Garlic Bread Rolls

Garlic bread rolls are a delightful addition to any meal. These soft and fluffy rolls are infused with the rich flavor of garlic, making them perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or simply enjoying as a snack. With a simple recipe that highlights fresh ingredients, these rolls will impress your guests and elevate your dining experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of fresh garlic and herb butter creates a mouthwatering taste that complements any dish.
• Easy to Make: Even beginner bakers can master this recipe with straightforward steps and minimal ingredients.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve these rolls as an appetizer, side dish, or snack during special events or casual meals.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to personalize the flavor profile of these rolls.
• Freezer Friendly: Prepare a batch in advance, freeze them, and enjoy freshly baked rolls anytime!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking these delicious garlic bread rolls, gather your tools. Using the right equipment can significantly enhance your baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking pan (9×13)
• Pastry brush

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes kneading the dough easier and quicker, ensuring a smooth texture without much effort.
• Baking pan: A 9×13 pan is ideal for baking evenly sized rolls that rise beautifully together.

Ingredients

Garlic bread rolls are soft and fluffy dinner rolls packed with garlic flavor. These homemade rolls are made with lots of fresh garlic in the dough and brushed with even more garlic herb butter after baking!

For the Dough

• 4 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 3 1/2 cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (See notes below for measuring)
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 cup whole or 2% milk (warmed to 110°F)
• 1 large egg (room temperature)

For the Topping

• 1 beaten egg (for brushing the tops)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• Flaky sea salt (for finishing)

How to Make Garlic Bread Rolls

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Lightly butter the bottom and sides of a 9×13 pan and set it aside.

Step 2: Make Garlic Butter

In a small pot, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until the garlic is fragrant. Take off the heat and cool while you measure the other ingredients.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a stand mixing bowl, combine the flour, parsley, sugar, yeast, and salt.

Step 4: Mix Dough Ingredients

Add the warmed milk, egg, and cooled garlic butter from above to the dry mixture. Knead on low speed with the dough hook until smooth and tacky—about 10-12 minutes. If too sticky, add one tablespoon of flour at a time until workable.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

Cut the kneaded dough into 12 equal portions (67 grams each). Shape each portion into a smooth ball by pinching underneath where the seam comes together. Place shaped balls into prepared baking pan. Cover with plastic wrap or kitchen towel; let rise in warm place until doubled in size—about 1-2 hours.

Step 6: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).

Step 7: Bake Rolls

Brush tops of rolls with beaten egg wash. Bake for 20-30 minutes until golden brown on top.

Step 8: Finish with Garlic Butter

While baking, prepare garlic butter by melting remaining butter in a pot; add minced garlic for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat; stir in parsley. When rolls are out of oven, brush immediately with garlic butter. Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top if desired; serve warm!

How to Serve Garlic Bread Rolls

Garlic bread rolls make a delightful addition to any meal, offering a burst of flavor that complements various dishes. Here are some creative ways to serve them.

With Pasta Dishes

• Pair garlic bread rolls with your favorite pasta such as spaghetti or fettuccine. Their soft texture and garlic flavor enhance the overall taste of the meal.

As a Side for Soups

• Serve garlic bread rolls alongside hearty soups like minestrone or tomato basil. They are perfect for dipping and add a satisfying crunch.

With Salads

• Enjoy garlic bread rolls with fresh salads, such as Caesar or Greek salad. The rolls provide a nice contrast to the crispness of the greens.

For Sandwiches

• Use garlic bread rolls as a base for delicious sandwiches. Fill them with turkey, chicken, or veggies for a savory treat.

As an Appetizer

• Serve garlic bread rolls warm with dips like hummus or spinach-artichoke dip. They make an irresistible starter for any gathering.

How to Perfect Garlic Bread Rolls

Creating the perfect garlic bread rolls requires attention to detail and some handy tips. Here’s how to elevate your baking game:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh garlic and herbs to guarantee robust flavors in your rolls.
• Knead Properly: Make sure to knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This ensures a light and fluffy texture.
• Watch the Rising Time: Allow the dough to rise until it has doubled in size. This step is crucial for achieving airy rolls.
• Brush Generously: When brushing with garlic butter, be generous! This adds flavor and moisture to the rolls.
• Serve Warm: For the best experience, serve garlic bread rolls warm right out of the oven. They taste best when fresh!

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Bread Rolls

Garlic bread rolls can accompany many delicious side dishes that enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Caesar Salad: A crisp romaine salad topped with parmesan cheese and creamy dressing pairs wonderfully with these flavorful rolls.
2. Minestrone Soup: A hearty vegetable soup full of beans and pasta complements the richness of garlic bread perfectly.
3. Grilled Vegetables: Smoky grilled veggies add a healthy touch and balance the richness of the butter in the rolls.
4. Roasted Chicken: Tender roasted chicken makes for a classic pairing that elevates any dinner table.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice and veggies create a vibrant complement to your meal.
6. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with fresh herbs offers a nutritious side that contrasts nicely with buttery flavors.
7. Beef Stew: Rich beef stew provides warmth and heartiness, making it ideal for dipping those delicious garlic rolls.
8. Vegetable Stir-fry: Quick-cooked vegetables in soy sauce add freshness and crunch that balances out the soft texture of the rolls.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making garlic bread rolls can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.

• Incorrect yeast activation: Always ensure your yeast is fresh and properly activated in warm milk. If it’s too hot or too cold, it may not rise effectively.
• Over-kneading the dough: Kneading is essential, but overdoing it can make the rolls tough. Aim for a smooth texture without excessive handling.
• Skipping the rising time: Allowing the dough to rise until doubled in size is crucial for soft rolls. Don’t rush this step for the best results.
• Poor measuring of ingredients: Accurate measurements are key. Use a kitchen scale for precision, especially with flour.
• Not using enough garlic: For true garlic flavor, don’t skimp on minced garlic in both the dough and butter. It enhances flavor significantly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover garlic bread rolls in an airtight container.
• They will keep well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Garlic Bread Rolls

• Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• These rolls can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Garlic Bread Rolls

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (180°C) and heat rolls for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place rolls on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 15-second intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over low heat and add rolls covered with a lid; warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making garlic bread rolls.

How do I make my Garlic Bread Rolls extra fluffy?

To achieve fluffier garlic bread rolls, ensure that you allow enough time for the dough to rise fully before baking. Additionally, knead the dough just until smooth.

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

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour; however, you may need to adjust the liquid slightly as whole wheat absorbs more moisture than all-purpose flour.

What can I serve with Garlic Bread Rolls?

These rolls pair wonderfully with soups, salads, or as a side dish to any main course. Their versatility makes them a great addition to any meal.

How do I enhance the flavor of my Garlic Bread Rolls?

For added flavor, consider mixing herbs like oregano or thyme into your dough or topping them with grated Parmesan cheese before baking.

Final Thoughts

Garlic bread rolls are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. They make an excellent side dish or appetizer and can easily be customized with herbs or cheeses. Try making them at home; your family will love them!