Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

If you’re looking for a recipe that hugs your soul and brings smiles to the dinner table, you’ve landed in the right place! These Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are not just a side dish; they are a comforting addition to any meal. Imagine warm, fluffy rolls brushed with a delicious garlic butter that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a family gathering, these rolls will surely make everyone feel at home.

What makes these rolls special is how simple they are to prepare. You don’t need to be a baking expert to achieve that pillowy softness and golden crust. Plus, they can easily be made ahead of time, making your meal prep a breeze!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: You likely already have everything you need in your pantry!
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike find it hard to resist these fluffy bites.
• Make Ahead Convenience: Prepare them in advance and simply bake when you’re ready to eat.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic and butter creates an unforgettable taste experience.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From holiday feasts to casual dinners, these rolls fit right in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To whip up these delightful Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls, you’ll need some simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Don’t worry; nothing fancy here—just good old-fashioned baking!

Ingredients:
– 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)
– Egg wash: 1 egg yolk and 1 tbsp milk
– 1/4 cup salted butter (57g)
– 2-3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
– 1-2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley

Variations

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative and customize the rolls to match your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add Cheese: Mix in some shredded cheese for a cheesy twist!
• Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.
• Sweet Twist: For a sweeter roll, add cinnamon and sugar instead of garlic for breakfast treats.
• Stuffed Rolls: Consider stuffing the rolls with your favorite filling before baking!

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 as it wakes up those little yeast particles, helping our dough rise beautifully. You want it nice and frothy!

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Add all the other ingredients for the dinner rolls into the same bowl. It’s time to mix! Use your hands or a spoon to combine everything until it forms a shaggy dough. This might look messy at first—don’t worry; that’s exactly how it should be!

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Turn out your shaggy dough onto a clean surface and knead it using a push-pull motion with your palms for about 15 minutes. At first, it’ll stick to your hands but keep going! The dough will become smooth and stretchy—a sign that it’s ready when it passes the window-pane test.

Step 4: First Rise

Transfer the dough to a large clean bowl sprayed with oil. Cover it with cling wrap and place it in a warm spot. Let it rise until it doubles in size—this usually takes about 90 minutes. Patience is key here; this is where all that fluffiness comes from!

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

Once risen, punch down the dough gently and turn it out onto a clean surface. Divide it into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into tight balls. Make sure they’re smooth—no cracks allowed!

Step 6: Second Rise

Line a 9×13 baking sheet with parchment paper and space out your rolls on it. Brush them with an egg wash made of egg yolk mixed with milk for that gorgeous golden finish! Allow them to rise again in a warm spot for about 30-45 minutes until puffy.

Step 7: Bake Them Up!

Preheat your oven while those rolls are rising so it’s nice and hot when they’re ready. After their second rise, brush them again with more egg wash before popping them into the oven at 350F for about 20-22 minutes until golden brown.

Step 8: Add That Garlic Butter

While those heavenly rolls bake, melt some butter in a saucepan over low heat, then add minced garlic and sauté for just 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in parsley off the heat—this garlic butter is going to take your rolls over the top!

Step 9: Serve & Enjoy!

As soon as those rolls come out of the oven, brush them generously with that delicious garlic butter while they’re still hot! Let everyone dig in—these Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls will be gone before you know it!

Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

Making dinner rolls might seem daunting, but with a few handy tips, you can ensure your rolls turn out perfectly fluffy and delicious every time!

• Use Warm Milk: Starting with warm milk (around 110°F) is crucial for activating the yeast. This helps the dough rise beautifully, giving you that pillowy texture we all love.

• Don’t Rush the Kneading: Take your time when kneading the dough. It should be smooth and elastic when finished. This step develops the gluten structure, which is essential for soft rolls.

• Second Rise is Key: Allowing the dough to rise a second time is vital for achieving that light and airy roll. Patience pays off here; it makes a noticeable difference in texture!

• Brush Generously with Garlic Butter: Don’t skimp on brushing those hot rolls with garlic butter! It adds flavor and keeps the rolls moist and glossy.

• Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Reheat them briefly in the oven or microwave to bring back their soft texture.

How to Serve Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

These garlic butter dinner rolls are not just delicious; they’re also visually appealing and versatile! Here are some ideas to present them beautifully at your next meal.

Garnishes

• Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of finely chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top right before serving; it melts beautifully into the warm rolls.
• Coarse Sea Salt: A light dusting of coarse sea salt enhances the flavor of the garlic butter and gives a satisfying crunch.

Side Dishes

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: These classic mashed potatoes are rich and creamy, making them the perfect comfort food pairing with your dinner rolls.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the rolls.
• Roasted Vegetables: Colorful roasted veggies like carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini add vibrant flavors alongside your soft dinner rolls.
• Hearty Soup: Pairing these rolls with a warm bowl of soup—like tomato basil or minestrone—creates a cozy meal that warms the heart.

Enjoy your baking journey with these Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls—they’re sure to become a family favorite!

Make Ahead and Storage

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

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the rolls to cool completely before storing.
• Place the rolls in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.
• Store at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

• After the rolls have cooled completely, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap.
• Place the wrapped rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Label and date your container for easy reference!

Reheating

• To reheat frozen rolls, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 1 hour.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the rolls on a baking sheet and cover with foil to prevent over-browning.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions people have about making these delicious rolls.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls?

Yes, you can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Keep in mind that whole wheat flour may yield denser rolls, so consider using a mix of both for lighter results.

How can I make Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls without using eggs?

You can replace the egg with a flaxseed egg or applesauce. To make a flaxseed egg, mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons water and let it sit until it thickens.

Can I prepare the dough for Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls in advance?

Absolutely! Prepare the dough as directed, then cover it tightly in plastic wrap after kneading. Store it in the refrigerator overnight before proceeding with shaping and baking.

What makes these Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls special?

These rolls are soft, fluffy, and infused with garlic butter goodness. They pair beautifully with any meal and are sure to impress your family and friends!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls! They’re not just a side dish; they’re a warm hug of comfort that brings everyone together. Enjoy baking them, sharing them, or savoring them on your own. Happy cooking!