Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

If you’re looking for a cozy addition to your dinner table, these Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are sure to steal the show! Imagine soft, fluffy rolls that melt in your mouth and bring a warm aroma of garlic and butter to your kitchen. This recipe is a cherished favorite in my home, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. They pair beautifully with any meal and are so easy to make that even novice bakers can impress their loved ones.

Whether you’re serving them alongside a hearty soup, a delicious pasta dish, or just enjoying them on their own with a bit of extra butter, these dinner rolls are bound to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: This recipe uses simple steps that make it easy for anyone to whip up these delightful rolls.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves fresh bread! These rolls are soft enough for kids and satisfying for adults.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake it just before serving, making meal prep a breeze.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of garlic and butter creates an irresistible flavor that will have everyone coming back for more.
• Perfectly Fluffy Texture: With just the right amount of kneading and rising, these rolls are pillow-soft and fluffy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for these Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls is half the fun! You’ll find that they are all simple and wholesome staples you likely already have at home. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

• 1 cup whole milk (240g), warm (around 110F)
• 3 teaspoons active dry yeast or instant yeast
• 1/3 cup sugar (70g)
• 3 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (490g)
• 1 large egg
• 1.5 teaspoon salt
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened at room temperature (85g)
• Egg wash: 1 egg yolk and 1 tbsp milk
• 1/4 cup salted butter (57g)
• 2-3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1-2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with different flavors or additions. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add Cheese: Fold in shredded cheese like mozzarella or cheddar into the dough for cheesy rolls.
• Herb Infusion: Mix in dried herbs such as oregano or rosemary along with the garlic for an aromatic twist.
• Sweet Twist: For a sweeter version, substitute some sugar with cinnamon and add raisins or cranberries.
• Stuffed Rolls: Fill each roll with your favorite filling, such as spinach and feta or roasted vegetables, before baking.

How to Make Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, stir together the warm milk with the yeast. This step is crucial as it activates the yeast, which helps your rolls rise beautifully. After that, add all the other ingredients for the dinner rolls into the same bowl.

Step 2: Form the Dough

Use your hands to mix until everything comes together into a shaggy dough. This is where the magic starts! Don’t worry if it seems sticky at first; that’s normal. Turn out the dough onto a clean surface and knead it using your palms in a push-pull motion for about 15 minutes. Your goal here is smoothness! The dough will become stretchy and soft over time—trust me!

Step 3: First Rise

Transfer your lovely dough into a large clean bowl sprayed lightly with oil. Cover it with cling wrap and place it in a warm spot. Let it rise until it doubles in size—this typically takes about 90 minutes. This step allows those delicious flavors to develop!

Step 4: Shape the Rolls

Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release air and turn it out onto a clean surface again. Divide it into 12 equal pieces, rolling each piece into tight balls without cracks or wrinkles. They should look perfectly round!

Step 5: Second Rise

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place your shaped rolls on it, giving them some space to breathe. Prepare an egg wash by mixing an egg yolk with milk; brush this mixture generously over each roll. Allow them to rise again in a warm spot for about 30-45 minutes until puffy.

Step 6: Bake Away!

Preheat your oven to 350F during the last few minutes of rising. Once ready, give those rolls another brushing of egg wash before baking them for about 20-22 minutes until they have that gorgeous golden crust.

Step 7: Add Garlic Butter

While your rolls bake, melt some salted butter in a saucepan over low heat; add chopped garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant—about one or two minutes will do! Stir in fresh parsley once off heat.

Step 8: Enjoy!

Once baked, brush those hot rolls with your garlic butter mixture while they’re still warm—you want every bite infused with that yummy goodness! Serve them up warm alongside your favorite dishes or simply enjoy them straight from the oven.

These Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are not just food; they’re little clouds of comfort that can brighten any meal! Enjoy every fluffy bite!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

Making dinner rolls at home can be a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll ensure your garlic butter rolls turn out perfectly fluffy and flavorful!

• Use warm milk: Warm milk (around 110F) activates the yeast effectively, ensuring a good rise. This is crucial for achieving those pillowy rolls we all love.

• Knead properly: Kneading the dough for a full 15 minutes may seem tedious, but this develops gluten, which gives the rolls their structure and softness. Remember, the dough should be sticky at first but will become smooth over time.

• Don’t rush the rising: Allowing your dough to rise in a warm, humid spot is essential. This process helps to develop flavor and texture. If your kitchen is cool, you can preheat your oven to the lowest setting for a few minutes, then turn it off and place the dough inside.

• Egg wash for shine: Brushing the rolls with an egg wash not only gives them that beautiful golden color but also adds a slight sheen that makes them even more appetizing.

• Brush with garlic butter while hot: Applying the garlic butter immediately after baking allows it to soak into the warm rolls, enhancing their flavor and making them extra irresistible!

How to Serve Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

These homemade dinner rolls are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering. Present them warm, straight from the oven, in a lovely basket lined with a cloth napkin to keep them cozy!

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley on top of the hot rolls adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: While keeping it vegetarian-friendly, grating some Parmesan over the rolls right after brushing with garlic butter elevates their flavor.

Side Dishes

• Garden Salad: A light garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers dressed in lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the rolls perfectly.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers add a flavorful contrast and round out your meal beautifully.
• Vegetarian Chili: A hearty vegetarian chili pairs wonderfully with these soft dinner rolls; perfect for dipping!
• Creamy Tomato Soup: Nothing beats dipping bread into a warm bowl of creamy tomato soup—it’s comfort food at its best!

Enjoy these easy garlic butter dinner rolls as part of your next meal! Their fluffy texture and delightful garlic flavor are sure to impress everyone at your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time, store them, and enjoy fresh, warm rolls whenever you want.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the rolls to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Alternatively, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the rolls cool completely after baking.
• Wrap each roll in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Label the bag with the date!

Reheating

• For best results, thaw frozen rolls overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reheat in a preheated oven at 350F (175C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• If reheating refrigerated rolls, pop them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making these delicious dinner rolls.

Can I make these Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls without yeast?

While yeast gives these rolls their delightful fluffiness, you can try using baking powder as an alternative. However, this will change the texture and flavor significantly.

How do I know when my Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are done baking?

The rolls should have a shiny golden crust and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. If they look too pale, give them another couple of minutes in the oven!

What can I serve with Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls?

These delicious rolls pair perfectly with soups, stews, or as a side to your favorite main dishes. They also make great sliders!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls! They’re not only simple but also incredibly rewarding when enjoyed fresh from the oven. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a cozy dinner at home, these rolls bring warmth and comfort to any meal. Enjoy making them, and don’t hesitate to share your experience!