Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food to pair with your meals, these Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are sure to become a beloved staple in your home. There’s something magical about pulling warm, pillowy rolls out of the oven, especially when they’re brushed with savory garlic butter. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner, a special family gathering, or even just a cozy night in, these rolls will elevate any meal.
What makes this recipe even more special is how simple and straightforward it is. You won’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. Just a little time and love, and you’ll have fluffy rolls that everyone will adore!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super simple preparation: Even if you’re new to baking, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow.
- Family-friendly delight: Kids and adults alike can’t resist these soft, buttery rolls.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make them ahead of time and reheat them for any occasion.
- Deliciously versatile: Pair these rolls with soups, stews, or serve them as an appetizer.
- Homemade goodness: There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread that fills your kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need
Making these Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls is all about using simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. You’ll love how accessible everything is!
For the Dinner Rolls:
- 1 cup whole milk (240g), warm (around 110F)
- 3 teaspoons active dry yeast or instant yeast
- 1/3 cup sugar (70g)
- 3 3/4 cup all purpose flour (490g)
- 1 large egg
- 1.5 teaspoon salt
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened at room temperature (85g)
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tbsp milk
For the Garlic Butter:
- 1/4 cup salted butter (57g)
- 2-3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1-2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
Variations
One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with flavors and ingredients. Here are some fun ideas:
- Add cheese: Mix in shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella for a cheesy twist.
- Herb-infused goodness: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a spicy touch.
- Sweet cinnamon rolls: Swap out garlic for cinnamon and sugar to create delicious sweet rolls.
How to Make Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, stir together the warm milk with the yeast. This step is crucial because it wakes up the yeast and gets it ready to help your dough rise beautifully.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Next, add all the remaining ingredients for the dinner rolls into your bowl. Using your hands or a spatula, mix until everything comes together into a shaggy dough.
Step 3: Knead Your Dough
Turn out your dough onto a clean surface and knead it using a push-pull motion with your palms for about 15 minutes. It might feel sticky at first, but don’t worry! As you knead, it will transform into a smooth and stretchy dough—this part is key for achieving those fluffy rolls.
Step 4: Let It Rise
Transfer your dough into an oiled bowl and cover it with cling wrap. Find a warm spot where it can rise until it’s doubled in size—usually about 90 minutes. This rising time allows the dough to develop flavor and texture.
Step 5: Shape Your Rolls
Once risen, punch down the dough gently and turn it onto a clean surface. Divide it into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a tight ball. This helps ensure even baking and that delightful fluffy texture.
Step 6: Second Rise
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place your shaped rolls on it with space in between each one. Brush them generously with egg wash made from egg yolk and milk. Allow them to rise again in a warm spot for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
Step 7: Bake Them Up
While they rise for the second time, preheat your oven to 350°F (conventional). Once they’re ready, give those rolls another brush of egg wash for that golden color before baking them for about 20-22 minutes.
Step 8: Make Garlic Butter
While the rolls are baking, melt salted butter in a saucepan over low heat. Add finely chopped garlic and sauté for just 1-2 minutes until fragrant—this step really brings out that delicious garlic flavor! Mix in fresh parsley once done.
Step 9: Brush & Serve
Once your rolls are out of the oven and still hot, brush them generously with that heavenly garlic butter mixture while they’re warm. Serve these beauties right away and watch everyone enjoy!
With these Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls by your side at mealtime, you’ll create unforgettable moments around the table! Enjoy every bite!
Pro Tips for Making Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
Making dinner rolls can feel a bit intimidating, but with these handy tips, you’ll be on your way to creating the softest, fluffiest rolls that will impress everyone at the table.
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Use warm milk: The warmth of the milk helps activate the yeast, allowing the dough to rise beautifully. Aim for a temperature around 110F for optimal results.
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Knead patiently: Although the dough may seem sticky at first, kneading it for a full 15 minutes will develop the gluten, resulting in a smooth and stretchy texture. This is key to achieving that pillowy softness.
