Name: The Best Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons minced garlic; 3 1/2 cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast; 1 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1 cup whole or 2% milk (warmed to 110°F); 1 large egg (room temperature); 1 beaten egg (for brushing the tops); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; Flaky sea salt (for finishing)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 15 reviews

I am absolutely thrilled to share with you what I truly believe is The Best Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe. These rolls bring together a perfect harmony of soft, fluffy bread infused with rich garlic butter and fresh parsley, creating an unforgettable taste experience. Whenever I bake these, the aroma alone fills my kitchen and invites everyone to gather around. I love how they’re slightly crisp on the outside with tender, buttery interiors—truly irresistible and perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This The Best Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe

From the very first bite, I knew this recipe was something special. The flavor profile combines a lovely balance of savory garlic with a hint of fresh parsley, wrapped in a warm, fluffy dough that’s a dream to eat. The buttery garlic brush on top adds a golden, flavorful finish that makes each roll melt in your mouth. I always find myself reaching for seconds, and sometimes even thirds, because these rolls satisfy that craving for something deeply comforting yet light.

What I love most about this recipe is how approachable it is, despite tasting so gourmet. The process is straightforward—with simple ingredients and clear steps—making it perfect even for someone who’s new to baking bread. And the best part? These rolls are incredibly versatile. Whether I’m hosting a family dinner, needing a crowd-pleasing party appetizer, or just craving a cozy weeknight treat, they always shine. Honestly, this recipe stands out because it combines ease, flavor, and that irresistible homemade touch all in one.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with twelve round dough balls closely placed in a 3 by 4 grid. Each dough ball is smooth, shiny, and light yellow in color with small green herb bits scattered inside the dough, giving it a speckled look. The dough balls have a soft, slightly glossy texture, indicating they are ready to bake. The dish rests on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of The Best Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe lies in its simple, yet essential, ingredients. Each one plays a critical role in delivering the perfect texture, flavor, and beautiful color of these rolls. Whether it’s the instant yeast for that fluffy rise or the fresh parsley for a burst of green, these components come together wonderfully.

Unsalted butter: Used twice—first for garlic-infused dough flavor and again for brushing the hot rolls, ensuring a rich buttery taste throughout.
Minced garlic: Essential for that strong, fragrant garlic flavor that defines these rolls perfectly.
All-purpose flour: Provides the base with just the right structure, making the rolls soft yet sturdy.
Chopped fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness that lightens the richness of the butter and garlic.
Granulated sugar: Helps feed the yeast, giving the rolls a gentle sweetness and aiding in browning.
Instant yeast: The magic behind the rise and fluffiness of the dough, creating light and airy rolls.
Fine sea salt: Balances the flavors, enhancing sweetness and savory elements.
Whole or 2% milk (warmed to 110°F): Gives moisture and tenderness to the dough and helps activate the yeast.
Large egg: Adds richness and helps with the dough’s structure and color.
Beaten egg for brushing: Provides a shiny, golden finish on the rolls.
Flaky sea salt for finishing: Optional, but when sprinkled on top, it adds a delightful salty crunch that elevates the rolls beautifully.

Directions

Step 1: Start by lightly buttering the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch baking pan, then set it aside. This prevents sticking and adds a touch of flavor to the roll edges.

Step 2: In a small pot, melt the butter and stir in the minced garlic. Let it cook gently for 1-2 minutes until the garlic releases its fragrance—this step is key to infusing the rolls with that signature garlicky aroma. Remove from heat and let this mixture cool while you prepare the rest of the dough.

Step 3: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, stir together the flour, chopped fresh parsley, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. This dry mix ensures all flavor components are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Add the warmed milk, room temperature egg, and the cooled garlic butter to the dry ingredients. Using the dough hook on low speed, knead the mixture for about 10-12 minutes until the dough is smooth, soft, and slightly tacky. If the dough feels too sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time until it’s manageable but still moist and soft.

Step 5: Once kneaded, divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. I find using a kitchen scale to aim for approximately 67 grams per piece helps keep the rolls uniform and bake evenly. Shape each piece into a tight, smooth ball by pulling the dough under itself and pinching the bottom seam closed.

Step 6: Place each shaped dough ball into the greased pan, arranging them so they’re close but not squished. Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and leave it in a warm spot to rise until doubled in size, which usually takes about 1 to 2 hours depending on your environment.

Step 7: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).

Step 8: Just before baking, brush the tops of the risen rolls with the beaten egg. This gives them a beautiful golden sheen while baking.

Step 9: Bake the rolls for 20 to 30 minutes until they’re golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped. Timing can vary by oven, so keep an eye on that lovely golden color developing.

Step 10: While the rolls bake, prepare the garlic butter topping by melting the remaining butter in a pot and gently cooking the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley, then remove from heat.

