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If you love the smell of fresh, warm bread paired with the irresistible zing of garlic, then you are in for a true treat with this Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe. These fluffy, golden rolls bursting with buttery garlic and fragrant parsley are perfect whether you’re enjoying a cozy family meal or looking to impress guests with a homemade touch. The combination of tender bread, subtle Parmesan, and those rich garlic undertones create a bite-sized delight that’s simply impossible to resist. Let’s dive into making these delicious rolls from scratch so you can fill your kitchen with scrumptious aroma and serve up smiles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe are wonderfully simple yet essential to achieving that soft texture and vibrant flavor that makes these rolls so irresistible. Each element plays a special role, from the yeast that helps the dough rise beautifully, to the fresh parsley that adds a burst of color and freshness.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the dough, providing structure and a soft crumb.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Feeds the yeast and balances the savory garlic flavor.
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast: The magical ingredient that helps the dough rise and become fluffy.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and controls yeast activity.
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F): Activates the yeast and keeps the dough tender.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for dough): Adds richness and moisture to the bread.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Combines with garlic for the aromatic butter spread.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: The star flavor that makes these rolls unforgettable.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Provides a fresh, herbaceous note and vibrant green flecks.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a savory, umami kick and a beautiful crust.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing): Brushed over the hot rolls to give a glossy finish and extra buttery goodness.
How to Make Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Begin by warming the milk to about 110°F – it should feel like a warm hug, not hot enough to burn. Mix in the sugar and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit undisturbed for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy and bubbly. This step is crucial because it wakes up the yeast, ensuring your bread will rise light and fluffy.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Once your yeast mixture is active, stir in the flour, salt, and the melted butter. Mix everything together until a soft dough forms. Then, get your hands or mixer ready and knead the dough: about 8 to 10 minutes by hand on a floured surface or 5 minutes in a stand mixer. This kneading develops gluten, giving your rolls that perfect chewy yet tender texture.
Step 3: First Rise
Transfer your dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours. You want it to roughly double in size. This rise is where the magic really happens, creating airy pockets inside each roll.
Step 4: Prepare Garlic Butter
While the dough is rising, mix the olive oil with minced garlic and freshly chopped parsley in a small bowl. This flavorful garlic butter mixture will be brushed over your rolls before baking, infusing every bite with irresistible aroma and taste.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide the dough evenly into 12 pieces and roll each into a smooth ball. Arrange them snugly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Generously brush the garlic butter on top of each roll and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if you’re using it.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the rolls again and let them rise for another 30 minutes until they become puffy and inviting. This second rise gives the rolls their airy lift and ensures the garlic butter seeps in beautifully.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they turn a gorgeous golden brown on top. The scent will be heavenly, making it hard to wait.
Step 8: Finish with Butter
The final touch is brushing the hot rolls with melted butter. This seals in moisture, adds shine, and makes the crust perfectly soft and buttery—everything a garlic bread roll should be.
How to Serve Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the warm rolls just before serving to add a fresh pop of color and brightness. A light dusting of extra grated Parmesan can also enhance the visual appeal and add a deep savory note.
Side Dishes
These Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe favorites pair beautifully with hearty soups like tomato basil or creamy potato leek. They are also fantastic alongside pasta dishes like spaghetti Bolognese or lasagna, making every meal feel complete and comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these rolls in a rustic basket lined with a warm kitchen towel to keep them cozy. You can also stack them in layers, separated by parchment paper, for easy grabbing at parties or family dinners. For a tantalizing appetizer, slice rolls horizontally and stuff with melted cheeses or roasted veggies.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftover rolls in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them if you want to keep them moist longer, but bring them back to room temperature or lightly warm before serving.
Freezing
This Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When you want to enjoy them later, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat rolls in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their fresh-baked texture. Wrapping them loosely in foil during reheating keeps them soft, while a quick toast in a skillet can bring back a crispy edge.
FAQs
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
While fresh garlic offers the brightest, most vibrant flavor for this Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe, you can substitute with garlic powder in a pinch. Use about 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of garlic powder mixed into the oil, but fresh is definitely recommended for the best bite.
How can I make these rolls vegan?
To make this recipe vegan-friendly, swap the milk for almond or oat milk, use vegan butter or olive oil instead of unsalted butter, and omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a vegan alternative. The result will still be deliciously garlicky and soft.
Is it okay to knead the dough by hand?
Absolutely! Kneading by hand is traditional and gives you a chance to feel the dough develop texture. Just be patient and knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic for perfect rolls.
What if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, the yeast may have been inactive or the milk too hot or cold. Always make sure to proof yeast in warm, not hot, milk and use fresh yeast for the best results. Give it time in a warm, draft-free spot, and it should puff up nicely.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Definitely! While parsley is classic, feel free to experiment. Basil, oregano, or thyme can infuse delightful variations. Just add them to the garlic butter mixture for subtle herby twists that keep the rolls exciting.
Final Thoughts
Making this Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe at home is a little act of love that rewards you with golden, garlicky, buttery bread rolls that transform any meal into a celebration. They’re easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to keep this recipe tucked into your favorites forever. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to bake some serious happiness into your kitchen!
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Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 38 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These Garlic Bread Rolls are soft, fluffy, and packed with flavorful garlic butter and parsley. Perfect as a side for any meal or as a delicious snack, these homemade rolls are easy to make with a yeast dough, topped with Parmesan for an optional cheesy finish, and baked until golden brown.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for dough)
Garlic Butter Topping
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make the Dough: Add the flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth, or use a stand mixer on medium speed to knead for 5 minutes.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, and chopped fresh parsley to make the garlic butter mixture.
- Shape the Rolls: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and arrange them evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Brush the tops generously with the prepared garlic butter and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise again for 30 minutes until they become puffy.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 15-18 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top.
- Finish with Butter: Remove the hot rolls from the oven and brush them with the remaining melted butter for an extra rich and glossy finish before serving.
Notes
- Use warm milk at about 110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- For a stronger garlic flavor, you can increase the amount of minced garlic in the garlic butter mixture.
- If you prefer a softer crust, cover the rolls with aluminum foil for the first 10 minutes of baking.
- Parmesan cheese topping is optional but adds a delightful salty, cheesy layer.
- Ensure the dough rises in a draft-free, warm environment to achieve the best results.
- Brush rolls with melted butter immediately after baking to keep them soft and enhance flavor.