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Don’t rush the rising time: Letting your dough rise until it doubles in size may take time, but this fermentation process adds flavor and helps create light and airy rolls. Be patient and let them do their thing!
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Brush generously with egg wash: Applying a good layer of egg wash not only gives your rolls a beautiful golden crust but also helps seal in moisture, keeping them soft even after baking.
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Serve warm: These rolls are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven or warmed slightly before serving. The garlic butter will melt into every nook and cranny when they’re hot, making each bite irresistible!
How to Serve Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
These Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are perfect for any occasion—from family dinners to holiday feasts. They can be served as a side or even as an appetizer with dips. Here’s how to present them beautifully.
Garnishes
- Fresh parsley: Sprinkling some finely chopped parsley on top adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the garlic butter perfectly.
- Sprinkle of sea salt: A light dusting of flaky sea salt just before serving enhances the flavor while providing a delightful crunch.
- Parmesan cheese: A light grating of Parmesan cheese over the warm rolls can add an extra layer of savory richness that pairs wonderfully with garlic.
Side Dishes
- Mixed greens salad: A simple salad with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich buttery rolls.
- Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and bell peppers make for a hearty side that balances out the meal.
- Creamy potato soup: Serving these rolls alongside a warm bowl of creamy potato soup creates a comforting experience that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
- Grilled chicken or fish: For a complete meal, pair these rolls with grilled chicken or fish seasoned with herbs. The light protein complements the richness of the rolls beautifully.
No matter how you choose to serve them, these Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are sure to become a favorite at your dining table! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage
These Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are perfect for meal prep, making them a fantastic addition to your weekly cooking routine. You can prepare them ahead of time, store them properly, and enjoy fresh rolls whenever you need!
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the rolls to cool completely before storing.
- Place them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.
- Keep the rolls at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freezing
- To freeze, let the baked rolls cool completely.
- Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Remember to label the bag with the date!
Reheating
- To reheat from frozen, remove the desired number of rolls from the freezer and unwrap them.
- Place on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- For a quicker method, microwave individual rolls for about 15-20 seconds.
FAQs
Here are some common questions you might have about these delightful dinner rolls.
Can I make these Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls without milk?
Yes! You can substitute whole milk with almond milk or any plant-based milk of your choice. Just ensure it’s warm when mixing with the yeast.
How do I store Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls?
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped tightly for up to 3 months.
What if my dough isn’t rising?
If your dough isn’t rising, check that your yeast is fresh and active. Also, ensure that your warm milk isn’t too hot, as it can kill the yeast. A warm environment is crucial during the rising process!
Can I use other herbs instead of parsley?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other herbs like basil or thyme to create different flavor profiles for your garlic butter.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making these Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls as much as I do! They’re soft, fluffy, and packed with flavor—perfect for any meal or gathering. Whether you’re serving them alongside dinner or enjoying them on their own, they’re sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; I’m sure you’ll love every bite!
Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
Indulge in the warmth and comfort of homemade Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls. These fluffy, buttery rolls are perfect for any meal, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a family gathering. The delightful aroma of freshly baked bread fills your kitchen as you brush each roll with savory garlic butter, creating a mouthwatering treat that everyone will love. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, even novice bakers can create these delicious rolls that are guaranteed to impress. Get ready to elevate your dining experience with these irresistible garlic butter rolls!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 52 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Side
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk, warm
- 3 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 3 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup salted butter for garlic butter
- 2–3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast; let it activate.
- Mix in sugar, flour, egg, salt, and softened butter until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 15 minutes until smooth.
- Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 90 minutes until doubled.
- Punch down the dough, divide into 12 pieces, and shape into balls.
- Arrange on a baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and let rise again for 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 20-22 minutes until golden brown.
- Make garlic butter by melting salted butter with garlic and parsley; brush over warm rolls before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
