If you are looking to impress your family and friends with homemade delights, the Light and Fluffy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe is a perfect choice. Imagine warm, soft rolls, fresh out of the oven, with an enticing aroma that fills your kitchen with hints of garlic and butter. These rolls have the ideal balance between a soft, melt-in-your-mouth interior and a perfectly baked, golden-brown crust. Whether you’re planning for a family dinner or a festive occasion, these delightful dinner rolls will surely elevate any meal.
Baking bread, especially dinner rolls, often seems daunting for many home cooks. However, this recipe simplifies the process, making it accessible even for those new to bread-making. By following clear and easy instructions, you can create restaurant-quality rolls at home without any fuss. The combination of garlic, butter, and fresh herbs brings a rich flavor profile that complements a wide variety of dishes, from soups to roasts. Plus, there’s just something incredibly satisfying about baking your own bread from scratch.
Why You’ll Love These Light and Fluffy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
- Irresistible Flavor: The blend of garlic and butter enriches the rolls with mouth-watering savoriness.
- Texture Perfection: Soft, airy insides with a crispy golden exterior make for the perfect bite.
- Homemade Comfort: Known for bringing that homemade warmth and coziness to the table.
- Versatile Side: Perfect for pairing with almost any main dish, soup, or salad.
- Simple Process: Requires only basic baking skills, making it accessible for everyone.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the delightful world of baking these rolls, setting up your kitchen is key. Begin by ensuring your workspace is clean and spacious enough to knead the dough comfortably. Gather all your ingredients and equipment to make the process seamless. Essential tools include a large mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, a baking dish, and a whisk. Having parchment paper handy can also simplify the clean-up process, and a pastry brush will serve well for spreading the garlic butter topping.
A reliable oven is crucial; make sure it’s preheated to achieve that beautifully baked texture. When preparing the ingredients, have your warm milk ready at about 110°F – crucial for activating yeast. Softened butter allows for easier incorporation into the dough, helping achieve the desired dough texture. In addition, a good kitchen timer ensures each step is followed precisely, especially during rising and baking phases.

Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more if needed)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by combining 1 cup of warm milk with 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast and 2 tablespoons of sugar in a large mixing bowl. Stir the mixture lightly and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes or until it turns foamy, indicating that the yeast is activated and ready to use.
Step 2: Mix and Knead
Once the yeast mixture is ready, add one large egg, 1/4 cup softened butter, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour into the bowl. Use a wooden spoon or a dough hook attachment on a mixer to blend the ingredients until they start to come together. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for approximately 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. Add more flour if necessary to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Rising
Form the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Step 4: Shape the Rolls
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to deflate. Divide the dough into 15 equal portions and shape each piece into a ball. Arrange the balls evenly on a greased baking dish, cover again, and allow them to rise for another 30-40 minutes until they have noticeably expanded.
Step 5: Baking the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once preheated, place the rolls in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when lightly tapped on the top.
Step 6: Prepare Garlic Butter Topping
While the rolls are baking, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small saucepan or microwave. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped fresh parsley. Once the rolls are baked, remove them from the oven and brush the garlic butter generously over each roll while warm. This step infuses the rolls with the rich garlic-butter flavor.
Step 7: Serve
Serve the rolls warm and enjoy their delightful taste with any main dish. Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them soft and fresh.

Variations
- Protein: Add cheddar cheese and bacon bits to the dough for a savory twist.
- Vegetables: Incorporate finely chopped spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to enhance flavor.
- Spices: Experiment with different spices like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic touch.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure your yeast is fresh by checking the expiration date; inactive yeast will not result in proper dough rising.
- If you don’t have fresh parsley, substitute with dried parsley flakes.
Serving Suggestions
- Ideal as a side with pasta dishes or grilled meats for a hearty meal.
- Serve with a bowl of warm soup for a comforting dinner.
Tips
- For even baking, rotate your baking dish halfway through the baking time.
- Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure your milk is at the right temperature for yeast activation.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 150 per roll
- Protein: 4 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
FAQs
How can I make these rolls in advance?
Prepare the dough up to the first rising, then refrigerate. Shape and bake when ready to serve.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead?
Yes, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a denser texture.
How do I store leftover rolls?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Can I add other herbs to the butter topping?
Absolutely! Try adding rosemary or even oregano for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion
These Light and Fluffy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls truly elevate the concept of homemade bread. Whether you’re serving them with a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight meal, they bring an additional layer of flavor and warmth to the table. Feel free to experiment by adding your favorite herbs or cheeses to make them uniquely yours. We encourage you to share your experience and any creative variations in the comments section! Happy baking!
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Light and Fluffy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 15 rolls 1x
Description
If you are looking to impress your family and friends with homemade delights, the Light and Fluffy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe is a perfect choice.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more if needed)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Begin by combining 1 cup of warm milk with 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast and 2 tablespoons of sugar in a large mixing bowl. Stir the mixture lightly and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes or until it turns foamy, indicating that the yeast is activated and ready to use.
- Once the yeast mixture is ready, add one large egg, 1/4 cup softened butter, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour into the bowl. Use a wooden spoon or a dough hook attachment on a mixer to blend the ingredients until they start to come together. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for approximately 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. Add more flour if necessary to prevent sticking.
- Form the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to deflate. Divide the dough into 15 equal portions and shape each piece into a ball. Arrange the balls evenly on a greased baking dish, cover again, and allow them to rise for another 30-40 minutes until they have noticeably expanded.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once preheated, place the rolls in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when lightly tapped on the top.
- While the rolls are baking, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small saucepan or microwave. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped fresh parsley. Once the rolls are baked, remove them from the oven and brush the garlic butter generously over each roll while warm. This step infuses the rolls with the rich garlic-butter flavor.
- Serve the rolls warm and enjoy their delightful taste with any main dish. Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them soft and fresh.
Notes
Ensure your yeast is fresh by checking the expiration date; inactive yeast will not result in proper dough rising.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Bread
Nutrition
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Protein: 4 g