If you’re craving something soft, fragrant, and downright irresistible to accompany any meal, this Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine warm, fluffy rolls infused with rich garlic butter that melts into every bite—a delightful mix of comfort and flavor that makes any dinner feel like a celebration. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or just want to add a special touch to your weeknight meal, these rolls are here to impress and satisfy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully to create soft, flavorful rolls. Each component plays a special role, from the yeast that makes the dough rise perfectly to the garlic butter that gives the rolls their signature taste and shine.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for soft yet sturdy rolls that hold their shape beautifully.
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast: Essential for bringing life and fluffiness to your dough.
- 1 tsp sugar: Just enough to feed the yeast and add a subtle hint of sweetness.
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C): Activates the yeast and helps the dough come together smoothly.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted: Adds rich flavor and tender texture to the dough.
- 1 tsp salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the overall taste.
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing): Keeps the dough from sticking during the rising process.
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for garlic butter): The star ingredient that brings buttery richness and glaze.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the butter with unforgettable, aromatic flavor.
- 1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Adds a touch of color and freshness to the garlic butter.
- ¼ tsp salt (for garlic butter): Elevates the savory notes of the garlic butter topping.
How to Make Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
First things first, bring your yeast to life! Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl, then stir gently. Let this mixture rest for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly—that’s your yeast waking up and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Next up, in a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and melted butter, then stir everything until the dough starts to come together. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until your dough feels smooth and elastic. If it’s a bit sticky, don’t be shy to sprinkle in a little more flour.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Now comes the patient part. Lightly grease a bowl with olive oil, place your dough inside, and turn it once to coat with the oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and leave it in a warm place for about an hour, until the dough doubles in size. This rising time transforms your dough into perfectly fluffy rolls later.
Step 4: Shape the Rolls
Once your dough is looking puffed up and gorgeous, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide it into 12 equal pieces and roll each one into a smooth ball. Nestle these balls snugly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, getting ready for the final rising.
Step 5: Let the Rolls Rise Again
Cover those dough balls with a towel once more, and allow them to rest for another 30 minutes. They’ll puff up beautifully, nearly doubling in size and promising soft, tender rolls.
Step 6: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pop the rolls in and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. When their tops turn that perfect golden brown, you know they’re ready to come out and be slathered with garlic butter goodness.
Step 7: Make Garlic Butter
While the rolls are baking, mix together melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt in a small bowl. This is the magic sauce that will take your rolls from delicious to unforgettable.
Step 8: Brush with Garlic Butter
The moment the rolls come out of the oven, brush each one lavishly with your garlic butter mixture. The warm rolls soak it right up, offering a gorgeous, savory glaze and that mouthwatering garlic aroma.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a pinch of sea salt on top of these garlic butter dinner rolls just before serving brings a fresh burst of color and flavor. It’s small touches like these that make your presentation pop and show off all the work you put in.
Side Dishes
These rolls practically beg to join a meal featuring soup, salad, or roasted meats. Think creamy tomato soup, hearty beef stew, or even a vibrant green salad with a tangy dressing—each side pairing compliments the buttery, garlicky softness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to really wow your guests? Arrange your Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe in a rustic bread basket or a beautiful linen-lined dish and serve them warm. You can even add a ramekin of extra garlic butter on the side for dipping—because who can resist a little extra indulgence?
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, making them perfect for enjoying the next day. To keep them soft, you can wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap.
Freezing
If you want to save these rolls for longer, freezing is your best friend. Wrap each roll individually or the entire batch tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months without losing their fluffy texture.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy the rolls again, let them thaw at room temperature and warm them up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Brushing them with a little extra garlic butter before warming will revive that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
FAQs
Can I use a stand mixer to make the dough?
Absolutely! Using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook can make kneading easier and faster. Just mix and knead on low speed until the dough is smooth and elastic, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
What type of garlic works best for the garlic butter?
Fresh garlic cloves are your best bet for that vibrant, aromatic flavor in the garlic butter topping. Mince them finely to ensure the flavor disperses evenly across the rolls.
Can I make these rolls whole wheat?
You can replace part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but keep in mind this might make the rolls a bit denser. Aim for substituting up to half the flour for the best balance of flavor and texture.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
If parsley isn’t on hand, you can skip it or sprinkle a little dried parsley instead. Chives or fresh thyme can also add a lovely touch of herbiness to your garlic butter.
How do I know when the rolls are fully baked?
The rolls should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped gently on the bottom. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep a close eye starting at 15 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Making this Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe is a delightful way to bring a little extra warmth and flavor to your table. The process is rewarding, and the results are simply out of this world—soft, buttery, garlicky rolls that everyone will love. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and watch it become a staple in your kitchen just like it is in mine!
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Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and infused with the rich flavors of garlic and butter. Made from scratch using active dry yeast, they are perfect for family dinners or special occasions, offering a warm and comforting addition to any meal.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing)
For the Garlic Butter
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and melted butter to the flour. Stir to combine, then knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Add extra flour as needed if the dough is sticky.
- Let the dough rise: Lightly grease a bowl with olive oil and place the dough inside, turning once to coat it with oil. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the rolls: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place them evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Let the rolls rise again: Cover the rolls with a towel and allow them to rise for another 30 minutes until they are puffed and nearly doubled in size.
- Bake the rolls: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 15-18 minutes until their tops turn golden brown and they sound hollow when tapped.
- Make garlic butter: While the rolls bake, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt in a small bowl to create a flavorful garlic butter mixture.
- Brush with garlic butter: Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush them generously with the garlic butter mixture. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure your water is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Kneading the dough properly is key to getting soft and fluffy rolls.
- You can add more herbs like rosemary or thyme to the garlic butter for extra flavor.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or freeze for longer storage.
- Reheat the rolls with a bit of extra garlic butter brushed on top for a fresh taste.
