Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food to accompany your meals, look no further than these Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls. These rolls are soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavor from the garlic butter, making them a perfect side for any dinner. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, these rolls are sure to impress.

What makes this recipe truly special is how easy it is to bring together simple ingredients into something so delicious. You’ll find that they pair wonderfully with soups, salads, or even as a snack on their own. Plus, the warm aroma of garlic and butter wafting through your kitchen will make everyone feel right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Make: With just a little prep time and some patience during rising, these rolls come together easily.
• Family Favorite: Everyone loves warm, buttery rolls! They’re sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
• Versatile: Perfect for any occasion—from casual dinners to holiday feasts—these rolls fit right in.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the dough in advance and freeze the rolls before baking for an easy meal solution later on.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls requires just a handful of simple and wholesome ingredients. No fancy items here—just good old-fashioned baking staples!

• 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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to tweak it based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add Cheese: Incorporate shredded cheese like mozzarella or cheddar into the dough for extra flavor.
• Herb Infusion: Mix in dried herbs like rosemary or thyme along with the garlic for an aromatic twist.
• Stuffed Rolls: Before shaping the dough into balls, stuff them with your favorite fillings such as spinach and feta or roasted veggies.
• Sweet Twist: For a hint of sweetness, consider adding cinnamon and sugar to create a lovely dessert roll!

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 because it wakes up the yeast, allowing it to start bubbling and preparing for rising. The warmth of the milk helps activate the yeast faster.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Add all the other ingredients for the dinner rolls to the same bowl. This includes sugar, flour, egg, salt, and softened butter. Mixing everything together creates that wonderful dough we’re aiming for!

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Transfer your mixture onto a clean surface. Knead using a push-pull motion with your palms for about 15 minutes. While it may seem sticky at first, don’t be tempted to add more flour! The goal is smooth, stretchy dough that passes the window-pane test.

Step 4: Let It Rise

Place your kneaded dough into a large clean bowl sprayed with oil. Cover it with cling wrap and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size—this usually takes around 90 minutes.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

Once risen, punch down your dough gently before turning it out onto a clean surface. Divide it into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into tight balls without any cracks.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange your rolls evenly spaced apart. Now mix up an egg wash using egg yolk and milk; brush this over your rolls generously for that beautiful golden crust!

Step 7: Second Rise

Allow those rolls to rise again in a warm spot for about 30-45 minutes until they’re puffy. Patience is key here—it helps achieve that light texture we love!

Step 8: Bake Them Up!

Preheat your oven to 350F while those rolls are rising one last time. Once ready, bake them for about 20-22 minutes until they are golden brown and glistening.

Step 9: Make Garlic Butter

While your rolls bake away beautifully, melt some salted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add in finely chopped garlic and sauté briefly before mixing in fresh parsley.

Step 10: Brush & Serve

The moment those rolls come out of the oven hot and fragrant is magical! Brush them generously with that delicious garlic butter while they’re still warm.

These Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are not just bread; they are an experience filled with love and warmth. Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

Making these dinner rolls can be a delightful experience, especially when you have a few pro tips up your sleeve!

• Use warm milk: Ensure your milk is around 110F to activate the yeast properly. This will help your rolls rise beautifully and achieve that soft texture we all crave.

• Knead with patience: Don’t rush the kneading process! Kneading for a full 15 minutes not only develops the gluten but also gives your rolls that fluffy interior.

• Second rise is key: Allowing the rolls to puff up during the second rise is essential. This extra time makes them light and airy, which is what we want in a perfect dinner roll.

• Brush generously: When applying the egg wash, be generous! This gives the rolls a lovely golden color and a beautiful shine that’s simply irresistible.

• Don’t skip the garlic butter: Brushing on melted garlic butter while the rolls are still hot infuses them with rich flavor and makes them even more tempting. Trust me, it’s worth every calorie!

How to Serve Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

These Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are a showstopper on any dinner table! Their warm, buttery aroma and fluffy texture make them perfect for various occasions.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of finely chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the garlic butter beautifully.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top just before serving. It adds a savory note that cheese lovers will adore.

Side Dishes

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Fluffy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic pair perfectly with these rolls, creating a comforting combination that everyone loves.
• Roasted Vegetables: Colorful roasted veggies like carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini not only add nutrition but also provide a lovely contrast in texture.
• Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad with crisp greens and a light vinaigrette balances out the richness of the rolls for a complete meal.
• Chicken or Vegetable Soup: A warm bowl of soup served alongside these rolls creates an inviting atmosphere perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.

Enjoy these easy garlic butter dinner rolls as part of your next meal, and watch everyone come back for seconds! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are perfect for meal prep! You can make them in advance and enjoy warm, fluffy rolls any night of the week. Here’s how to store and save them for later.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the rolls to cool completely.
• Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Once cooled, place the rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen rolls into a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible.
• Label and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the rolls on a baking sheet and cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent browning.
• Bake for about 10-15 minutes, until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds each, but the oven will keep them fluffier.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making these delicious rolls!

Can I make Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls without an egg?

Absolutely! You can substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) or use unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup) as an alternative.

How do I ensure my Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are soft and fluffy?

The key is proper kneading and rising! Make sure to knead until smooth and stretchy, and allow enough time for both rises—this creates those pillowy textures we all love.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can! Just keep in mind that using whole wheat flour may result in denser rolls. If you want a lighter texture, consider mixing half all-purpose flour with half whole wheat flour.

How do I get my Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls golden brown?

Brushing the rolls with an egg wash before baking not only gives them a beautiful shine but also helps achieve that lovely golden color. Don’t skip this step!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give these Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls a try! They’re not just delicious; they’re made with love to bring warmth to your dinner table. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or saved for later, these rolls are bound to become a family favorite. Happy baking, and enjoy every fluffy bite!