These Soft Garlic Butter Rolls are fluffy, tender, and packed with rich buttery garlic flavor. They’re perfect as a side for soups, pasta, chicken, or simply enjoyed warm on their own. The rolls are made with a soft yeast dough, brushed generously with garlic butter, and baked until beautifully golden.
Make soft garlic butter rolls at home with this easy recipe. Fluffy, buttery, and loaded with garlic flavor, these homemade dinner rolls are perfect for any meal.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: 1½–2 hours
Bake Time: 18–22 minutes
Total Time: About 2½ hours
Yield: 12 rolls
Ingredients
For the Rolls
- 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
- 2¼ teaspoons (7 g) instant or active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (180 ml) warm milk
- ¼ cup (60 ml) warm water
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Garlic Butter
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4–5 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano, optional
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes if using active dry yeast, until slightly foamy.
Add the melted butter and egg. Mix well.
Gradually add the flour and salt, stirring until a soft dough forms.
2. Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
You can also knead it in a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for approximately 5–7 minutes.
The dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not excessively sticky.
3. First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
Leave it in a warm place for approximately 1–1½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Shape the Rolls
Punch down the risen dough gently to release excess air.
Divide it into 12 equal portions and shape each piece into a smooth ball.
Arrange the dough balls in a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between them for expansion.
Cover and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes, or until noticeably puffy.
5. Make the Garlic Butter
While the rolls are rising, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and oregano in a small bowl.
Set aside.
6. Bake
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Brush the tops of the risen rolls with some of the garlic butter.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the rolls are puffed and lightly golden on top.
Avoid overbaking, as this can make the rolls dry.
7. Add More Garlic Butter
As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, generously brush them with the remaining garlic butter.
For an extra-soft finish, cover the warm rolls loosely with a clean kitchen towel for 5–10 minutes.
Tips for Extra-Soft Rolls
- Don’t add too much flour. A slightly soft dough produces lighter, fluffier rolls.
- Make sure your milk and water are warm, not hot. Very hot liquid can damage the yeast.
- Allow the dough enough time to rise until it has visibly doubled.
- Brush the rolls with garlic butter both before and after baking for maximum flavor.
- For a cheesy variation, sprinkle grated Parmesan or mozzarella over the rolls during the final few minutes of baking.
Storage
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them briefly in the oven or microwave before serving.
For longer storage, freeze the completely cooled rolls in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these soft garlic butter rolls alongside:
- Creamy soups
- Pasta dishes
- Grilled or roasted chicken
- Steak
- Baked vegetables
- Creamy chicken dishes
- Salads