If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food side, Garlic Bread Rolls are sheer perfection. Buttery, pillowy, and bursting with aromatic garlic and fresh herbs, these rolls are destined to steal the show at any table. Each bite is a swirl of savory, cheesy goodness with just the right touch of golden brown crunch. Whether you’re serving pasta, soup, or simply need something utterly crave-worthy to snack on, Garlic Bread Rolls deliver a crowd-pleasing experience that keeps everyone reaching for “just one more.”

Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple pantry staples come together to work their magic in these scrumptious rolls. Each ingredient brings something special—whether it’s softness, flavor, or that dreamy, golden color that makes everyone’s mouth water. Here’s what makes Garlic Bread Rolls so irresistible:
- Active dry yeast: This tiny powerhouse gives your rolls that lift and fluffiness we all love.
- Warm milk (about 110°F): The warmth activates the yeast for a perfect rise—just be sure it feels like a cozy bath, not hot soup.
- Granulated sugar: Just a little to feed the yeast and add the faintest touch of sweetness.
- Unsalted butter, melted (plus more for brushing): Butter gives these rolls their signature richness and flavor—don’t skimp!
- Salt: Not only for seasoning, but also essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy but tender foundation of our dough—don’t forget to spoon and level for accuracy.
- Fresh garlic, minced: The star of the show! Fresh garlic infuses every bite with heady aroma and deep flavor.
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped: Adds eye-popping green color and a burst of fresh, herby brightness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): For those who want a little nutty, cheesy bonus on top—highly recommended!
How to Make Garlic Bread Rolls
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
First things first: combine your warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast in a large bowl. Give it a quick stir, then let the mixture sit untouched for about 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks foamy on top—like the perfect cappuccino! This means your yeast is alive and ready to lift your Garlic Bread Rolls to fluffy glory.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Pour in the melted butter and sprinkle in the salt. Slowly start adding your flour, mixing as you go, until a soft dough forms. It should be just a little sticky but easy to manage. This step sets the stage for gloriously soft and tender rolls—so give your dough some love!
Step 3: Knead Until Smooth
Turn your dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for 6 to 8 minutes. You’re aiming for a smooth, elastic ball that bounces back when poked. Kneading builds strength and creates that dreamy, pull-apart texture Garlic Bread Rolls are famous for.
Step 4: First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and set it in a warm spot. Let it rise for about an hour, or until doubled in size. This quiet downtime lets the yeast do its magic, making for rolls that are soft but not heavy.
Step 5: Prepare the Garlic-Butter Mixture
While your dough is resting, stir together the melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. The scent alone will get your stomach rumbling! This mixture is the flavor bomb that gets brushed on your rolls before baking.
Step 6: Shape the Rolls
Once your dough has puffed up, gently punch it down to release excess air. Divide it into 12 equal pieces (a bench scraper or sharp knife works wonders here). Roll each piece into a tidy ball and snuggle them into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 7: Brush and Rise Again
Brush the tops generously with your garlic-parsley butter, making sure each roll gets a hit of flavor. Cover the dish once more and let the rolls rise for a final 30 minutes. This step gives Garlic Bread Rolls their height and dreamy lightness.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slide your rolls onto the center rack and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until they’re gloriously golden and your kitchen smells like heaven. Right after they’re out, brush them with more melted butter and dust with Parmesan, if you’re feeling extra fancy.
How to Serve Garlic Bread Rolls

Garnishes
Nothing dresses up Garlic Bread Rolls quite like a bit of flair. Sprinkle them with a bit more chopped parsley for a burst of color, or a last-minute dusting of Parmesan for extra savoriness. If you want to take things up a notch, a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving really makes the flavors pop.
Side Dishes
Pair these rolls with classic Italian entrées like spaghetti, lasagna, or chicken parmesan, and you’ll have a meal that rivals any trattoria. They’re also amazing for soaking up soups, stews, or even alongside a fresh salad. Garlic Bread Rolls are versatile team players, making everything on your menu just a little bit better.
Creative Ways to Present
For a unique spin, try serving the rolls in a bread basket lined with a pretty napkin, or pile them high on a rustic wooden board with sprigs of parsley tucked around. You can even split them open and stuff with mozzarella or your favorite deli meats for delicious sliders—suddenly, Garlic Bread Rolls are the star of the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you manage to have any leftovers, store your Garlic Bread Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll stay tender, and a quick reheat will bring back that fresh-baked magic.
Freezing
Planning ahead? Once cooled, freeze the rolls in a zip-top bag for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the oven until revived and irresistible again.
Reheating
To reheat, place rolls on a baking sheet and warm in a 325°F oven for about 8 minutes. If you prefer, a quick zap in the microwave will also do the trick—just cover with a damp paper towel to keep them soft.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! Just skip the proofing step and add instant yeast directly to the flour. The rolls will rise a bit faster, so keep an eye on the dough as it doubles in size.
How can I make the Garlic Bread Rolls even more garlicky?
If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to roast your garlic first or simply add an extra clove for bolder flavor. You can also stir garlic powder into the melted butter for a deeper, richer garlic punch.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
No worries—dried parsley works in a pinch. Use about a teaspoon, as dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh. You could also try chopped fresh chives or basil for a different herbaceous twist.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be mixed and left to rise overnight in the fridge. In fact, a slow, cold rise develops even more flavor and makes last-minute baking a breeze.
Are Garlic Bread Rolls suitable for freezing after baking?
Definitely. Simply cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze. To serve, reheat straight from the freezer or let them thaw at room temperature first—they’ll taste like you just pulled them from the oven.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wow your taste buds and win over anyone at the table, don’t wait another minute to try these Garlic Bread Rolls. They’re warm, fluffy, and loaded with all the garlicky, buttery goodness you crave. I can’t wait for you to taste them fresh from your own oven!
Print
Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (including rise time)
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Garlic Bread Rolls are soft, fluffy, and packed with savory garlic butter flavor. Perfect as a side dish for any meal or as a tasty snack on their own.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (plus more for brushing)
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
Garlic Butter Topping:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit until foamy. Add melted butter, salt, and gradually mix in flour. Knead until smooth.
- Rise the Dough: Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: Mix minced garlic, parsley, and melted butter.
- Shape Rolls: Divide dough, shape into balls, place in baking dish. Brush with garlic butter.
- Final Rise and Bake: Let rise, then bake at 375°F for 18–22 minutes. Brush with butter and Parmesan.
- Serve: Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Best served fresh, can be reheated.
- For extra garlic flavor, roast garlic before mixing with butter.
- Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg