Homemade Garlic Rolls Recipe

Homemade Garlic Rolls Recipe: Soft, Buttery, and Irresistible

Are you craving soft, fluffy homemade garlic rolls that are rich in buttery garlic flavor? These rolls are the perfect complement to pasta, soups, or any hearty meal. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this step-by-step guide will walk you through creating the best garlic rolls right in your kitchen.
Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Rolls Recipe

Beginner-Friendly: Easy-to-follow instructions for perfect results every time.
Soft and Fluffy Texture: Achieved with the ideal balance of ingredients and rising time.
Versatile: Serve these garlic rolls with Italian dishes, soups, or as an appetizer.
Homemade Comfort: Better than store-bought rolls, with fresh garlic butter coating every bite!

Ingredients for Homemade Garlic Rolls

For the Dough:

400 g (3 1/4 cups) all-purpose flour
50 g (1/4 cup) sugar
5 g (1 tsp) salt
7 g (1 packet) dry yeast
250 ml (1 cup) warm milk (not hot, about 110°F or 43°C)
60 g (1/4 cup) melted butter
1 large egg

For the Garlic Butter Topping:

100 g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
1 tsp dried Italian herbs (optional for extra flavor)
1/4 tsp salt

Step-by-Step Instructions for Homemade Garlic Rolls

1. Activate the Yeast

Begin by combining warm milk and sugar in a bowl. Stir gently.
Sprinkle the dry yeast over the milk mixture and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy and bubbly. This step ensures the yeast is active and ready to make the dough rise.

2. Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt.
Make a well in the center and add the activated yeast mixture, melted butter, and the egg.
Using a wooden spoon or a stand mixer with a dough hook, mix the ingredients until they come together to form a sticky dough.

3. Knead the Dough

If kneading by hand, lightly flour a clean surface and knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
If using a stand mixer, knead the dough with the hook attachment on medium speed for about 6 minutes.
The dough should be soft, smooth, and slightly tacky but not sticky.

4. First Rise

Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or butter and place the dough inside. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel.
Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

5. Shape the Rolls

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release excess air.
Divide the dough into 12-15 equal portions, depending on your desired roll size.
Roll each portion into a smooth ball by cupping it in your hand and rotating it gently on a flat surface.
Arrange the rolls in a greased baking pan or cast-iron skillet, leaving a little space between each roll to allow for the second rise.

6. Second Rise

Cover the shaped rolls with a damp towel and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.
The rolls should puff up and nearly double in size, filling the pan snugly.

7. Prepare the Garlic Butter

While the rolls are rising, prepare the garlic butter. In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter.
Stir in the minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian herbs, and a pinch of salt.
Set the mixture aside to cool slightly.

8. Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Once the rolls have completed their second rise, brush them generously with half of the garlic butter mixture.
Bake the rolls for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown on top and fully cooked through.
To test doneness, tap the top of a roll—it should sound slightly hollow.

9. Finish with Garlic Butter

Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush them with the remaining garlic butter mixture. The warmth of the rolls will absorb the buttery garlic goodness!
Garnish with additional chopped parsley, if desired.

Serving Suggestions

These soft, buttery garlic rolls are incredibly versatile. Here’s how you can serve them:

Pair with spaghetti and meatballs or any pasta dish for an Italian-inspired meal.
Serve alongside soups like creamy tomato basil, chicken noodle, or minestrone.
Enjoy them as sliders with meat and cheese for a snack.
Serve as part of a holiday dinner spread or appetizer platter.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store leftover garlic rolls in an airtight container or ziplock bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Reheating: Warm the rolls in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds to restore their soft texture.

Pro Tips for Perfect Garlic Rolls

Use Fresh Yeast: Always check the expiration date of your yeast to ensure a proper rise.
Warm Milk: The milk should be warm but not too hot; temperatures above 115°F can kill the yeast.
Brush Twice: Brushing the rolls before and after baking adds double the garlic butter flavor.
Add Cheese: For an indulgent twist, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make garlic rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can shape the rolls, cover them tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Allow them to come to room temperature and rise for 30-45 minutes before baking.

2. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

You can substitute up to half the flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly denser roll.

3. Can I freeze baked garlic rolls?

Absolutely! Freeze the rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat as needed.

Final Thoughts

These homemade garlic rolls are a game-changer for any meal. With their soft, buttery texture and rich garlic flavor, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re serving them for dinner, a holiday feast, or as an indulgent snack, this recipe guarantees mouthwatering results every time.

If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments! Share it with your friends and family—because everyone deserves a taste of these heavenly garlic rolls.

Enjoy baking! ✨