PERFECT BUTTERY GARLIC ROLLS

I’ll never forget the aroma that filled Grandma Rose’s kitchen every Thanksgiving – it wasn’t just turkey and pumpkin pie, but the unmistakable, comforting scent of her famous Garlic Butter Rolls. Those warm, pillowy clouds of garlicky goodness were always the first thing to disappear from the table. Today, I’m thrilled to share my version of this classic, promising you incredibly delicious and easy-to-make Garlic Rolls that will be a hit at any meal.

The Secret to the Best Garlic Rolls: It’s All About the Dough

Listen, I get it. Baking with yeast can seem intimidating. But trust me, making your own dough for these Garlic Rolls is SO worth it, and I’m going to walk you through every step to ensure your success. We’re aiming for soft, fluffy rolls with a perfectly golden-brown crust, and the right dough is the foundation.

Ingredients for the Dough:

• Active Dry Yeast: 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet). Make sure it’s not expired!
• Warm Water: 1 cup (105-115°F). This is crucial for activating the yeast. Too hot, and you’ll kill it; too cold, and it won’t wake up.
• Sugar: 2 tablespoons. The yeast feeds on this, helping the dough rise.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon. Enhances the flavor and controls the yeast.
• Melted Butter: 4 tablespoons (unsalted). Adds richness and tenderness to the rolls.
• All-Purpose Flour: 3 – 3 1/2 cups. Start with 3 cups and add more gradually until the dough comes together.

Making the Dough: Step-by-Step

1. Proof the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes foamy. This tells you the yeast is alive and active. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be old, and you’ll need to start over with a fresh packet.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the salt and melted butter.
3. Gradually Add Flour: Begin adding the flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Once the dough starts to come together and pull away from the sides of the bowl, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
4. Knead the Dough: Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, adding more flour as needed to prevent sticking. The dough should be smooth and elastic. This is where the magic happens! Kneading develops the gluten, which gives the rolls their structure and chewiness. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty!
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is a good time to prepare your garlic butter!

Troubleshooting Dough Problems:

• Dough Not Rising: The most common culprit is inactive yeast. Make sure your yeast is fresh and your water is the right temperature. Also, a cold room can slow down the rising process. Try placing the bowl in a warm oven (turned off!) or near a sunny window.
• Dough Too Sticky: Add flour, one tablespoon at a time, while kneading until the dough is manageable.
• Dough Too Dry: Add water, one teaspoon at a time, while kneading until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

The Irresistible Garlic Butter: Flavor Explosion!

Okay, now for the star of the show – the garlic butter! This is where you can really customize the flavor to your liking. Don’t skimp on the garlic – it’s what makes these rolls so amazing.

Ingredients for the Garlic Butter:

• Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), melted.
• Garlic: 4-6 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is best for flavor!
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped. Adds a pop of freshness and color.
• Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon. Because you can never have too much garlic!
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon.
• Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon.
• Optional: Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Making the Garlic Butter:

Simply combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Trust me, the aroma alone will make your mouth water.

Shaping and Baking the Garlic Rolls: The Grand Finale

Alright, your dough has risen, your garlic butter is ready – it’s time to assemble these beauties!

Shaping the Rolls:

1. Punch Down the Dough: Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air.
2. Divide the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces. You can use a kitchen scale for precision, but eyeballing it works too.
3. Shape into Rolls: Roll each piece of dough into a smooth ball.
4. Arrange in Pan: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.
5. Second Rise: Cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until they are puffy.

Baking the Rolls:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brush with Garlic Butter: Generously brush the risen rolls with the garlic butter. Make sure to get in all the nooks and crannies!
3. Bake: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown on top.
4. More Garlic Butter (Optional): For extra garlicky goodness, brush the rolls with more garlic butter immediately after they come out of the oven.
5. Serve: Let the rolls cool slightly before serving. These are best enjoyed warm!

Tips for Perfect Garlic Rolls:

• Don’t Overbake: Overbaked rolls will be dry and tough. Keep a close eye on them in the oven and remove them when they are golden brown.
• Use a Thermometer: For perfectly cooked rolls, the internal temperature should be around 200°F (93°C).
• Make Ahead: You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
• Freeze for Later: Baked garlic rolls can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Reheat in a low oven until warmed through.

Serving Suggestions: The Perfect Companions

These Garlic Rolls are incredibly versatile and pair well with so many dishes. Here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy them:

• With Pasta: Serve them alongside your favorite pasta dish, like spaghetti, lasagna, or Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles, for a complete and satisfying meal.
• With Soup: Garlic Rolls are the perfect accompaniment to a warm and comforting bowl of soup, especially Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup.
• With Salad: Add a touch of warmth and flavor to your salad by serving it with these rolls.
• As an Appetizer: Serve them as an appetizer at your next party or gathering. They are always a crowd-pleaser!
• With Holiday Meals: Of course, they are a must-have for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter dinner.
• Alongside Grilled Meats: Imagine these rolls with a perfectly grilled steak or chicken! You can even use the garlic butter on Garlic Butter Potato.
• Pair with Vegetables: These rolls also compliment dishes like Garlic Parmesan Carrots or Honey Butter Skillet Corn.

Variations and Additions: Get Creative!

Want to put your own spin on these Garlic Rolls? Here are a few ideas:

• Cheese: Add shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan cheese to the dough or sprinkle it on top before baking.
• Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano.
• Spices: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Stuffed Rolls: Fill the rolls with cheese, ham, or spinach before baking.
• Garlic Herb Butter: Add fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme to the garlic butter.
• Everything Bagel Seasoning: Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top before baking for a savory twist.

Garlic Rolls: Frequently Asked Questions

I know you might have a few questions, so let’s tackle some common concerns.

• Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast? Yes, you can. You don’t need to proof instant yeast. Just add it directly to the dry ingredients.
• Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour? Bread flour will result in a chewier roll. It’s a fine substitution, but all-purpose is preferred for a softer texture.
• How do I store leftover Garlic Rolls? Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in a low oven or microwave.
• Can I make these rolls gluten-free? Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum, as this will help to bind the dough.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy the Process!

Making Garlic Rolls from scratch is a rewarding experience. Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with it! The most important thing is to enjoy the process and savor the delicious results. These rolls are a true comfort food, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Happy baking!

Perfect Buttery Garlic Rolls

These homemade garlic rolls are soft, fluffy, and bursting with garlicky flavor. This recipe guides you through making the dough from scratch and creating an irresistible garlic butter topping. Perfect for any meal or gathering, these rolls are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 45 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 12

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast 1 packet
• 1 cup warm water 105-115°F
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 – 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: Red pepper flakes
• Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese

Equipment

• Large bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Mixing Spoon
• Lightly floured surface
• Kitchen scale (optional)
• Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
• Small bowl
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Oven
• Pastry brush

Method

 

1. In a large bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes foamy.
2. Stir in the salt and melted butter.
3. Begin adding the flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Once the dough starts to come together and pull away from the sides of the bowl, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
4. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, adding more flour as needed to prevent sticking. The dough should be smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Combine all garlic butter ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.
7. Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air.
8. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
9. Roll each piece of dough into a smooth ball.
10. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.
11. Cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until they are puffy.
12. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
13. Generously brush the risen rolls with the garlic butter.
14. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown on top.
15. For extra garlicky goodness, brush the rolls with more garlic butter immediately after they come out of the oven.
16. Let the rolls cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Don’t overbake the rolls. Overbaked rolls will be dry and tough. For perfectly cooked rolls, the internal temperature should be around 200°F (93°C). You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking. Baked garlic rolls can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Reheat in a low oven until warmed through. Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make it gluten-free.