Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

If you’re looking for a recipe that will make your dinner table feel warm and welcoming, this is it! These Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are not just any rolls; they are fluffy little clouds of joy that melt in your mouth. Whenever I make these, I’m instantly transported back to my childhood kitchen, where the aroma of freshly baked bread filled the air.

These rolls are perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting, or for family gatherings that call for a little extra love. Whether served alongside a hearty soup or as part of a festive feast, they never fail to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and ingredients, you’ll have homemade rolls without any fuss.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves warm, buttery rolls! They’re a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Versatile Pairing: Perfect with soups, salads, or as a snack on their own—these rolls fit any meal.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake them fresh when needed!
• Delicious Flavor: The garlic butter brushed on top adds an incredible flavor that makes these rolls unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s take a look at the simple and wholesome ingredients that come together to create these delightful dinner rolls. You probably have most of them in your pantry already!

For the Dough

• 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

• Egg wash: 1 egg yolk and 1 tbsp milk

For the Garlic Butter Topping

• 1/4 cup salted butter (57g)
• 2-3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1-2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with your dinner rolls. Here are some tasty variations you might enjoy:

• Add Cheese: Mix in shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella for an extra cheesy roll.
• Herb Infusion: Incorporate dried herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough for added flavor.
• Sweet Twist: Swap out some sugar for cinnamon and add raisins for a sweet version of dinner rolls.
• Stuffed Rolls: Roll out the dough and fill it with your favorite fillings like spinach and feta before shaping them into balls.

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 activates the yeast, ensuring your rolls will rise beautifully. A little patience here goes a long way!

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Add all the other ingredients for the dinner rolls to the same bowl. Mixing them together creates that delightful shaggy dough which forms the base of our fluffy rolls.

Step 3: Knead Your Dough

Turn out onto a clean surface, and knead using a push-pull motion with your palms for about 15 minutes. It may be sticky at first, but resist adding more flour—your dough will transform into something smooth and stretchy! When it passes the window-pane test, you know it’s ready.

Step 4: Let It Rise

Transfer the dough to a clean bowl sprayed lightly with oil. Cover it up and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size—about 90 minutes. This is where all those wonderful flavors develop!

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

Once risen, punch down the dough gently before turning it out onto your work surface. Divide it into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into tight balls. This step ensures uniformity in baking.

Step 6: Second Rise

Place your shaped rolls on a lined baking sheet with space between them. Cover again and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy. This second rise gives extra fluffiness!

Step 7: Prepare to Bake

While waiting, mix egg yolk with milk to make an egg wash. Brush this mixture generously over each roll before baking—this gives them that beautiful golden color.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350F (conventional). Bake those beauties for about 20-22 minutes until they have a shiny golden crust. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!

Step 9: Make Garlic Butter

In a saucepan, melt salted butter and sauté chopped garlic for just a minute or two until fragrant. Stir in freshly chopped parsley right off the heat.

Step 10: Final Touches

Once out of the oven, brush those hot rolls with your homemade garlic butter while they’re still warm! This final touch makes all the difference.

Serve & enjoy! These Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are sure to become a loved staple in your home just like they are in mine!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

Baking these rolls can be a delightful experience, and with a few helpful tips, you’ll ensure they’re perfect every time!

• Use warm milk: This helps activate the yeast and gives your rolls that fluffy texture. Make sure the milk is not too hot, as it can kill the yeast, but warm enough to feel comfortable to the touch.

• Knead thoroughly: Proper kneading is crucial for developing gluten, which gives the rolls their structure. Aim for 15 minutes of kneading—just remember that patience pays off with soft rolls!

• Don’t rush the rise: Allowing the dough to double in size is key to achieving light and airy rolls. Find a warm spot in your kitchen—this will help create the perfect environment for rising.

• Brush generously with egg wash: A good coat of egg wash not only gives your rolls a beautiful golden color but also adds a nice sheen. Don’t skimp on this step!

• Serve warm: These dinner rolls are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while they’re still warm and buttery. Serve them immediately for maximum deliciousness!

How to Serve Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

Serving these delightful dinner rolls can turn any meal into a special occasion. Here are some fun ways to present and enjoy them!

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, enhancing both appearance and flavor.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: For an extra savory kick, sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top right after you brush on the garlic butter.

Side Dishes

• Mixed green salad: A light salad with crisp greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette pairs beautifully with these buttery rolls, balancing out their richness.

• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies such as carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli add a colorful and nutritious component that complements the soft texture of the rolls.

• Creamy potato soup: The smoothness of a hearty potato soup makes it a comforting pairing with these rolls—perfect for dipping!

With these serving suggestions, your Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls will shine at any meal! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time and enjoy fresh, fluffy rolls whenever you want.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the rolls to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• After the rolls have cooled completely, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the frozen or refrigerated rolls on a baking sheet.
• Cover with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

If you have questions about this recipe, you’re in the right place!

Can I use whole wheat flour for Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls?

Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Just be aware that it may alter the texture slightly, making the rolls denser.

What should I do if my Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls didn’t rise?

Ensure that your yeast is still active by checking its expiration date. Also, make sure that the milk was warm but not too hot when added to the yeast. If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast.

How do I keep my Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls soft?

To maintain softness, store your rolls in an airtight container as soon as they cool down. You can also brush them with a little extra garlic butter before serving.

Can I make Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls without an egg?

Absolutely! You can replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or simply omit it altogether for a vegan option.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls! They bring warmth and comfort to any meal and are sure to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy the delightful aroma filling your kitchen and share these soft, buttery rolls at your next gathering. Happy baking!