Name: Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons minced garlic; 3 1/2 cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast; 1 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1 cup whole or 2% milk, warmed to 110°F; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 beaten egg, for brushing the tops; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; Flaky sea salt, for finishing

I absolutely adore warm, soft bread paired with the irresistible aroma of garlic, and that’s exactly why I fell in love with this Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe. From the moment these rolls come out of the oven brushed with fragrant garlic butter, I know I’m in for a real treat. The perfect balance of fluffy bread and bold garlic flavor makes them a comforting, crowd-pleasing addition to any meal. I love sharing this recipe with friends and family because it feels so special yet is surprisingly simple to make.

Why You'll Love This Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe

What really excites me about this Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe is the way the flavors meld together so perfectly. The buttery, garlicky topping feels indulgent without overpowering the soft, pillowy bread underneath. Each bite delivers just the right amount of savoriness with a hint of fresh parsley that brightens the taste. It’s comfort food at its finest with a gourmet twist that’s easy enough for a weeknight but elegant enough for special occasions.

I also find these rolls genuinely easy to prepare, even if you’re new to baking bread. The dough is forgiving and the step-by-step process is straightforward, which makes it feel very doable for me. Plus, the yeast does most of the magic by helping the rolls rise beautifully with minimal effort on my part. It’s a fantastic recipe whenever I want to impress guests without stressing in the kitchen.

These rolls are perfect for so many occasions too. I love serving them alongside pasta dinners, hearty soups, or roasted meats. They’re fantastic for holiday feasts or casual family dinners alike. Once I made them for a party, and they disappeared before I could even get seconds. That’s how much everyone loves them—soft, garlicky, and simply addictive.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a close-up of two balls of dough in a clear glass bowl. The dough is creamy beige with small green herb pieces mixed in, giving it a slightly textured look. The balls are smooth but with gentle swirls and folds on the surface, showing softness and moisture. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that really come together to create something special. Each component plays a vital role, whether adding flavor, texture, or that beautiful golden finish.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Unsalted butter: Melts into the dough for richness and is also used to create the garlic butter topping.
Minced garlic: Provides that unmistakable punch of flavor both inside the bread and in the garnish.
All-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, giving the rolls their structure and soft crumb.
Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous brightness to balance out the richness of the butter and garlic.
Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness to deepen the flavor.
Instant yeast: Powers the dough’s rise, resulting in light and airy rolls.
Fine sea salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
Warm milk: Creates a tender crumb and activates the yeast.
Egg: Adds richness and acts as a binder, while the beaten egg wash brings a shiny, golden top.
Flaky sea salt: Optional finish for a little extra texture and a burst of salty goodness.

Directions

Step 1: Lightly butter the bottom and sides of a 9x13-inch baking pan and set it aside to prepare for the dough.

Step 2: In a small pot, melt the butter and stir in the minced garlic. Cook over low heat for 1 to 2 minutes, just until the garlic becomes fragrant, then remove from heat and let it cool while you measure and mix the other ingredients.

Step 3: In a stand mixer bowl, combine the flour, chopped parsley, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Add the warmed milk, whole egg, and the cooled garlic butter mixture. Using the dough hook, knead on low speed until the dough is smooth and slightly tacky, about 10 to 12 minutes. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle in flour one tablespoon at a time until it’s workable but still soft.

Step 4: Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces — I like using a scale, about 67 grams each. Shape each portion into a tight smooth ball by pinching the bottom seam to seal. Place these rolls evenly into your prepared pan. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and set somewhere warm to rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 2 hours. Watching them grow is always so rewarding!

Step 5: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius) about 20 minutes before baking to ensure it’s perfect and steady.

Step 6: Just before baking, brush the tops of the rolls with the beaten egg wash. This will give the rolls a gorgeous golden-brown finish once baked. Bake them for 20 to 30 minutes or until the tops are beautifully browned and the rolls sound hollow when tapped.

Step 7: While the rolls bake, prepare the garlic butter topping by melting the butter in a small pot and adding minced garlic. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, then take off the heat and stir in the chopped parsley. As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, generously brush them with this fragrant garlic butter and sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt for that perfect final touch. Serve them warm and watch them disappear fast!

Servings and Timing

This Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe yields 12 generous rolls, perfect for sharing with family and friends. The prep time takes about 25 minutes, while the dough needs roughly 1 to 2 hours to rise depending on the warmth of your kitchen. Baking will take another 20 to 30 minutes, so in total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 50 minutes from start to finish. The resting time during the rise is essential to get that fluffy texture I love, so don’t rush it!

