Soft and fluffy garlic bread rolls filled with a rich, buttery garlic and herb mixture—these rolls are everything I want in a comforting side dish or an impressive appetizer. Whether I serve them with pasta, soup, or enjoy them as a snack on their own, they always bring warm, savory goodness to the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how simple ingredients come together to create rolls that are light, tender, and packed with garlic flavor. The homemade dough is easy to work with, and the buttery garlic filling melts into every bite. I also enjoy how versatile these are—I can customize them with cheese or even freeze them for later. They’re a perfect make-ahead option and always crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
3/4 cup warm milk
2 tbsp butter (melted)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened, for filling)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1/4 tsp salt (for filling)
1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
Directions
I start by combining flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a large mixing bowl.
I pour in warm milk and melted butter, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Then I knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
I place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for about 1 hour until it doubles in size.
While it rises, I mix the softened butter, garlic, parsley, and a bit of salt to make the flavorful filling.
After the dough has risen, I punch it down and divide it into 8 to 10 equal pieces.
I flatten each piece, add a spoonful of garlic butter in the center, and carefully seal it into a ball.
Then I place the rolls seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking tray.
I cover them and let them rise again for another 30 minutes.
I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Before baking, I brush the rolls with olive oil and bake for 15–18 minutes, until golden brown.
For extra flavor, I sometimes brush them with more garlic butter right after they come out of the oven.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 10 rolls. It takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to prep and 18 minutes to bake, with a total time of 1 hour 48 minutes. Each roll has around 180 calories.
Variations
I occasionally use dried parsley when fresh isn’t available.
For a cheesy twist, I add grated mozzarella or cheddar inside each roll or sprinkle it on top before baking.
These rolls are also great as a make-ahead option. I shape and freeze them before the second rise, then thaw and bake fresh when needed.
storage/reheating
Once cooled, I store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, I warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5–7 minutes, or use the microwave in short bursts of 15–20 seconds. If I’ve frozen them, I let them thaw completely before reheating.
FAQs
How do I know when the dough is kneaded enough?
I look for a smooth, stretchy texture that doesn’t stick to my hands. It should pass the “windowpane test”—when I stretch a small piece, it should form a thin sheet without tearing.
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, I can use active dry yeast, but I need to dissolve it in the warm milk first and let it sit for 5–10 minutes before adding it to the flour mixture.
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely. I like to shape them and freeze before the second rise. When I’m ready to bake, I thaw them in the fridge overnight and let them rise at room temperature before baking.
What can I use instead of parsley?
If I don’t have parsley, I sometimes use dried Italian herbs or chopped chives for a different flavor.
Why did my rolls turn out dense?
Dense rolls usually happen if the dough didn’t rise enough or if I added too much flour. I always make sure to measure carefully and give the dough time to rise until doubled.
Conclusion
These soft garlic bread rolls are one of my go-to recipes for something warm, buttery, and full of flavor. I love how easy they are to customize and how reliably delicious they turn out every time. Whether served with dinner or as a snack, these little rolls never disappoint.
