Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Kneading Time: 10 minutes
First Rise: 1 hour 30 minutes
Second Rise: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 20–25 minutes
Cooling Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 3 hours 5 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy to Intermediate
Recipe Intensity: Moderate
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup (240ml) warm milk
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
For the Garlic Butter Topping
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Pastry brush
- Clean kitchen towel
- Cooling rack
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Time: 10 Minutes
Intensity: Easy
In a large bowl combine:
- Warm milk (105°F–110°F / 40°C–43°C)
- Sugar
- Yeast
Stir gently and allow the mixture to rest for 5–10 minutes.
The yeast should become foamy, indicating it is active.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Time: 5 Minutes
Intensity: Easy
Add:
- Egg
- Melted butter
- Salt
Mix well.
Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Time: 8–10 Minutes
Intensity: Moderate
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.
Knead until smooth and elastic.
Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
The dough should be:
- Soft
- Slightly tacky
- Smooth and stretchy
Avoid adding excessive flour.
Step 4: First Rise
Time: 1 Hour 30 Minutes
Intensity: Easy
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl.
Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap.
Allow to rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
The dough should become light and airy.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Time: 10 Minutes
Intensity: Easy
Punch down the risen dough gently.
Divide into 12 equal portions.
Shape each portion into a smooth ball.
Place the dough balls into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
Arrange them evenly with slight spacing.
Step 6: Second Rise
Time: 30 Minutes
Intensity: Easy
Cover the pan loosely.
Allow the rolls to rise until puffy and nearly doubled.
The rolls should lightly touch each other.
Step 7: Prepare the Garlic Butter
Time: 5 Minutes
Intensity: Easy
In a small bowl combine:
- Melted butter
- Minced garlic
- Chopped parsley
- Salt
Mix thoroughly.
Reserve half for after baking.
Step 8: Preheat the Oven
Time: 5 Minutes
Intensity: Easy
Preheat your oven to:
375°F (190°C)
Brush the tops of the rolls lightly with half of the garlic butter mixture.
Step 9: Bake the Rolls
Time: 20–25 Minutes
Intensity: Moderate
Bake until the tops are:
- Golden brown
- Lightly crisp
- Evenly colored
The internal temperature should reach approximately 190°F (88°C).
The rolls should sound hollow when gently tapped.
Step 10: Finish with Garlic Butter
Time: 2 Minutes
Intensity: Easy
Immediately after removing the rolls from the oven, brush them generously with the remaining garlic butter.
This creates:
- Extra flavor
- Beautiful shine
- Soft crust
Step 11: Cool and Serve
Time: 10 Minutes
Intensity: Easy
Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving.
Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Tips for Success
Use Fresh Yeast
Always verify that your yeast is active before proceeding.
Inactive yeast will prevent proper rising.
Measure Flour Carefully
Too much flour can make rolls dense.
Use the spoon-and-level method for accuracy.
Don’t Rush Rising Times
Proper fermentation creates soft and fluffy rolls.
Allow enough time for both rises.
Brush with Butter Twice
Applying garlic butter before and after baking maximizes flavor.
Flavor Variations
Cheesy Garlic Rolls
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the rolls before baking.
Herb Dinner Rolls
Add:
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Chives
Directly into the dough.
Garlic Mozzarella Rolls
Place a small cube of mozzarella inside each dough ball before shaping.
Whole Wheat Rolls
Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls pair perfectly with:
- Roast chicken
- Turkey dinners
- Beef stew
- Pasta dishes
- Creamy soups
- Chili
- Barbecue meals
- Holiday feasts
They’re also delicious as mini sandwich buns.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator
Store for up to 1 week.
Warm before serving.
Freezer
Freeze baked rolls for up to 3 months.
Thaw and reheat in the oven before serving.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Prepare the rolls through shaping.
Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Allow them to come to room temperature and complete the second rise before baking.
This method is ideal for holiday meal planning.
Nutritional Benefits
Carbohydrates
Provide energy and make these rolls satisfying alongside meals.
Protein
Eggs and milk contribute protein to the recipe.
Garlic
Contains natural compounds that contribute flavor and nutritional value.
Homemade Quality
Allows complete control over ingredients and sodium levels.
Nutrition Information
Per Roll (Based on 12 Rolls)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugars: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 220mg
- Potassium: 90mg
- Calcium: 40mg
- Iron: 2mg
