The Magic Behind the Rolls
Okay, friend, let’s be honest: homemade bread can feel intimidating. But these Garlic Butter Bread Rolls are surprisingly simple and totally worth the effort. We’re skipping the complicated sourdough process and focusing on a straightforward dough that’s easy to work with. The real star, of course, is the garlic butter. We’re not skimping on flavor here!Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful Garlic Butter Bread Rolls. Don’t worry, I’ve included some notes on substitutions, too!
For the Dough:
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups (300ml) warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, melted
For the Garlic Butter:
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
- 4-6 cloves garlic, minced (adjust to your taste)
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra garlicky flavor)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Everything bagel seasoning
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get baking! I’m going to walk you through each step, so you feel confident creating these amazing Garlic Butter Bread Rolls.Making the Dough:
- Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This means the yeast is active and ready to go! If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be old, and you’ll need to start with a fresh packet.
- Combine the ingredients: Add the melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Gradually add the flour: Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
- First rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is crucial for that light and airy texture!
Shaping and Baking:
- Punch down the dough: Gently punch down the dough to release the air.
- Divide and shape: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball.
- Second rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake: Bake the rolls for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown.
Garlic Butter Bliss:
- Prepare the garlic butter: While the rolls are baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave. Add the minced garlic, parsley, garlic powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Brush and serve: As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese or everything bagel seasoning, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for Garlic Butter Bread Roll Perfection
Even with a straightforward recipe, a few little secrets can take your Garlic Butter Bread Rolls to the next level. Here are my best tips:- Don’t overheat the milk: The milk should be warm, not hot. If it’s too hot, it will kill the yeast. Aim for around 110°F (43°C). A kitchen thermometer is your friend here!
- Kneading is key: Don’t skimp on the kneading time! This is what develops the gluten and gives the rolls their chewy texture.
- Warm place for rising: A warm environment helps the dough rise properly. You can place the bowl in a slightly warmed oven (turned off!), a sunny spot, or even on top of the refrigerator.
- Fresh Garlic is Best: While garlic powder adds to the taste, nothing compares to the taste of fresh garlic in your garlic butter.
- Adjust Garlic to Taste: Not a huge garlic fan? No problem! Reduce the amount of garlic in the butter. Love garlic? Add an extra clove or two! The beauty of homemade is that you can customize it to your liking.
- Don’t overbake: Overbaking will result in dry, hard rolls. Keep a close eye on them in the oven and remove them as soon as they’re golden brown.
- Brush generously: Don’t be shy with the garlic butter! The more, the merrier (in my opinion, at least!).
- Reheat like a pro: If you have leftover rolls (which is unlikely!), you can reheat them in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) for a few minutes, wrapped in foil to prevent them from drying out. You can also pop them in the microwave for a few seconds, but be careful not to overcook them.
Variations to Spice Things Up
Want to put your own spin on these Garlic Butter Bread Rolls? Here are a few ideas to get you started:- Herb it up: Experiment with different herbs in the garlic butter. Rosemary, thyme, or oregano would all be delicious additions.
- Cheese, please: Add shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or provolone cheese to the dough before shaping the rolls, or sprinkle it on top before baking.
- Jalapeño kick: Add finely chopped jalapeños to the garlic butter for a spicy kick.
- Sweet and savory: Drizzle a little honey or maple syrup over the rolls after brushing with the garlic butter for a sweet and savory treat.
- Garlic Knots: Roll the dough into long ropes, tie into knots, and then bake for fun presentation!
Serving Suggestions
These Garlic Butter Bread Rolls are incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of dishes. Here are a few of my favorite pairings:- Pasta night: Serve them alongside your favorite pasta dishes, like Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta, for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
- Soup and salad: They’re the perfect accompaniment to a warm bowl of soup or a crisp salad.
- Grilled meats: These rolls are a fantastic addition to any barbecue or cookout, perfect for mopping up the juices from grilled meats.
- Appetizer platter: Arrange them on a platter with some cheese, olives, and cured meats for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
- Just because: Honestly, they’re delicious enough to eat on their own!
Garlic Butter Beyond the Bread
Once you’ve experienced the magic of garlic butter, you’ll want to put it on everything! And you totally can! Here are a few other recipes where garlic butter shines: You should try Chicken Breasts Stuffed With Garlic Butter Mushrooms. Or how about some Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs for a lower-carb option? For an easy weeknight meal, try Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Chicken & Veggies or Garlic Butter Beef Bites. If you want to take the garlic bread concept up a notch, check out Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls.Troubleshooting
Even experienced bakers sometimes encounter hiccups. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:- Rolls are too dense: This could be due to using old yeast, not kneading the dough enough, or not allowing the dough to rise properly. Make sure your yeast is fresh, knead the dough for the recommended time, and let it rise in a warm place.
- Rolls are too dry: This could be due to overbaking. Keep a close eye on the rolls in the oven and remove them as soon as they’re golden brown. Brushing generously with garlic butter also helps keep them moist.
- Garlic butter is too strong: If the garlic flavor is too overpowering, reduce the amount of garlic in the butter. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the flavor.
- Garlic butter is burning: Be careful not to overheat the garlic butter, as the garlic can burn quickly. Melt the butter over low heat and keep a close eye on it.
Get Ready to Enjoy!
There you have it! Everything you need to create the most amazing Garlic Butter Bread Rolls. They are perfect for impressing your family, bringing to gatherings, or simply enjoying a cozy night in. So grab your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to bake! I’m confident that you’ll love these rolls, and you’ll be making them again and again. Happy baking, friend!What temperature should the milk be when activating the yeast?
The milk should be warm, around 110°F (43°C). If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky while kneading?
If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it becomes easier to handle.
How can I prevent my garlic butter bread rolls from becoming too dry?
Avoid overbaking the rolls. Keep a close eye on them in the oven and remove them as soon as they’re golden brown. Brushing generously with garlic butter after baking also helps.
Can I use different herbs in the garlic butter?
Yes! You can experiment with different herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano in the garlic butter to customize the flavor.
ULTIMATE GARLIC BUTTER BREAD ROLLS
These homemade Garlic Butter Bread Rolls are soft, golden, and infused with the rich, savory aroma of garlic and melted butter. This recipe skips complicated sourdough processes, focusing on a straightforward dough perfect for elevating any meal or satisfying carb cravings.
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Mixing spoon
- Kneading surface
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Plastic wrap or clean kitchen towel
- Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
- pastry brush
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder optional
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese optional
- Everything bagel seasoning optional
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.
- Combine the ingredients: Add the melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Gradually add the flour: Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
- First rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough: Gently punch down the dough to release the air.
- Divide and shape: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball.
- Second rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake: Bake the rolls for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Prepare the garlic butter: While the rolls are baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave. Add the minced garlic, parsley, garlic powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Brush and serve: As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese or everything bagel seasoning, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Don’t overheat the milk; it should be around 110°F (43°C). Kneading is key for a chewy texture. A warm place helps the dough rise properly. Fresh garlic is best for garlic butter. Adjust garlic to taste. Don’t overbake the rolls. Brush generously with garlic butter. Reheat leftover rolls in a low oven wrapped in foil. Experiment with different herbs, cheeses, or jalapeños in the garlic butter. Drizzle with honey for a sweet and savory treat. Roll the dough into knots for fun presentation. Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
