Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe

Soft, pillowy, and brushed with irresistible garlic butter, Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are the ultimate comfort bread with a savory twist. These fluffy rolls feature a tender crumb made from simple ingredients like flour, yeast, and milk, all finished with a generous coating of melted butter infused with garlic and herbs. It’s the kind of bread that fills your home with heavenly aromas and makes every meal feel special.

Each bite delivers a satisfying combination of textures—tender and airy inside, with a golden, buttery exterior that practically melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a holiday feast or simply elevating a weeknight dinner, these rolls are as rewarding to make as they are to devour. Serve them warm from the oven with extra butter, honey, or alongside your favorite soups and stews for a comforting, crowd-pleasing addition that feels like pure love on a plate.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

Homemade goodness: Fresh-baked bread that’s infinitely better than store-bought, with ingredients you can pronounce and trust.
Irresistible garlic flavor: Buttery, garlicky perfection in every bite—the kind of rolls people fight over at the dinner table.
Easy for beginners: No fancy equipment needed. If you can mix, knead, and wait, you can make these rolls.
Make-ahead friendly: Prepare the dough ahead, refrigerate overnight, and bake fresh when you need them.
Crowd favorite: Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or Sunday dinners—these rolls disappear fast and leave everyone wanting more.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment, Plus Why They Matter)

Before diving into these delicious Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls, having the right tools on hand will make everything smoother—from mixing to baking.

Essential Tools & Why You Need Them:

Stand Mixer with Dough Hook (or Large Mixing Bowl)
This is your workhorse. A stand mixer makes kneading effortless, but you can absolutely knead by hand—it just takes a bit more elbow grease and love.

9×13-inch Baking Pan
The perfect size for arranging rolls so they bake close together, creating those wonderfully soft, pull-apart sides.

Kitchen Towel or Plastic Wrap
Essential for covering dough during rising to keep it moist and protected from drafts.

Pastry Brush
Ideal for brushing garlic butter generously over the rolls before and after baking for maximum flavor.

Measuring Cups & Spoons
Precision matters in bread baking—accurate measurements ensure consistent, fluffy results every time.

Sharp Knife or Bench Scraper
For dividing dough into equal portions so all your rolls bake evenly and look uniform.

Having these items prepped and within reach makes the bread-making process seamless and enjoyable.

Preparation Tips

Use warm liquids (not hot) for activating yeast—around 110°F is ideal. Too hot kills yeast; too cold won’t activate it properly.
Let the dough rise in a warm spot away from drafts. Inside an oven with just the light on works perfectly.
Don’t skip the second rise after shaping—this creates that signature soft, airy texture everyone loves.
Brush with garlic butter immediately after baking while rolls are still hot so the butter soaks in beautifully.
Make extra garlic butter because you’ll want to serve more on the side for spreading.
Cool slightly before serving: Let the rolls rest for 5 minutes after brushing to set the butter and make them easier to pull apart.

These small touches make a big difference in achieving bakery-quality results at home.

Ingredients for This Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring these soft, buttery rolls to life. Most ingredients are basic baking staples, making these rolls both affordable and accessible for any home baker.

For the Dinner Rolls:

4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
¼ cup water, warmed to 110°F
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg, room temperature
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for greasing)

For the Garlic Butter Topping:

½ cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 ½ tablespoons)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon salt
Optional: ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano

Optional Garnishes:

Flaky sea salt
Extra fresh parsley
Grated Parmesan cheese
Honey for drizzling
Whipped butter for serving
Everything bagel seasoning

Everything in this list works together beautifully—the soft, sweet dough pairs perfectly with the savory, garlicky butter coating. The garnishes are optional but add extra flair and flavor.

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine warm milk, warm water, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy and activated. If the mixture doesn’t foam, your yeast may be dead—start over with fresh yeast.

In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine the remaining sugar, salt, melted butter, and egg. Add the activated yeast mixture and stir until combined.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed or stirring by hand until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. Knead with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes, or knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth, elastic, and springs back when poked.

Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl, turning once to coat all sides. Cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap.

Step 3: First Rise

Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it has doubled in size. The dough is ready when you press two fingers into it and the indentation remains.

Punch down the dough gently to release air bubbles, then turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.

Step 4: Shape the Rolls

Divide the dough into 12-16 equal pieces using a sharp knife or bench scraper. Roll each piece into a smooth ball by tucking the edges underneath and rolling between your palms. Arrange the balls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, spacing them evenly so they’re just touching.

Cover the pan with a towel and let the rolls rise again for 30-45 minutes, until puffy and nearly doubled.

Step 5: Bake and Butter

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the rolls sound hollow when tapped.

While the rolls bake, prepare the garlic butter by combining melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, garlic powder, and salt in a small bowl.

