Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

If you’re looking for a warm, comforting side to elevate any meal, you’ve come to the right place! These Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are a family favorite in my home. They’re soft, fluffy, and infused with delicious garlic butter that makes every bite irresistible. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special family gathering, these rolls bring smiles to the table.

What I love most about this recipe is how straightforward it is. You don’t need to be a baking expert to whip up these delightful rolls. They’re perfect for pairing with soups, stews, or just enjoying on their own with a bit of extra butter. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become your go-to dinner roll recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe is super simple and doesn’t require fancy techniques—just mix and knead!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves soft, buttery rolls. They’re sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Flexible Timing: You can make them ahead of time or whip them up fresh for dinner; either way, they’re a hit!
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of garlic and butter takes the classic dinner roll to the next level.
• Perfectly Pillowy: These rolls are so soft and fluffy that they practically melt in your mouth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients. Don’t worry—most of these might already be in your kitchen!

For the Dough

• 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)

For the Egg Wash

• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tbsp milk

For the Garlic Butter

• 1/4 cup salted butter (57g)
• 2-3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1-2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley

Variations

The beauty of these Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls lies in their flexibility! Feel free to get creative with flavors or ingredients.

• Herb Infusion: Add dried herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough for an aromatic twist.
• Cheesy Delight: Incorporate shredded cheese into the dough for cheesy garlic rolls that everyone will adore.
• Spicy Kick: Mix in some red pepper flakes with the garlic butter for those who enjoy a little heat.
• Whole Wheat Substitute: Swap out half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a healthier option without losing flavor.

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 as it wakes up the yeast and gets it ready to help our rolls rise beautifully!

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Add all the other ingredients for the dinner rolls into this bowl. It might look like a big mess at first, but trust me—it’ll come together in no time!

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Turn out your shaggy dough onto a clean surface. Knead using a push-pull motion with your palms for about 15 minutes. At first, it will be sticky but keep going! The dough will become smooth and stretchy as you work it. To check if it’s done kneading, perform the window-pane test.

Step 4: Let It Rise

Transfer your dough to an oiled bowl and cover it with cling wrap. Place it somewhere warm and humid to let it rise until doubled in size—this usually takes around 90 minutes. This step allows air bubbles to form, giving us those light and fluffy rolls we love.

Step 5: Shape Your Rolls

Once risen, punch down your dough softly and turn it out onto a clean surface. Divide it into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into tight balls. Make sure they are smooth without cracks so they bake evenly.

Step 6: Second Rise

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place your shaped rolls on it with space between them. Cover again and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.

Step 7: Preheat & Brush

In those last moments of rising time, preheat your oven to 350F (conventional). Mix together egg yolk and milk for an egg wash then brush this mixture generously over each roll before baking.

Step 8: Bake & Brush with Garlic Butter

Bake your rolls in the oven for about 20-22 minutes until they’re golden brown on top. While still hot from the oven, brush them with melted garlic butter—you won’t regret this step!

Step 9: Serve & Enjoy!

These Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them warm alongside your favorite dishes or simply enjoy them on their own as a delightful snack.

Happy baking! I hope these rolls bring as much joy to your table as they do mine!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

Making these rolls is a delightful experience, and with a few tips, you can elevate them from good to unforgettable!

• Use Fresh Yeast: Fresh yeast ensures a better rise and fluffiness. If using instant yeast, there’s no need to proof it in warm milk; just mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

• Knead Properly: Kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic is crucial. This develops the gluten structure needed for that perfect texture. Remember, don’t add extra flour as it can make the rolls dense.

• Warm Environment for Rising: Letting the dough rise in a warm, humid environment speeds up fermentation. If your kitchen is cool, preheat your oven for 1 minute, then turn it off and place the dough inside to rise.

• Double Egg Wash: Brushing on the egg wash twice—before and after rising—gives the rolls a gorgeous golden-brown finish. It also adds a nice sheen that makes them look irresistible.

• Serve Warm: These rolls are best enjoyed warm straight out of the oven. If you can, serve them fresh to enhance their fluffy texture and buttery flavor.

How to Serve Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

These easy garlic butter dinner rolls not only taste fantastic but also look inviting on your dining table. Here are some creative ways to present them!

Garnishes

• Fresh Parsley: Sprinkling chopped parsley over the rolls not only adds color but also enhances that fresh flavor.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: A light dusting of grated cheese before serving adds an extra layer of richness and flavor.

Side Dishes

• Creamy Tomato Soup: The warmth and acidity of tomato soup perfectly complement the rich garlic butter rolls, making for a comforting meal.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the rolls.
• Roasted Vegetables: Caramelized veggies like carrots and bell peppers bring sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory garlic butter.
• Herb-Infused Quinoa: This nutty grain dish infused with herbs provides a healthy side option that contrasts nicely with the fluffy rolls.

Enjoy your baking adventure! These Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls will surely become a favorite at your dinner table!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time, store, and even freeze them to enjoy later. Here’s how:

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover rolls in an airtight container.
• Store at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

• Allow the rolls to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, remove the desired number of rolls from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the rolls for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Got questions? Let’s dive into some common inquiries regarding these tasty rolls!

Can I make Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls without eggs?

Yes! You can replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for a vegan option that still adds moisture.

How long do Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls last?

When stored properly, homemade dinner rolls can last up to two days at room temperature or a week in the fridge. If frozen, they maintain their quality for about three months.

What makes these Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls so fluffy?

The secret lies in the dough’s kneading process and allowing it to rise properly. A well-kneaded dough creates gluten, which gives the rolls their delightful fluffiness.

Can I use other herbs instead of parsley in my garlic butter?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different herbs like rosemary or thyme for unique flavors that complement your rolls perfectly.

Are these Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls suitable for special occasions?

Definitely! These rolls are ideal for gatherings, holidays, or any special meal where you want to impress your guests with homemade goodness.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls as much as I do! Their soft, fluffy texture combined with rich garlic butter makes them truly special. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or saving some for later, they’re bound to become a family favorite. Happy baking, and I can’t wait for you to try this recipe!