Step 11: As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, generously brush them with the prepared garlic butter mixture. If you like, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top immediately for an eye-catching look and a little extra zing. Serve them warm and enjoy the irresistible combination of fresh, buttery garlic flavors with soft, tender bread.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 12 delicious garlic bread rolls, perfect for sharing with family or friends. Preparation time, including kneading and shaping, is about 25-30 minutes, while the rising time takes roughly 1 to 2 hours depending on room temperature. Baking requires 20-30 minutes, meaning your total hands-on and wait time will be approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes. Allowing the rolls to cool just slightly after baking ensures they’re warm enough to enjoy without burning your mouth—perfect for that ideal, cozy bite.

How to Serve This The Best Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe

Nine golden brown dinner rolls arranged in a 3x3 grid, each roll showing a shiny, slightly crispy top with a soft, fluffy texture beneath. The tops of the rolls are brushed with a light glaze that reflects light, giving them a moist look. Small pieces of pale garlic and chopped bright green parsley are scattered evenly over the surface, adding texture and color contrast. The rolls are tightly placed next to each other, showing soft white sides where they touch. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving these garlic bread rolls fresh and warm, right out of the oven, when they are at their fluffiest and most fragrant. They’re perfect alongside a hearty soup—imagine dipping these buttery rolls into a creamy tomato basil or rich mushroom stew. The garlic and butter flavors complement those dishes beautifully and create a comforting meal.

For a gathering or party, I like arranging the rolls on a wooden board, garnished with extra chopped parsley and a few small ramekins of soft herb butters or olive oil for dipping. The flaky sea salt sprinkled on top adds just the right finishing touch and a hint of crunch that really makes them stand out on any table.

When it comes to beverages, I find a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc pairs marvelously with the garlicky richness, cutting through the butter’s heaviness without overpowering it. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a sparkling lemon water or light herbal iced tea lifts the palate nicely. These rolls are flexible enough for anything from casual weeknight dinners to elegant holiday feasts—I always keep this recipe handy!

Variations

I enjoy experimenting with this recipe by switching up the herbs or adding a cheesy twist. For instance, substituting fresh basil or oregano for parsley gives a different herbal aroma that’s equally delicious. If you want to add a cheesy touch, stuffing the rolls with a bit of shredded mozzarella or parmesan before baking adds melty goodness inside.

For dietary modifications, I have successfully made a gluten-free version using a mix of gluten-free flours that have baking binders, though the texture is slightly less fluffy but still tasty. To make these vegan, you can replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg instead of a chicken egg, which works quite well with a slightly longer rising time for the dough.

I’ve also tried turning these rolls into garlic knots by tying the dough strips before baking and finishing them with garlic butter and parmesan cheese. Another option is pan-frying or air frying smaller dough balls for a quick, crispy variation when you’re short on oven time. There’s so much fun to be had customizing this recipe to your taste and time constraints!

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, I store leftover rolls in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature to keep them soft for up to 2 days. If you want to extend their freshness, placing them in the refrigerator inside a sealed container can keep them good for up to 5 days, though the texture might firm up slightly.

Freezing

These garlic bread rolls freeze beautifully, making them a great make-ahead option. I recommend wrapping each cooled roll tightly in plastic wrap, then placing them together in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you want to enjoy them, just thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter for a few hours before reheating.

Reheating

To bring leftover or thawed rolls back to life, I like reheating them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes until warmed through and lightly crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving if you want to retain their texture, as it can make them chewy or soggy. A quick brush of melted garlic butter after reheating adds that fresh, just-baked charm that makes them taste like new again.

FAQs

Can I make this dough ahead of time and refrigerate it?

Absolutely! I often prepare the dough and let it rise once, then punch it down and refrigerate overnight. This slow fermentation develops deeper flavor. When you’re ready, just let it come to room temperature and rise again before baking.

What if I don’t have instant yeast? Can I use active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute active dry yeast, but you’ll need to proof it first by dissolving it in warm milk with sugar and letting it bubble for 5-10 minutes before adding to the dry ingredients. This extra step activates the yeast effectively.

My dough feels too sticky. How much flour should I add?

When kneading, it’s common for dough to be slightly tacky but not overly sticky. Add just one tablespoon of flour at a time to avoid making the dough too stiff. The dough should remain soft and slightly tacky to the touch for the best texture.

Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh for this recipe?

I highly recommend fresh parsley whenever possible because it adds vibrant color and fresh flavor. If you have only dried, use about one-third the amount but keep in mind the flavor won’t be as bright or visually appealing.

Is it okay to brush the rolls with butter instead of egg wash?

Yes, brushing with melted butter is a lovely alternative and gives a rich, softer crust instead of the shiny, golden finish from the egg wash. You can also do both—egg wash before baking and garlic butter right after for maximum flavor.

Conclusion

I hope you feel as excited as I do to try The Best Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe. It’s truly one of those recipes that warms the heart and brings smiles to the table, every single time. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, these rolls offer a perfect blend of ease and incredible flavor that will quickly make them a staple in your kitchen. Get ready to enjoy batches of tender, buttery garlic rolls that everyone will love!