There’s something incredibly comforting about fresh, warm dinner rolls right out of the oven, and this Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe hits that spot perfectly every time. Soft, fluffy, and loaded with that rich garlic butter flavor, these rolls are just the thing to elevate any weeknight meal or special holiday dinner. I honestly look forward to making these when I want to impress without stressing.

What makes this recipe stand out to me is how achievable it feels—even if you’re new to bread baking. The combination of simple pantry staples and a straightforward process means you can have those golden, aromatic rolls on your table without hours of fuss. Plus, the garlic butter glaze? It’s the kind of irresistible finishing touch that makes my family devour these rolls faster than I can say ‘seconds!’

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for these Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe come together to create a soft, tender crumb and that perfect garlicky finish. I always recommend using fresh yeast if you can find it—it makes a difference—but the instant works just as well. Also, locking in that soft texture starts with warm milk and softened butter, so don’t skip those little steps!

Whole milk: Using warm milk helps activate the yeast faster and adds richness to the dough.
Active dry or instant yeast: Either works, but make sure it’s fresh for a good rise.
Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness to balance the garlic.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough; measure carefully for consistent results.
Large egg: Adds moisture and helps bind the dough.
Salt: Essential for flavor—don’t skip or underestimate it!
Unsalted butter (softened): Makes the rolls tender and buttery from inside out.
Egg yolk and milk (for egg wash): Gives the rolls a beautiful golden shine.
Salted butter (for garlic butter): Melted and combined with garlic for brushing the tops.
Garlic cloves: Freshly chopped garlic packs way more punch than powder.
Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness to balance the garlic butter.

Variations

I love how versatile this Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe is—you can easily tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Sometimes I swap out fresh parsley for fresh rosemary or thyme, which gives a lovely herbaceous twist. Don’t hesitate to get creative and make it your own!

Herb variations: Rosemary or thyme work beautifully as alternative herbs for the garlic butter. I tried rosemary once during the holidays, and it became an instant favorite.
Dairy-free: Use plant-based milk and vegan butter, and it still turns out soft and flavorful.
Cheesy twist: Adding shredded parmesan or cheddar into the dough creates an irresistibly savory roll.
Spicy kick: Sprinkle a little red pepper flakes on the garlic butter for a mild heat that livens things up.

How to Make Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate the yeast

Start by warming your whole milk until it’s about 110°F — just warm to the touch, not hot, or you’ll kill the yeast. Stir in the yeast and sugar, letting it sit for 5-10 minutes until it bubbles and foams. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be expired or the milk too hot or cold—don’t skip this check, it saves a lot of frustration later!

Step 2: Mix and knead the dough

Into a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Then add the yeast mixture, the egg, and softened butter. Stir to bring everything together. Knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and springy. The dough will be slightly sticky but manageable—adding a bit of flour if needed is fine, but don’t overdo it.

Step 3: First rise

Transfer your dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1-1.5 hours, until it doubles in size. I usually put mine inside my oven with just the light on—it’s the perfect gentle warmth.

Step 4: Shape the rolls

Once risen, punch down the dough gently. Divide it into 12 equal pieces and shape each into a smooth ball by pulling the edges under. Place them evenly spaced in a greased baking dish or sheet. Cover and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes until puffy.

Step 5: Prepare egg wash and bake

Mix the egg yolk with a tablespoon of milk for the egg wash and gently brush the tops of each roll—this gives you that gorgeous golden color once baked. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Keep an eye on them towards the end; ovens vary, and you don’t want to dry them out.

Step 6: Make the garlic butter and glaze

While the rolls bake, melt salted butter in a small pan and gently sauté the finely chopped garlic for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley. Brush the warm garlic butter over the freshly baked rolls as soon as you take them out of the oven. This step is the real magic and creates that irresistible, savory crust.

How to Serve Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe

A close-up image of several shiny golden brown dinner rolls arranged closely on a wooden board, each roll topped with a light sprinkle of chopped green herbs and a slight gloss indicating butter or glaze; in the foreground, a woman's hand with red nail polish gently holds one roll, showing its soft, smooth surface and rich color against a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little extra chopped parsley on top after glazing for a fresh, bright pop of color—and it just looks so inviting! Sometimes, a light dusting of grated parmesan feels right, especially when we’re in cheesy mood.

Side Dishes

These rolls pair beautifully with almost everything, but I swear by serving them alongside hearty soups like tomato basil or creamy chicken and mushroom. They’re fantastic for soaking up sauces during a roast dinner or alongside a big salad for a simple meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like arranging the rolls in a circular pattern on a large platter with little herb sprigs tucked between. Sometimes I place small ramekins of extra garlic butter around for dipping. It turns a humble roll into a centerpiece!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, I wrap the rolls tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and fresh enough to enjoy without drying out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these rolls many times—just wrap them individually in foil or plastic wrap, then pop them in a freezer bag. They keep well for up to 3 months. When I’m ready to enjoy, I thaw them overnight in the fridge, or for a faster option, pop them in the oven wrapped in foil for 10-15 minutes.

Reheating

To keep that just-baked softness, I reheat the rolls in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes, loosely covered with foil to avoid drying out. A quick brush of garlic butter right before serving revives that fresh-baked aroma beautifully.

FAQs

Can I make this Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe without yeast?

Yeast is essential in this recipe because it makes the rolls rise and become fluffy. For a no-yeast alternative, you’d need to use baking powder or baking soda-based recipes, which will result in a different texture and flavor. I recommend sticking to yeast for the traditional soft dinner roll experience.
How important is using fresh garlic in the garlic butter?

Fresh garlic really makes a difference here! Minced fresh garlic gives a vibrant, punchy aroma and flavor that garlic powder just can’t match. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work, but I find the rolls aren’t quite as fragrant or flavorful.
Can I use whole wheat flour for this recipe?

You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and heartier texture, but keep in mind the dough may need a little more moisture or extra kneading to develop gluten properly.
What’s the best way to know when the rolls are fully baked?

They should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a thermometer—internal temperature around 190°F indicates they’re done.
Can I double this Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe?

Absolutely! Just double all the ingredients and make sure you have a large enough bowl for rising. I like baking the rolls in two batches so they have enough space to expand evenly.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe feels like a little slice of homemade comfort every time I bake it. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or making a cozy meal for two, these rolls always bring smiles around the table. I hope you enjoy making and sharing them as much as I do—trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll be a go-to favorite in your kitchen too.