Alright, if you’re anything like me and just love that warm, buttery, garlicky goodness that melts in your mouth, then this Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe is going to be your new best friend. These rolls are soft, pillowy, and loaded with the perfect balance of fresh garlic and herb butter flavor — they’re ideal for family dinners or when you want to impress guests without breaking a sweat.

I first made these rolls on a lazy Sunday afternoon, and let me tell you, they disappeared faster than I expected! The best part? You get that fresh-baked aroma filling your kitchen, which is honestly half the joy. Whether you serve them alongside a hearty pasta or soup, or just snack on them plain, this Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe is absolutely worth trying and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together harmoniously to create that soft, flavorful roll with a delicate crust and buttery garlic punch. Just make sure to get fresh parsley and good quality butter for the best results — it really makes a difference.

Unsalted butter: Keeps the butter flavor pure and lets you control the saltiness perfectly.
Minced garlic: Fresh garlic adds that bold aroma and kick you want in every bite.
All-purpose flour: The base for soft, tender rolls — measure it properly using the spoon-and-level method for best texture.
Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh herbal note and a burst of green color that makes the rolls even more inviting.
Granulated sugar: Just a touch to feed the yeast and balance flavors.
Instant yeast: The magic behind making your rolls rise beautifully and quickly.
Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors — I prefer fine sea salt for even mixing.
Whole or 2% milk: Warmed to 110°F to activate the yeast and add moisture.
Large eggs: One for the dough, one beaten for that golden, glossy finish on top.
Flaky sea salt (for finishing): Sprinkled on top to add a delightful crunch and highlight the garlic butter flavor.

Variations

One of the great things about this Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe is how adaptable it is. I love tweaking it depending on what herbs or cheeses I have on hand, and you should totally feel free to experiment and make this your own!

Cheesy garlic rolls: Adding shredded mozzarella or parmesan inside the dough or sprinkled on top is my go-to for an extra decadent treat.
Herb mix: Swap parsley for basil, chives, or even rosemary for a different flavor profile that keeps things interesting.
Vegan option: Use plant-based butter and a flax or chia egg substitute, paired with non-dairy milk — the rolls still come out soft and flavorful!
Spicy twist: Mix a pinch of red chili flakes into the garlic butter for a subtle heat I adore when paired with Italian meals.

How to Make Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Dough

Start by warming your milk to about 110°F — warm, but not hot, as too much heat will kill the yeast. In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and instant yeast. Give it a quick stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. This little bloom means your yeast is happy and ready to go!

Step 2: Mix and Knead

Add the butter (melted but cooled), minced garlic, fresh parsley, salt, egg, and about 3 1/2 cups of flour to your yeast mixture. Stir until combined, then transfer onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is soft, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. If the dough is too sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time — patience really helps here!

Step 3: First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and set it somewhere warm (like inside your turned-off oven with the light on) for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size. This is when you can start prepping your garlic butter for the topping.

Step 4: Shape and Rise Again

Punch down the risen dough gently to release air, then divide it into 10-12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a round roll and place them on a greased baking tray, spaced slightly apart. Brush each roll with the beaten egg to get that beautiful golden crust, cover again, and let rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.

Step 5: Bake and Brush Garlic Butter

Bake the rolls in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 15-18 minutes until golden and springy when touched. While they bake, melt butter with minced garlic and parsley for the garlic butter. As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush them generously with this mixture and sprinkle flaky sea salt on top — that’s the secret to that extra punch of flavor I love!

How to Serve Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe

The image shows a close-up of nine soft bread rolls baked together in a square shape on a white marbled surface. Each roll is golden brown on top with a shiny texture, sprinkled evenly with small green parsley pieces and white garlic bits. One roll near the center is pulled slightly away from the others, showing a fluffy, light-colored inside. The rolls are packed tightly, creating rounded tops that touch each other. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I typically finish with a sprinkle of extra chopped fresh parsley right after brushing on the garlic butter. The green pops beautifully against the golden crust and adds freshness. A light dusting of parmesan is another favorite of mine when I’m feeling cheesy vibes.

Side Dishes

These garlic bread rolls are fantastic alongside pretty much anything Italian — think spaghetti Bolognese, creamy alfredo, or even a chunky tomato and roasted vegetable soup. I also adore pairing them with a fresh salad or hearty chili for a cozy, filling meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like arranging the rolls in a circular pull-apart “wreath” on a large platter and tucking in rosemary sprigs or edible flowers. It’s such a simple touch but makes the table feel festive and inviting — perfect for holiday dinners or weekend brunches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover garlic bread rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them moist, I’ll add a slice of bread inside the container — it really helps maintain that softness and prevents stale edges.

Freezing

These rolls freeze wonderfully! Once they’ve cooled completely, I wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge or for a couple of hours at room temperature.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers by warming them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, loosely covered with foil to keep the moisture in. If you want to revive that freshly brushed garlic butter taste, I sometimes brush a little more garlic butter on top right before reheating — it’s like they’re fresh out of the oven again!

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast for this Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe?

Absolutely! If you’re using active dry yeast, dissolve it in the warm milk with the sugar and let it proof for about 10 minutes until foamy before mixing it with the other ingredients. This step isn’t needed for instant yeast, as it can be added directly to the dry ingredients.
How can I get the garlic flavor just right without it being overpowering?

I find that using fresh minced garlic in the dough and brushed on top gives the best balance — it’s fragrant without being too sharp. If you’re worried about strong garlic, reduce the amount slightly or roast the garlic beforehand for a sweeter, milder flavor.
Can I make the dough in a stand mixer?

Yes! Using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook makes kneading easy and hands-free. Mix the ingredients on low speed until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl, then increase to medium and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
What’s the best way to measure flour for this recipe?

To avoid dense rolls, fluff up your flour with a fork, spoon it gently into your measuring cup, and level off with the back of a knife. Avoid scooping directly with the measuring cup, as that packs the flour and throws off your ratios.
Can I add other herbs to the garlic butter?

Definitely! Fresh thyme, rosemary, or chives all work beautifully and add a new depth of flavor. Just chop them finely and mix into the butter before brushing over the rolls.

Final Thoughts

Making this Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe has become a little ritual in my kitchen — it’s simple, comforting, and always impresses whoever I share it with. I can’t recommend it enough if you want something fresh, flavorful, and downright delicious without too much fuss. So, grab your ingredients and give it a go; I’m pretty sure these rolls will become a staple in your home, just like they did in mine!