As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, generously brush them with garlic butter while they’re still hot. The butter will soak into the rolls, creating that irresistible flavor. Brush on a second coat for extra indulgence, then garnish with flaky salt or extra parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Yeast Alternatives: Instant yeast can be used instead of active dry—add it directly to the dry ingredients and skip the activation step.

Dairy Substitutions: Use plant-based milk and vegan butter for dairy-free rolls. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Herb Variations: Try adding rosemary, thyme, or chives to the garlic butter for different flavor profiles.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Using water that’s too hot: Temperatures above 120°F will kill the yeast, preventing the dough from rising properly.
Not kneading enough: Under-kneaded dough won’t develop proper gluten structure, resulting in dense, heavy rolls instead of light and fluffy.
Skipping the rise times: Patience is crucial. Rushing the rising process creates tough, compact rolls that lack that signature softness.
Over-flouring the dough: Too much flour makes the rolls dry and tough. Add just enough to prevent sticking.
Placing rolls too far apart: Rolls should touch slightly so they rise upward and create soft, pull-apart sides rather than crusty all around.
Not brushing butter immediately: The rolls absorb butter best when they’re piping hot. Waiting too long means less flavor penetration.
Overbaking: Watch the time carefully. Overbaked rolls dry out quickly and lose that tender, pillowy texture.
Using cold ingredients: Room temperature eggs and warm liquids help the dough rise properly and create better texture.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls?

These soft and buttery rolls complement virtually any meal, but pairing them with the right dishes can create a memorable dining experience. Whether you’re going casual or elegant, there’s a pairing for every occasion.

8 Delicious Recommendations:

Slow-Cooked Pot Roast
Tender beef with rich gravy is perfect for soaking up with these soft, garlicky rolls.

Creamy Tomato Soup
A classic combination—the rolls are ideal for dunking into warm, velvety soup.

Roasted Chicken with Herbs
Simple roasted chicken pairs beautifully with the garlic butter flavors and makes for a comforting Sunday dinner.

Caesar Salad
Crisp romaine, Parmesan, and creamy dressing alongside warm rolls creates a satisfying contrast of temperatures and textures.

Beef Stew or Chili
Hearty, meaty stews practically beg for soft bread to soak up every last drop of flavorful broth.

Baked Salmon with Lemon
Light, flaky fish with citrus notes complements the rich garlic butter without overwhelming the palate.

Pasta with Marinara Sauce
Italian-inspired meals and garlic bread are a match made in heaven—these rolls fit right in.

Holiday Turkey Dinner
From Thanksgiving to Christmas, these rolls are the perfect addition to any festive spread.

These pairings help round out the meal and bring restaurant-quality vibes to your dinner table.

Storage Instructions

Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls stay fresh and delicious for days—and they store beautifully.

How to Store:

Room Temperature: Store cooled rolls in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Freezer: For longer storage, wrap cooled rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C), wrapped in foil, for 10-12 minutes or until warmed through. Brush with fresh garlic butter after reheating.

Microwave: Heat individual rolls on medium power for 15-20 seconds. Add a damp paper towel on top to prevent drying.

Always ensure rolls are warmed through completely for the best texture and flavor.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 6 Servings)

Please note this is an approximate breakdown and may vary based on exact ingredients used.

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	285
Protein	6g
Carbohydrates	38g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugar	5g
Total Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	7g
Unsaturated Fat	4g
Trans Fat	0g
Cholesterol	45mg
Sodium	320mg

This roll provides a comforting balance of carbs and fats—perfect for complementing a protein-rich main course.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the dough through the first rise, then refrigerate overnight. The next day, shape the rolls, let them come to room temperature and rise again, then bake fresh.

2. Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes! Bread flour creates slightly chewier rolls with more structure. All-purpose flour yields softer, more tender rolls—both work beautifully.

3. Do these rolls freeze well?
They freeze excellently. Freeze baked rolls without the garlic butter, then brush with fresh garlic butter after reheating for the best flavor.

4. Can I make these rolls dairy-free?
Definitely. Replace milk with almond or oat milk, and use vegan butter. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious and fluffy.

5. What if I don’t have a stand mixer?
No problem. Mix the dough in a large bowl and knead by hand for 8-10 minutes. It takes a bit more effort but produces equally fantastic results.

6. Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes! Double all ingredients and use two 9×13-inch pans. Baking time remains the same—just ensure you have enough oven space.

7. Can I add cheese to these rolls?
Certainly. Mix shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan into the dough, or sprinkle cheese on top before baking for extra richness.

8. How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
The tops should be golden brown, and the internal temperature should reach 190°F (88°C). They should also sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are the ultimate combination of homemade comfort and irresistible flavor—all baked to golden perfection. With their soft, pillowy texture and rich garlic butter coating, they’re everything you love about fresh bread, made simple enough for any home baker.

Perfect for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or whenever you need something special, these rolls are as versatile as they are delicious. Plus, with endless serving and flavoring possibilities, they elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary. So grab your mixing bowl and make bread that everyone will remember.