Garlic Bread Rolls

If you’re looking for a warm, comforting addition to your dinner table, these Garlic Bread Rolls are the answer! Soft and fluffy with a delightful garlic flavor, these rolls are perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Imagine pulling a tray of these golden-brown beauties out of the oven, brushing them with garlic herb butter, and watching as everyone dives in for seconds—sounds delicious, right?

What makes this recipe special is not just the irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen but also the simplicity of preparation. With just a few wholesome ingredients, you can create something truly memorable that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip these up effortlessly.
• Family-Friendly: These rolls are a hit with both kids and adults, making them a great side dish for any meal.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the dough ahead of time and bake when you’re ready—perfect for meal prep!
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of fresh garlic and herb butter creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Dish: Great for any occasion—serve them at dinner parties, holiday gatherings, or casual weeknight meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these Garlic Bread Rolls is all about using simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Dough

• 4 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 3 1/2 cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (See notes below for measuring)
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 cup whole or 2% milk (warmed to 110°F)
• 1 large egg (room temperature)

For the Topping

• 1 beaten egg, for brushing the tops
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• flaky sea salt (for finishing)

Variations

This Garlic Bread Rolls recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with different flavors or additions. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add Cheese: Incorporate shredded mozzarella or parmesan into the dough for an extra cheesy roll.
• Herb Infusion: Swap out parsley for other herbs like rosemary or thyme to change up the flavor profile.
• Garlic Lovers Delight: Add roasted garlic instead of raw garlic for a sweeter, milder taste.
• Stuffed Rolls: Fill each roll with your favorite cheese or herb mixture before baking for a delicious surprise!

How to Make Garlic Bread Rolls

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Lightly butter the bottom and sides of a 9×13 pan. This step is important because it helps prevent sticking and ensures that your rolls come out beautifully golden on all sides.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Mixture

In a small pot, melt the butter and add minced garlic. Let it cook until fragrant—this usually takes about 1-2 minutes. Cooling it slightly while measuring other ingredients helps incorporate that wonderful flavor into the dough.

Step 3: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a stand mixing bowl, combine flour, parsley, sugar, yeast, and salt. These dry ingredients create the structure of your rolls. Mixing them well ensures even distribution before adding wet ingredients.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add warmed milk, egg, and your cooled garlic butter mixture to the dry ingredients. Knead on low speed with a dough hook until smooth and soft—this process activates the gluten in flour which gives your rolls their fluffy texture.

Step 5: Shape Your Rolls

Cut the kneaded dough into 12 equal portions. Form each piece into a smooth ball by pinching it at the bottom where seams come together. This shaping keeps them tight while they rise! Place them in the prepared baking pan and cover with plastic wrap or a towel to let them rise until doubled in size (about 1-2 hours).

Step 6: Preheat Your Oven

While waiting for your rolls to rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). This ensures they bake evenly once they’re ready to go in!

Step 7: Bake Those Rolls

Brush the tops of your risen rolls with beaten egg wash before placing them in the oven. Bake for about 20-30 minutes until they turn golden brown—a visual cue that they’re perfectly done!

Step 8: Finish with Garlic Butter

While those delicious rolls are baking away, prepare more garlic butter by melting additional butter with minced garlic. Once baked, brush this fragrant mixture over your warm rolls and sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.

Now you’re ready to serve these warm Garlic Bread Rolls alongside your favorite dishes! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Garlic Bread Rolls

Making your own garlic bread rolls at home can be a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll ensure they’re nothing short of perfection!

• Use fresh garlic: Fresh garlic gives the most robust flavor compared to powdered or pre-minced options. It adds a wonderful aroma and vibrant taste that will elevate your rolls.
• Knead until smooth: Proper kneading is key to achieving soft and fluffy rolls. Knead the dough just until it’s smooth and slightly tacky; this helps develop the gluten structure needed for that perfect rise.
• Warm rising environment: Allowing the rolls to rise in a warm place helps activate the yeast effectively. A good tip is to place them in an oven preheated to the lowest setting for a few minutes, then turned off, creating an ideal cozy spot.
• Brush with butter immediately: Brushing the baked rolls with garlic herb butter right out of the oven ensures they soak up all that delicious flavor. This step makes them irresistibly rich and mouthwatering.
• Experiment with herbs: While parsley is a classic choice, mixing in other fresh herbs such as basil or thyme can add new dimensions of flavor to your rolls. Don’t hesitate to play around a bit!

How to Serve Garlic Bread Rolls

Garlic bread rolls are not just a side dish; they can take center stage on your dinner table! Here are some fun ideas on how to present them beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives on top adds a pop of color and enhances the flavor.
• Grated cheese: For cheese lovers, consider sprinkling some grated dairy-free cheese on top before serving for an added layer of richness.

Side Dishes

• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the garlic rolls beautifully.
• Vegetable Soup: Pair your garlic bread rolls with a hearty vegetable soup for a comforting meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies seasoned simply with olive oil, salt, and pepper offer a healthy contrast to the buttery rolls.
• Pasta Primavera: This colorful pasta dish loaded with fresh vegetables makes for an excellent pairing that balances flavors and textures perfectly.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll create an inviting meal that showcases your delicious garlic bread rolls! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These garlic bread rolls are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time and enjoy them fresh throughout the week or even freeze them for later. Here’s how to store and reheat your delicious creations.

Storing Leftovers

• Place leftover garlic bread rolls in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, consider freezing them.

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.
• These can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
• Place the rolls on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can brush them with a little extra garlic butter before serving for added flavor!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making garlic bread rolls:

Can I make garlic bread rolls without eggs?

Absolutely! You can substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal mix or unsweetened applesauce for a vegan option. Simply use 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water as a replacement.

How do I ensure my garlic bread rolls are fluffy?

The key is to knead the dough well until it is smooth and elastic. Allowing enough time for it to rise will also help achieve that fluffy texture!

What should I serve with garlic bread rolls?

Garlic bread rolls pair wonderfully with pasta dishes, soups, or salads. They make an excellent side dish or appetizer!

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

Yes, you can! However, using entirely whole wheat flour may result in denser rolls. A blend of half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour works great while still keeping them soft.

How long do garlic bread rolls last in the freezer?

Frozen garlic bread rolls can last up to 3 months. Just make sure they’re well-sealed to prevent freezer burn.

Final Thoughts

These garlic bread rolls are not just easy to make; they’re also incredibly flavorful and versatile! Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or alongside your favorite dish, they’re sure to impress your family and friends. I hope you enjoy making these delightful rolls as much as I do! Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your experience!