Garlic Butter Bread Rolls
Few things are as comforting as the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen, and these Garlic Butter Bread Rolls take that experience to the next level. Soft, fluffy, and infused with rich garlic butter, these rolls are a true treat for your senses. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself to a cozy meal at home, these rolls are sure to impress.
Perfectly golden and slightly crisp on the outside, they’re pillowy soft on the inside. The buttery garlic glaze not only adds a delightful burst of flavor but also gives the rolls a glossy finish that makes them almost too beautiful to eat — almost.
What makes this recipe even better is its versatility. These rolls pair wonderfully with hearty soups, pasta dishes, or grilled meats. They’re also ideal as a snack on their own, accompanied by a smear of butter or even dipped in marinara sauce.
Plus, this recipe is beginner-friendly and forgiving. Even if you’ve never worked with yeast before, you’ll find the step-by-step instructions easy to follow. The result? A batch of restaurant-quality rolls made right in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Beginner-Friendly: Even if you’re new to bread making, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These rolls are a hit at family dinners, potlucks, and holiday gatherings.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the flavors to suit your taste preferences.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dough ahead of time and bake fresh when needed.
Perfect Pairings
These garlic butter rolls are incredibly versatile. Pair them with creamy soups like tomato bisque or loaded baked potato soup for a comforting meal. They also complement pasta dishes such as spaghetti carbonara or fettuccine Alfredo beautifully. For a lighter option, serve them alongside a fresh garden salad.
Tips for Success
- Measure Accurately: Weighing your flour ensures the best results.
- Warm Liquid: Make sure your milk and water are warm but not too hot, as excessive heat can kill the yeast.
- Even Shaping: For uniform rolls, use a kitchen scale to divide the dough equally.
- Garlic Butter Timing: Brush the garlic butter on while the rolls are hot to allow it to soak in.
Garlic Butter Bread Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 1/4 cups 400g all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup 180ml warm milk (110°F or 43°C)
- 1/4 cup 60ml warm water (110°F or 43°C)
- 4 tablespoons 55g unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Garlic Butter:
- 4 tablespoons 55g unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast:In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. If the mixture doesn’t bubble, your yeast may be inactive; try again with fresh yeast.
- Make the Dough:In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, warm milk, melted butter, and the egg. Mix until a sticky dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 6-8 minutes.
- First Rise:Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Rolls:Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a smooth ball and place them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.
- Second Rise:Cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for 30 minutes, until puffy.
- Bake:Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter:While the rolls are baking, mix the melted butter with minced garlic, parsley, and salt.
- Brush with Garlic Butter:Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush them generously with the garlic butter. Serve warm.
Alternatives and Variations
- Cheesy Rolls: Sprinkle shredded Parmesan or mozzarella on top before baking.
- Herb-Infused: Add rosemary or thyme to the garlic butter for an aromatic twist.
- Whole Wheat: Swap half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
Common Questions
- Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast? Yes, but you’ll need to activate it in warm liquid with sugar first.
- Can I freeze these rolls? Absolutely! Freeze baked rolls in an airtight container and reheat in the oven before serving.
- What if I don’t have fresh garlic? You can substitute 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
These garlic butter bread rolls are sure to become a family favorite. With their irresistible flavor and easy preparation, you’ll find yourself making them time and time again.
