Homemade Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls for Any Meal – Soft, Buttery & Irresistible

There’s nothing quite like homemade garlic butter dinner rolls—warm from the oven, pillowy-soft inside, and brushed with melted garlic butter that melts in your mouth. These rolls strike the perfect balance between fluffy texture and rich, savory flavor.

Whether you’re serving them with a hearty stew, holiday roast, or just alongside a cozy soup, these rolls are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. The dough is easy to make, even for beginner bakers, and can be prepared ahead of time for convenience. Once you try these from scratch, you’ll never go back to store-bought.

Ingredients Overview

Each ingredient plays a key role in creating soft, flavorful rolls with a golden crust and tender crumb.

All-Purpose Flour

Provides the structure and softness needed for light rolls. For extra fluffiness, you can substitute part of the flour with bread flour (up to 1 cup).

Tip: Always spoon and level your flour to avoid packing too much into the measuring cup.

Active Dry Yeast

This leavening agent helps the rolls rise. You’ll bloom it in warm milk for best activation.

Substitute: Instant yeast can be used—no proofing required, just mix directly into the dry ingredients.

Warm Milk

Adds richness and activates the yeast. Use whole milk if possible for a tender texture.

Dairy-Free Option: Substitute with unsweetened almond milk or oat milk.

Sugar

Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory garlic butter.

Salt

Enhances flavor and strengthens the gluten structure.

Eggs

Add richness, softness, and color to the dough. Room temperature eggs incorporate more easily.

Unsalted Butter

Melted butter adds softness to the dough and richness to the garlic butter topping.

Garlic

Fresh minced garlic infuses the butter topping with deep, savory flavor.

Optional: Add garlic powder to the dough for extra depth.

Fresh Herbs (Optional)

Parsley, chives, or thyme add freshness and color when mixed into or sprinkled over the butter.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast

• In a small bowl, combine:

  • 1 cup warm milk (110°F)

  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast

  • 1 tbsp sugar

• Stir and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Make the Dough

• In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, add:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1 egg

  • 3 tbsp melted butter

• Pour in the yeast mixture and mix until a sticky dough forms.

• Knead by hand (8–10 minutes) or with dough hook (5–6 minutes) until smooth and elastic.

3. First Rise

• Lightly grease a bowl and place dough inside. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap.

• Let rise in a warm place for 60–90 minutes, or until doubled in size.

4. Shape the Rolls

• Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal portions.

• Roll each into a ball and place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish (or parchment-lined sheet pan for spaced rolls).

Tip: Lightly flour your hands if dough is sticky.

5. Second Rise

• Cover the pan loosely and let the rolls rise for another 30–40 minutes, until puffy.

6. Bake

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until tops are golden brown and internal temperature reaches 190°F.

7. Make Garlic Butter

• In a small saucepan, melt:

  • 3 tbsp butter

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Simmer gently for 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley (optional).

8. Brush & Serve

• Brush warm rolls generously with garlic butter.

• Sprinkle with sea salt or more herbs if desired.

• Serve warm, straight from the pan.

Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Pro Tips

• Check yeast freshness: If it doesn’t foam during proofing, it may be expired.

• Use a kitchen scale for evenly sized rolls.

• Don’t overbake: Pull rolls once lightly golden to keep them soft.

Variations

• Cheesy Garlic Rolls: Add shredded mozzarella or Parmesan inside each roll or on top.

• Herb Rolls: Mix in dried Italian herbs or rosemary to the dough.

• Sweet Twist: Skip garlic and top baked rolls with honey butter instead.

Substitutions

• Egg-Free: Use a flax egg or omit and increase milk slightly (texture will be a bit denser).

• Vegan: Use plant-based milk, butter, and egg substitute.

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free bread flour mix—note that rising and texture will vary.

Serving Ideas & Occasions

These garlic butter dinner rolls are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a wide range of meals:

Perfect with:

• Hearty soups like chicken noodle, tomato basil, or chowder

• Roasted meats—turkey, chicken, beef, or pork

• Holiday feasts (Thanksgiving, Easter, Christmas)

• Pasta dishes like baked ziti or spaghetti

• Breakfast sandwiches or sliders

Great for:

• Weeknight dinners

• Family gatherings

• Holiday tables

• Potlucks or picnics

• Meal prep (they reheat beautifully!)

Nutritional & Health Notes

Homemade rolls are free from preservatives and made with real, whole ingredients. They’re rich in carbs, moderate in fat, and low in sugar—great for energy and indulgence in moderation.

Estimated per roll:

• Calories: ~180

• Carbs: ~25g

• Protein: ~4g

• Fat: ~7g

• Fiber: ~1g

To lighten:

• Use low-fat milk

• Reduce butter in the dough slightly

• Serve with soup or salad to balance the meal

FAQs

Q1: Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

A1: Yes. Prepare dough and shape rolls, then refrigerate overnight. Let come to room temperature and rise before baking the next day.

Q2: Can I freeze the dough or baked rolls?

A2: Absolutely. Freeze dough balls before second rise or freeze fully baked rolls. Reheat in oven at 325°F for 10 minutes.

Q3: Why are my rolls dense?

A3: Possible reasons include under-proofing, old yeast, or too much flour. Make sure the dough is soft and slightly tacky before rising.

Q4: Can I use a bread machine?

A4: Yes! Use the dough cycle to knead and rise, then shape and bake manually.

Q5: What herbs go well in garlic butter?

A5: Parsley, thyme, chives, or rosemary all add great flavor and freshness.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?

A6: Definitely. Just make sure to use two pans or a larger baking dish to give rolls room to expand.

Q7: How do I keep rolls soft after baking?

A7: Store them in an airtight container or wrap in foil. You can brush with a little extra butter before storing to help retain moisture.

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