Name: Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: American cuisine
Ingredients: 3 ¼ cups bread flour (plus more for dusting); 2 ¼ teaspoon instant yeast (1 standard packet); 2 tablespoon granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1 cup warm whole milk (110°F); ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (plus more for brushing); 1 large egg, room temperature; 3 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped; Pinch of coarse salt (optional)

Warm, buttery, and impossibly fluffy - these Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are truly irresistible! Each bite is pillowy-soft, rich with savory garlic, and crowned with a glistening, golden crust.

What makes these rolls a must-try? They're incredibly simple to make, bake up beautifully every time, and bring major bakery vibes right to your own kitchen. No complicated steps, just a few staple ingredients and some garlic magic!

They're the perfect sidekick to any dinner, especially during the holidays or your next cozy Sunday supper. If you love homemade bread but crave quick, approachable recipes, this one's for you!

A golden basket of fluffy Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls, glistening with melted butter

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Super soft and fluffy texture that practically melts in your mouth
Simple, approachable ingredients and easy steps for bakers of all levels
Savory, aromatic garlic butter infuses every bite
Perfect for holiday feasts, weeknight dinners, or soaking up your favorite sauces

Key Ingredients for Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Bread Flour

Bread flour gives these rolls their signature chewy yet tender crumb. Its higher protein content helps the rolls rise beautifully and develop that light, airy texture. If you only have all-purpose flour, you can use it in a pinch-the rolls may be a bit softer and less structured, but still delicious.

Instant Yeast

Instant yeast is the hero behind the fluffy lift of these rolls. It allows for a quick, single rise, making the process faster and easier. If using active dry yeast, bloom it first in warm water and expect the rise time to extend by 10-15 minutes.

Garlic (Fresh and Powdered)

A combo of minced fresh garlic and a hint of garlic powder delivers robust, aromatic flavor in every bite. Mincing the garlic finely helps it melt right into the butter for even distribution. No fresh garlic? Go all-in with garlic powder or try roasted garlic for a mellow twist.

Unsalted Butter

Butter does double duty: it enriches the dough for extra softness, and, when melted with garlic, creates an irresistible topping. If you only have salted butter, reduce the added salt slightly. For a dairy-free version, a quality vegan butter substitute works well.

Milk

Whole milk ensures the dough is rich, tender, and fluffy. If needed, low-fat milk or a creamy plant-based alternative can be used-just note that plant milks may slightly change the flavor and texture.

Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls cooking process

Instructions for Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together bread flour, instant yeast, sugar, garlic powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the warm milk, melted butter, and egg until combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.

Knead Until Smooth

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead by hand for 8-10 minutes (or with a stand mixer and dough hook for 5 minutes) until soft, elastic, and only slightly tacky. Add a sprinkle more flour if too sticky, but avoid adding too much-soft dough makes the fluffiest rolls.

First Rise

Shape the dough into a ball and place in a greased bowl. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 1 hour.

Shape the Rolls

Punch down the dough gently, then divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and arrange evenly in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each.

Second Rise

Cover the pan loosely and let the rolls rise again in a warm place for about 25-30 minutes, until noticeably puffy.

Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through.

Brush with Garlic Butter

While the rolls bake, melt the butter for the topping and stir in the minced garlic and chopped parsley. As soon as the hot rolls come out of the oven, generously brush them with the garlic butter. Sprinkle lightly with a touch of coarse salt for extra flavor.

Recipe Variations

Make Them Cheesy

Add ½ cup of shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese into the dough for a gooey, cheesy surprise inside every roll. You can also sprinkle extra cheese over the top just before baking for a cheesy golden crust.

Herb Infused

Swap or add fresh herbs like rosemary, chives, or thyme to the garlic butter for a fragrant, garden-fresh twist. These are especially delightful when paired with roasted meats or hearty stews.

Gluten-Free Version

Use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend and add 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum to help with structure. Be aware the texture will differ slightly, but you'll still enjoy soft, herby rolls.

Vegan Adaptation

Easily make these rolls vegan by swapping the milk for almond or oat milk, butter for plant-based margarine, and using a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoon water) instead of the regular egg.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls with a bowl of homemade soup, a crisp salad, or any classic comfort dish like roast chicken or baked ziti. They're outstanding for mopping up gravy or pasta sauce! For an extra touch, garnish with flaky sea salt and more fresh herbs right before serving.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, wrap rolls in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 8-10 minutes, or pop individual rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls (FAQ)

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?

A: Yes! Prepare the dough up to the second rise, cover the shaped rolls, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise before baking as directed.

Q: What if I only have active dry yeast?

A: You can swap in active dry yeast, just "bloom" it in the warm milk with a pinch of sugar for 5-10 minutes before adding it to the recipe.

Q: Can these be made dairy-free?

A: Absolutely! Just use your favorite unsweetened non-dairy milk and plant-based butter for both the dough and the garlic butter topping.

Nothing beats a basket of homemade, irresistibly soft Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls-fresh from your own oven! They're sure to become everyone's new favorite for dinner or any special occasion. Give them a try, and don't forget to leave a comment or rating to let us know how they turned out!