Soft, buttery, and brushed with fragrant garlic butter, these Light and Fluffy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are the perfect accompaniment to any meal. Whether it’s a hearty stew, a fresh salad, or a comforting bowl of soup, these rolls are guaranteed to elevate the dining experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Irresistible Texture: These rolls are incredibly soft and fluffy, with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
Garlic Butter Topping: The buttery garlic topping adds a burst of flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Versatile: These rolls pair well with a variety of dishes, making them perfect for any occasion.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake fresh rolls whenever needed.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Dough:
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup warm milk (110°F or 43°C)
1/4 cup warm water (110°F or 43°C)
1 large egg
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Garlic Butter:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Directions
Activate the Yeast: I mix the warm milk, warm water, and sugar in a small bowl, then sprinkle the yeast over it. After letting it sit for 5-10 minutes, it gets frothy and ready to use.
Make the Dough: In a large bowl, I combine flour and salt, then add the yeast mixture, egg, and melted butter. I stir everything together until a dough forms.
Knead the Dough: On a floured surface, I knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. For a quicker option, I use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-6 minutes.
First Rise: The dough goes into a greased bowl, covered with a clean towel, and rises in a warm place for about an hour until it doubles in size.
Shape the Rolls: After punching down the dough, I divide it into 12-16 portions, shape them into smooth balls, and place them on a greased or parchment-lined baking dish.
Second Rise: The rolls are covered with a towel and left to rise again for 30-40 minutes until they puff up beautifully.
Bake: I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the rolls for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
Prepare Garlic Butter: While the rolls bake, I mix the melted butter, minced garlic, and parsley in a small bowl.
Finish and Serve: Once the rolls come out of the oven, I immediately brush them with the garlic butter and serve them warm.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 12-16 rolls
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Cooking Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 18 minutes
Variations
Cheese Rolls: Add shredded cheese like cheddar or parmesan to the dough for a cheesy twist.
Herb Rolls: Mix dried rosemary or thyme into the dough for added flavor.
Spicy Garlic Butter: Add a pinch of chili flakes to the garlic butter for a spicy kick.
Whole Wheat Rolls: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: I keep the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freezing: The rolls freeze well; I wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: I reheat the rolls in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave them for 15-20 seconds until warm.
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FAQs
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, I dissolve active dry yeast in the warm milk and water mixture and let it proof for 5-10 minutes before adding it to the dough.
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely. I prepare the dough and let it rise, then refrigerate overnight. The next day, I shape the rolls, allow the second rise, and bake.
How do I ensure my rolls are soft?
Using warm liquids, properly kneading the dough, and letting it rise in a warm environment ensures soft and fluffy rolls.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, I substitute non-dairy milk for the milk and use plant-based butter for the dough and garlic butter.
What’s the best way to get evenly sized rolls?
I use a kitchen scale to weigh the dough and divide it equally for uniform rolls.
Conclusion
Light and fluffy garlic butter dinner rolls are a delightful addition to any meal. Their buttery garlic topping and soft texture make them a hit at the dinner table. Whether you’re serving them with soup, salad, or a hearty main dish, these rolls are sure to impress. Give them a try, and I promise they’ll become a favorite in your household.
📖 Recipe:
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Light and Fluffy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
- Total Time: 2 hours 18 minutes (plus Rising time)
- Yield: 12-16 rolls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and buttery, these garlic butter dinner rolls are the ultimate side dish! With a fluffy texture and a fragrant garlic butter glaze, they’re perfect for every meal. Whether paired with soup, salad, or a hearty main course, these rolls are easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup warm milk (110°F or 43°C)
1/4 cup warm water (110°F or 43°C)
1 large egg
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Garlic Butter:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: Combine warm milk, warm water, and sugar in a small bowl. Sprinkle yeast on top, let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add yeast mixture, egg, and melted butter. Stir until dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-6 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape Rolls: Punch down dough, divide into 12-16 portions, shape into balls, and place in a greased or parchment-lined baking dish.
- Second Rise: Cover rolls with a towel and let rise for 30-40 minutes until puffed.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake rolls for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: Mix melted butter, minced garlic, and parsley.
- Finish and Serve: Brush hot rolls with garlic butter and serve warm.
Notes
To ensure fluffy rolls, use warm liquids and knead dough thoroughly.
Rolls can be made dairy-free by substituting plant-based milk and butter.
For evenly sized rolls, use a kitchen scale to divide the dough.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Bread, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12-16 rolls
- Calories: 160 kcal
