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These soft and fragrant garlic bread rolls blend the comforting richness of homemade bread with a savory garlic butter that makes each bite irresistible. If you love that classic scent of fresh bread mingled with melted butter and garlic, this recipe is going to be a mainstay in your kitchen. Whether served alongside a hearty pasta or as the star at a family gathering, these rolls have wowed every crowd I have baked them for.
When I started making these as a quick weeknight treat they quickly became the most requested side dish for family meals and holiday dinners alike.
Gather Your Ingredients
- All purpose flour: Contributes to structure and gives the rolls their classic chew choose unbleached for the best texture
- Unsalted butter: Lets you control the salt level and delivers rich flavor pick a high quality European butter if possible
- Minced garlic: Infuses every fold of dough and the buttery topping with robust aroma use fresh cloves instead of preminced for the best taste
- Chopped fresh parsley: Brightens the rolls and adds those specks of color pick vibrant green parsley with crisp stems
- Instant yeast: Rises reliably and quickly always check expiration for best lift
- Granulated sugar: Gently feeds the yeast and balances garlic’s edge use clean dry measuring spoons to keep yeast happy
- Fine sea salt: Enhances every other flavor choose pure sea salt for a clean salty note
- Whole or two percent milk: Adds richness and tenderness use milk warmed to the right temperature so yeast springs up
- Large eggs: Bind the dough and boost color let eggs come to room temperature so they mix in evenly
- Egg wash: Creates glossy golden tops brush on gently with a soft pastry brush
- Flaky sea salt for finishing: Provides crunch and visual charm sprinkle right after brushing with the garlic butter
How to Make It
- Prepare the Pan:
- Lightly butter the bottom and sides of a nine by thirteen baking dish to prevent any sticking and to ensure the rolls develop a tender crust at the edges
- Make the Garlic Butter:
- Melt butter in a small pot over medium low heat then add minced garlic and cook one to two minutes just until fragrant but not browned take the pot off the heat and stir in chopped parsley set aside to cool slightly
- Mix the Dough:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer combine flour parsley sugar yeast and salt mix with the dough hook briefly just to combine Pour in warmed milk cracked egg and half of your garlic butter mixture Knead on low speed for ten to twelve minutes until soft smooth and slightly tacky If the dough seems overly sticky add more flour a tablespoon at a time until manageable
- First Rise:
- Transfer dough to a greased bowl turning once to coat Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm spot about ninety minutes until doubled in size
- Shape the Rolls:
- Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface Divide into twelve equal pieces Shape each gently into a smooth ball by tucking edges underneath Arrange in the prepared pan spaced slightly apart for pull apart style rolls
- Second Rise:
- Cover the pan with a towel and let rolls rise again until nearly doubled in size forty five minutes to an hour
- Brush and Bake:
- Preheat oven to three hundred eighty degrees Fahrenheit Brush tops with beaten egg for shine Bake twenty to thirty minutes until rolls are uniformly deep golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on top
- Finish with Garlic Butter:
- Remove rolls from oven and immediately brush all over with remaining garlic butter Sprinkle with flaky sea salt Serve warm for the best experience
I absolutely love the aroma when the parsley sizzles in the butter This step always makes me pause and breathe it all in My kids call these the green fleck bread and it is the only time parsley disappears off their plate
Flavor Boosters
In spring add a handful of chopped green onions to the dough. In summer try topping with diced ripe tomatoes and basil as soon as rolls come out of the oven. In fall or winter serve with hearty stews or chili for a soul warming side.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these rolls with a steaming bowl of tomato soup or set them out with a platter of antipasto. They also make an amazing vehicle for mini sandwiches or sliders. Try stuffing with cheese for a fun twist.
Creative Twists
You can swap the milk for a plant based option like oat milk if you want a dairy free version. Olive oil can be used in place of butter in the dough for a more Mediterranean feel. Fresh chives or basil instead of parsley can also add a different flavor note.
Fresh warm garlic rolls are always a hit at our table These are sure to become your favorite bread side too
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → How do you achieve soft, fluffy rolls?
Kneading the dough well and letting it rise properly are key. Use warm milk and allow enough time for the yeast to work, giving the rolls a light texture.
- → Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
Fresh parsley offers the best flavor and appearance, but dried parsley can be used in a smaller amount if needed.
- → What is the best way to serve garlic bread rolls?
Serve them warm, brushed generously with garlic butter right after baking. They pair well with pasta, soups, or roasted dishes.
- → How long can the rolls be stored?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly for best texture and taste.
- → Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.