The Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are the perfect addition to any meal. These rolls are soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavor. Ideal for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or just a cozy night in, they are sure to impress everyone at your table. What makes them stand out is the delicious garlic butter glaze that adds an irresistible touch.
Why Youβll Love This Recipe
- Pillowy Texture: These rolls are light and airy, making them the perfect accompaniment to any dish.
- Flavorful Garlic Butter: The addition of garlic butter elevates these rolls with rich flavor that pairs well with savory meals.
- Versatile Usage: Serve them alongside soups, salads, or as a delightful snack on their own.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can achieve great results.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether itβs Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a casual dinner, these rolls fit right in.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making your Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush
- Rolling pin (optional)
- Clean surface for kneading
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl allows you to easily combine ingredients without spilling.
- Parchment paper: This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier when baking your rolls.
- Pastry brush: Perfect for applying egg wash and garlic butter evenly over the rolls.
Ingredients
The best, pillowy soft and fluffy homemade garlic butter dinner rolls.
For the Dough
- 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
- 1 tbsp milk
For the Garlic Butter Topping
- 1/4 cup salted butter (57g)
- 2-3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1-2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
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 until combined.
- Add all remaining ingredients for the dinner rolls into the same bowl.
Step 2: Mix and Knead
- Stir together until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn out onto a clean surface and knead with a push-pull motion using your palms for about 15 minutes until smooth and stretchy.
Step 3: First Rise
- Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with cling wrap.
- Let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size (about 90 minutes).
Step 4: Shape the Rolls
- Once risen, punch down the dough and turn it out onto a clean surface.
- Divide into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a tight ball.
Step 5: Second Rise
- Line a 9Γ13 baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange rolls on the sheet with space between them.
- Brush with an egg wash made from mixing egg yolk and milk.
- Allow rolls to rise again in a warm spot for about 30-45 minutes.
Step 6: Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350F (conventional) during the last 20 minutes of rising.
- Brush risen rolls once more with egg wash.
- Bake for 20-22 minutes until golden brown.
Step 7: Prepare Garlic Butter
- In a saucepan, melt salted butter over medium heat.
- Add chopped garlic and sautΓ© for 1-2 minutes before turning off heat; mix in parsley.
Step 8: Final Touches
Brush hot rolls generously with garlic butter right after taking them out of the oven.
Serve & enjoy your delicious Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls!
How to Serve Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are a delightful addition to any meal. Their soft texture and rich flavor make them perfect for various occasions. Here are some serving suggestions to enjoy these rolls at their best.
Pair with Soups
- Creamy Tomato Soup β The rich garlic butter rolls complement the tanginess of tomato soup, creating a perfect dip.
- Chicken Noodle Soup β These rolls add a hearty touch to classic chicken noodle soup and soak up all the flavorful broth.
Enjoy with Salads
- Caesar Salad β The buttery flavor enhances the crisp greens and creamy dressing, making each bite satisfying.
- Garden Salad β Pairing with a fresh garden salad brings balance to your meal, adding crunch and freshness.
Perfect for Dipping
- Garlic Herb Dip β Serve the rolls warm with a garlic herb dip for an extra layer of flavor.
- Cheese Fondue β Use the rolls to scoop up melted cheese, making for an indulgent appetizer.
As a Side for Main Dishes
- Roast Chicken β These rolls are excellent alongside roast chicken, soaking up the delicious juices.
- Grilled Vegetables β They pair well with grilled veggies, adding a comforting element to your plate.
How to Perfect Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
To ensure your Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use warm milk β Warm milk helps activate the yeast effectively, leading to better rise and fluffiness.
- Knead thoroughly β Kneading develops gluten in the dough. Make sure to knead until it passes the window-pane test for optimal texture.
- Allow proper rising time β Letting the dough rise until it doubles in size ensures light and airy rolls. Be patient!
- Donβt skip the egg wash β Brushing on an egg wash before baking gives the rolls a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Brush with garlic butter while hot β This step infuses the rolls with flavor while theyβre warm, enhancing their garlic goodness.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
Pairing your Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:
- Roasted Vegetables β Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized create a colorful and nutritious side.
- Mashed Potatoes β Creamy mashed potatoes provide comfort; use leftover garlic butter for added flavor!
- Grilled Steak β A juicy steak pairs wonderfully with these rolls, making for a hearty dinner.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers β Colorful peppers filled with rice and herbs make a vibrant side that balances well.
- Pasta Primavera β A light pasta dish loaded with vegetables complements the richness of garlic butter rolls perfectly.
- Coleslaw β A crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and crunch, balancing the soft texture of dinner rolls.
- Baked Beans β Sweet and savory baked beans offer a delightful contrast to fluffy rolls; perfect for gatherings.
- Quinoa Salad β A refreshing quinoa salad packed with veggies makes a healthy choice that pairs nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls can be a fun and rewarding experience, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results.
- Using cold ingredients: Ensure your milk is warm (around 110F) to activate the yeast properly. Cold ingredients can hinder the doughβs rise.
- Skipping the kneading process: Kneading develops gluten, which gives the rolls their fluffy texture. Take your time and knead for at least 15 minutes until smooth.
- Not letting the dough rise adequately: Be patient! Allowing the dough to double in size is crucial for achieving light and airy rolls.
- Overcrowding the baking sheet: Give each roll enough space on the baking sheet to expand. This helps them bake evenly and develop a nice crust.
- Neglecting the garlic butter topping: Brushing the warm rolls with garlic butter adds flavor and moisture, making them irresistible. Donβt skip this step!

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
- Freeze rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
- Ensure they are fully cooled before freezing to avoid ice crystals.
Reheating Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350F and wrap rolls in aluminum foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Place rolls on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Heat in 10-second intervals until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, turning occasionally until heated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
You can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but it may change the texture slightly. Start with half and see how it turns out.
How do I know when my dough has risen enough?
The dough should double in size. A quick test is to lightly press your finger into it; if the indentation remains, itβs ready.
Can I add herbs or cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in herbs like rosemary or thyme or sprinkle shredded cheese on top before baking for extra flavor.
What should I do if my rolls are too dense?
This could be due to not kneading enough or not allowing adequate rising time. Make sure you follow both steps carefully next time.
How do I make these rolls vegan?
Replace the milk with plant-based milk, use vegan butter for brushing, and skip the egg wash or use a plant-based alternative instead.
Final Thoughts
These Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are perfect for any meal, from weeknight dinners to holiday gatherings. Their fluffy texture and rich garlic-butter flavor make them incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize with your favorite herbs or toppings!

Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
- Author: Adeline
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 rolls 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of homemade Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls. These soft and fluffy rolls are a perfect complement to any meal, from family dinners to festive gatherings. Each bite offers a rich burst of flavor thanks to the aromatic garlic butter glaze that makes them simply irresistible. Whether enjoyed straight from the oven or paired with your favorite soup or salad, these dinner rolls will elevate your dining experience and leave everyone wanting more.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm whole milk
- 3 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup salted butter for garlic topping
- 2β3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1β2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast; let it sit until frothy.
- Add sugar, flour, egg, salt, and softened butter. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface for about 15 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with wrap, and let rise until doubled in size (about 90 minutes).
- Punch down the dough and divide into 12 pieces; shape each into a ball.
- Arrange on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let rise again for about 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350F during the last 20 minutes of rising; brush rolls with egg wash.
- Bake for 20-22 minutes until golden brown.
- In a saucepan, melt butter; add garlic and parsley; brush over hot rolls before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (70g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Feel free to experiment by adding herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor. For a vegan version, substitute milk with plant-based alternatives and use vegan butter.