How to Serve This Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe

The image shows a white baking dish filled with twelve smooth, round dough balls, arranged in four rows of three. Each dough ball is light yellow in color with small green herb flecks evenly spread throughout the dough, giving a speckled effect. The dough balls have a shiny surface, suggesting they have been brushed with a glaze. The dish rests on a white marbled surface with a soft, neutral background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving these garlic bread rolls warm, fresh from the oven. Their fluffy interior combined with the crispy, buttery, and garlicky tops make them practically irresistible on their own. They’re perfect alongside soups and stews, especially tomato-based or creamy varieties, which the garlic butter complements so well. Pasta dishes, whether classic spaghetti or rich lasagna, become elevated meals when paired with these rolls.

Presentation-wise, I like to arrange them on a beautiful platter with an extra drizzle of melted garlic butter just before serving. Garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a vibrant pop of color that looks inviting and fresh. If I’m serving them at a party, I sometimes place them in a basket lined with a clean kitchen towel to keep them cozy and warm.

For beverages, these rolls pair wonderfully with a light red wine like Chianti or a crisp white such as Sauvignon Blanc. For non-alcoholic options, a sparkling water with a twist of lemon or a cold iced tea balanced with herbs really complements the garlicky richness. These versatile garlic bread rolls are great for family dinners, casual gatherings, or festive holidays, always best enjoyed fresh and warm right out of the oven.

Variations

I love customizing this Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For a vegan version, I swap the butter with a plant-based alternative and replace the egg with flaxseed or aquafaba, which helps bind the dough just as well. You could also use almond or oat milk warmed gently instead of dairy milk to keep it vegan and still tender. The garlic butter topping can be made using vegan butter with minced garlic and parsley.

If you want to add extra flavor dimension, I sometimes sprinkle grated Parmesan or Asiago cheese on top before baking—it creates a crisp cheesy crust that’s absolutely addictive. Another idea is to mix chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough along with parsley, enhancing the aroma and giving a lovely herbal twist. For gluten-free options, there are great all-purpose gluten-free flours available that work well with yeast doughs if you adjust moisture accordingly.

For cooking methods, while I usually bake this recipe in a 9x13 pan, they can also be shaped into smaller rolls or even knotted into garlic knots, adjusting the baking time accordingly. If you’re pressed for time, a quicker rise using slightly warmer liquid can help speed things up, although slower rising leads to better flavor development in my experience.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftover garlic bread rolls, I let them cool completely and then store them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature. They stay soft and delicious for up to two days this way. For longer storage, keeping them in the fridge is possible but tends to dry them out faster, so I prefer room temperature and reheating shortly before eating.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully, which is great if you want to prepare ahead or save leftovers. I wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap to keep them airtight, then place them all in a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to three months. To thaw, I transfer frozen rolls to the fridge overnight or allow them to come to room temperature for a few hours before reheating.

Reheating

To enjoy the best texture and flavor after storing or freezing, I recommend reheating garlic bread rolls in the oven or toaster oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 to 15 minutes. This brings back the crispy, buttery crust and warms the center perfectly. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the bread rubbery or soggy. You can brush a little extra melted garlic butter on top before warming for added freshness and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use regular fresh yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can substitute fresh yeast for instant yeast, but you’ll need to activate it first by dissolving it in your warm milk with a pinch of sugar and letting it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until bubbly. Use about double the amount of fresh yeast compared to instant. This will ensure your dough rises properly and has a lovely texture.

What if I don’t have fresh parsley on hand?

If fresh parsley isn’t available, dried parsley will work as a substitute, although the flavor won’t be quite as bright and fresh. Use about one-third of the amount called for in fresh parsley since dried herbs are more concentrated. Another alternative is to use other fresh herbs like basil or chives which can add a different but delightful flavor.

Is it necessary to brush the rolls with egg wash?

Brushing with egg wash isn’t absolutely required, but it really helps achieve that beautiful shiny golden crust that makes the rolls look bakery-perfect. If you prefer, you can skip it or substitute it with milk or melted butter for a softer finish. Just keep in mind that the appearance and texture will be slightly different.

Can I make the dough by hand instead of a stand mixer?

Absolutely! While a stand mixer with a dough hook makes kneading easier, you can mix and knead the dough by hand. It will take about 12 to 15 minutes of kneading on a lightly floured surface until the dough feels smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. It’s a great way to connect with the dough and get a sense of its texture.

How do I know when the rolls have risen enough before baking?

The best way to check is to look for the dough to roughly double in size and feel puffy to the touch. Another test I use is gently pressing my finger into one roll—if the indentation slowly springs back but some of it remains, the dough is perfectly risen and ready to bake. If it springs back immediately, it needs more time; if it doesn’t spring back at all, it may be over-proofed.

Conclusion

I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe as much as I do. There’s something incredibly satisfying about pulling soft, garlicky bread fresh from your own oven and watching it disappear at the table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself on a cozy night in, these rolls never disappoint. Give them a try, and I promise they’ll become a favorite you’ll come back to again and again!