Garlic Bread Rolls

These Garlic Bread Rolls are soft, fluffy dinner rolls packed with fresh garlic and brushed with a rich garlic herb butter, making them the perfect companion to any meal. Inspired by my pastry school days, these rolls combine the comforting flavors of garlic bread with the classic dinner roll texture. Ideal for holiday feasts like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, or as a side to your favorite dishes, they’re easy to make and sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love These Garlic Bread Rolls

These rolls are a game-changer for any meal, blending the buttery, garlicky goodness of garlic bread with the fluffiness of homemade dinner rolls. Here’s why they’re a must-try:

• Flavor-Packed: Fresh garlic and herbs infuse every bite with savory goodness.
• Soft and Fluffy: Perfectly tender texture that melts in your mouth.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and a stand mixer make prep a breeze.
• Versatile: Great for holidays, weeknight dinners, or alongside dishes like cheesy green bean casserole.
• Extra Garlicky: Brushed with garlic butter before and after baking for maximum flavor.

Tips for Perfect Dinner Rolls

• Use a Stand Mixer: Kneading with a stand mixer saves time and ensures a smooth dough. Hand-kneading works but takes longer.
• Weigh Ingredients: Use a kitchen scale to measure flour accurately and avoid dense rolls.
• Allow Proper Rising: Let dough rise in a warm place until doubled to achieve fluffy rolls.
• Shape Evenly: Use a scale to divide dough into equal portions for uniform baking.
• Garlic Butter Finish: Brush with extra garlic butter post-baking for a glossy, flavorful finish.

Ingredients

[Note: The original text did not provide specific quantities. Below is a placeholder list based on standard garlic dinner roll recipes. Please provide exact measurements if available, and I can update this section.]

• All-Purpose Flour: 4 cups, for structure.
• Instant Yeast: 2¼ tsp, for quick rising.
• Granulated Sugar: ¼ cup, or substitute honey/maple syrup for a floral note.
• Salt: 1½ tsp, to balance flavors.
• Milk: 1 cup, whole or 2%, warmed to 110°F.
• Butter: ½ cup, melted (preferably high-fat European butter like Kerrygold), plus extra for garlic butter.
• Egg: 1 large, for richness.
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced, for dough and butter.
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped (or 1 tsp dried parsley, or substitute oregano/thyme).
• Egg Wash: 1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water, for brushing.

How to Make Garlic Bread Rolls

1. Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small saucepan, melt ¼ cup butter with 2 minced garlic cloves until fragrant. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a stand mixer bowl with a dough hook, combine flour, sugar, instant yeast, salt, and parsley.
3. Form Dough: Add egg, cooled garlic butter, and warm milk. Knead on low speed for 5–7 minutes until a smooth, tacky dough ball forms.
4. Shape Rolls: Divide dough into 12 equal pieces (use a scale for precision). Cup each piece with your hand and roll clockwise to form smooth balls. Place in a greased 9×13 baking dish.
5. Rise: Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
6. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F. Brush rolls with egg wash. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown. Brush with additional garlic butter (melt 2 tbsp butter with 1 minced garlic clove) immediately after baking.
7. Serve: Serve warm for the best flavor.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Instant Yeast: No activation needed. If using active dry yeast, dissolve in warm milk until foamy before adding.
• Garlic: Use fresh cloves for best flavor. Choose firm, plump heads with intact papery skin.
• Parsley: Fresh is ideal, but 1 tsp dried parsley, oregano, or thyme works.
• Sugar: Substitute honey or maple syrup for a sweeter, floral taste.
• Milk: Whole or 2% milk adds richness; avoid skim for best results.
• Butter: High-fat European butter enhances flavor.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container or ziplock bag at room temperature for 2–3 days.
• Freezing: Cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
• Make-Ahead: Shape rolls, place in baking dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let rise at room temperature until doubled (may take several hours) before baking.
• Reheating: Warm at 350°F for 5–10 minutes, covered with foil, or microwave for 20–30 seconds.

Serving Suggestions

• Holiday Feasts: Pair with cheesy green bean casserole or savory bread pudding for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
• Weeknight Dinners: Serve alongside pasta, soup, or roasted meats.
• Enhancements: Offer with extra garlic butter or a dipping sauce like marinara.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I knead the dough by hand?
Yes, but it takes longer (about 10–12 minutes) to achieve a smooth, tacky dough.

Why use a kitchen scale?
Weighing ingredients ensures accuracy, preventing dense or dry rolls from too much flour.

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant?
Yes, activate it in warm milk until foamy before adding to the dough.

How do I know the rolls are done?
They should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped, with an internal temperature of about 190°F.

Can I make these without parsley?
Yes, omit or substitute with oregano, thyme, or rosemary for a different flavor.

Conclusion

These Garlic Bread Rolls are the ultimate blend of soft, fluffy dinner rolls and classic garlic bread flavor. Easy to make with a stand mixer and bursting with fresh garlic and herbs, they’re perfect for holidays or everyday meals. Brush with extra garlic butter for a show-stopping side that will elevate any dish!