—they’re sure to disappear quickly!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

Baking these rolls is a delightful experience, and with a few handy tips, you can make them even more perfect!

• Use warm milk: Ensuring the milk is warm (around 110°F) helps activate the yeast effectively, leading to better rising and fluffiness in your rolls.
• Don’t rush the kneading: Take your time to knead the dough for about 15 minutes. This develops gluten, giving the rolls their signature soft and chewy texture.
• Keep a warm environment: When letting the dough rise, find a warm and humid spot. This encourages faster fermentation and results in light, airy rolls.
• Brush generously with egg wash: A good coat of egg wash not only gives your rolls a shiny finish but also enhances their color as they bake.
• Serve fresh out of the oven: These rolls are best enjoyed warm! Serve them immediately after brushing with garlic butter for the ultimate flavor experience.

How to Serve Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

These delicious dinner rolls can be presented beautifully at your table, making them an inviting addition to any meal. Here are some ideas for serving!

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a pop of color and enhances that fresh flavor.
• Grated cheese: For an extra indulgence, top with some grated cheese before baking for a cheesy twist on garlic butter rolls.

Side Dishes

• Creamy Tomato Soup: The rich flavors of tomato soup complement the garlicky goodness of these rolls perfectly—a classic pairing that warms the soul.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with seasonal greens and a zesty vinaigrette balances out the richness of the rolls, adding freshness to your meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasting vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini brings out their natural sweetness and pairs beautifully with bread.
• Spaghetti Aglio e Olio: This simple pasta dish featuring garlic and olive oil is a fantastic companion to your garlic butter rolls—perfect for soaking up those delicious flavors!

Enjoy your baking adventure! These Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are sure to become a family favorite at any dinner table.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are perfect for meal prep! You can make them in advance and enjoy them fresh for days. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your delicious rolls.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer freshness, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Allow the rolls to cool completely before freezing.
• Place the rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen rolls, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Warm them in a preheated oven at 350F (175C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls!

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls?

Yes! Whole wheat flour can be used, but it may result in denser rolls. Consider mixing half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.

How can I tell when the Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are fully baked?

The rolls should have a beautiful golden crust and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you have a kitchen thermometer, they should reach around 190F (88C) internally.

What can I serve with Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls?

These rolls pair excellently with soups, salads, or as a side to your favorite main dishes. They also make great sandwiches!

Can I make these dinner rolls without an egg?

Absolutely! You can replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or use unsweetened applesauce.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls as much as I do! Their pillowy softness and rich garlic butter flavor make them irresistible. Whether you’re serving them at dinner or enjoying them as a snack, they’re sure to bring joy to your table. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; I’m confident you’ll love every bite!