Garlic Herb Dinner Rolls Recipe

If you’re craving buttery, fluffy bread with a burst of garlic and fresh herbs, you’re in for a treat with this Garlic Herb Dinner Rolls Recipe. I absolutely love how these rolls come together in just about an hour—soft on the inside, lightly golden on top, and infused with that irresistible garlic-herb butter. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or want to elevate a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for homemade rolls that taste like they came from a bakery!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here has a role in creating that soft, flavorful, and aromatic roll you’ll want seconds of. I always make sure to use fresh herbs when possible—fresh rosemary and parsley really brighten the flavor—and fresh garlic for that authentic punch.

• Butter: Using real butter adds richness; I split it between the dough and the garlic herb butter topping for maximum flavor.
• Whole Milk: Makes the rolls tender—2% milk works too but whole milk gives a creamier texture.
• Water: Helps balance the dough hydration without weighing it down.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough; I recommend measuring carefully but adding extra only if needed for dough consistency.
• Instant Potato Flakes: This is my secret weapon—I discovered they keep the rolls incredibly soft and moist.
• Rapid-Rise Yeast: Speeds up the rising time without compromising flavor—no overnight wait here!
• Granulated Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness.
• Salt: Essential for flavor balance.
• Garlic Powder: Infuses the dough with gentle garlic goodness.
• Fresh Rosemary: Adds an earthy, pine-like aroma; fresh is best, but dried works too (use half the amount).
• Fresh Parsley: Brightens the rolls; again fresh is ideal, dried parsley can substitute at half quantity.
• Egg: Gives the dough richness and helps with the golden color on top.
• Garlic Cloves: For the garlic butter sauce, choose whole or minced depending on your preference for a subtle or strong bite.

Variations

I love tweaking this Garlic Herb Dinner Rolls Recipe depending on the occasion or what I have on hand. You can easily customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs!

• Herb Swaps: I once swapped out rosemary for thyme and loved the subtle earthiness it added; feel free to experiment with your favorite fresh herbs.
• Cheesy Roll: Add shredded parmesan or cheddar into the dough for a cheesy twist—my family begged for this version during a game night.
• Garlic Intensity: For a milder garlic flavor, I use whole garlic cloves in the butter sauce; for bold, I mince them finely and cook longer.
• Gluten-Free Version: While I haven’t tried it, you could experiment with gluten-free all-purpose blends and omit the potato flakes or replace them accordingly.

How to Make Garlic Herb Dinner Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Warm Up Butter, Milk & Water Just Right

This step sets the tone for perfect yeast activation. I microwave the butter, milk, and water together until the butter melts and the mixture feels warm but not hot—think 110-115°F. If it’s overheated, just let it cool down because yeast hates high temperatures and can die, leaving you with flat rolls. I always test the warmth by feeling it against my wrist.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Start Your Dough

In my mixer bowl, I toss together flour, potato flakes, yeast, sugar, salt, garlic powder, rosemary, and half the parsley—just a quick stir to combine is enough. Then I start the mixer on a low stir setting while slowly pouring in the warm milk mixture and the egg. It’s magical watching the dough start to come together.

Step 3: Knead Until Smooth and Elastic

I increase the mixer speed to medium-low and let it run for 4-5 minutes. After about 2 minutes, the dough should start pulling away from the bowl edges. If it feels sticky or too wet, I add flour a little at a time until it forms a smooth ball. Sometimes, like in this recipe, you won’t need more than the base 4 cups of flour. I learned not to rush this phase because a well-kneaded dough is key for fluffy rolls.

Step 4: Rest and Prepare Your Workspace

After kneading, cover your bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let the dough rest for 10 minutes. While it rests, position your oven rack in the center and preheat to 180°F so the oven is ready to create a warm, perfect rising environment. I spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray to keep the rolls from sticking.

Step 5: Shape and Cut the Rolls

Flour your work surface and rolling pin, then roll the dough into a 15-inch circle. I like using a floured pizza cutter to slice the dough into 12 or 16 equal pieces—no need for a scale here, just eyeball it. Fold each piece’s seams in and roll it into a smooth ball, placing seam-down into the baking dish. These little dough balls will puff up into perfect rolls.

Step 6: Let Them Rise—The Secret to Softness

Brush water over the tops to keep the dough moist in the oven. Then turn off the oven, place the rolls inside, and let them rise for 20 minutes—do NOT open the oven door during this time! This warmth and humidity help the rolls rise beautifully and develop their soft texture.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Take the baking dish out and crank your oven up to 375°F. Bake for 18-22 minutes if you made 12 rolls, or about 14-18 minutes for 16 smaller rolls, until the tops are irresistibly golden brown. This part always smells like heaven in my kitchen.

Step 8: Finish with Garlic Herb Butter

While the rolls bake, melt the remaining butter with garlic in a small saucepan over medium heat. When it’s fragrant, stir in the remaining parsley and a pinch of salt. Brush this heavenly garlic herb butter all over the hot rolls as soon as they’re out of the oven. This final touch is what makes these rolls addictive!

How to Serve Garlic Herb Dinner Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a bit of extra fresh parsley over the rolls right after brushing them with the garlic herb butter—it adds a fresh green pop and highlights those garden flavors. A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top can also take these rolls over the edge.

Side Dishes

These rolls pair beautifully with just about anything! I often serve them alongside savory stews, creamy mashed potatoes, roasted chicken, or even a big salad for a cozy, comforting meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special dinners, I sometimes arrange these rolls in a wreath shape or stacked pyramid in the baking dish, brushing each layer with garlic herb butter. Trust me, they look impressive and guests always ask for seconds!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover rolls keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. I wrap them in a kitchen towel inside a container to keep them soft and fresh.

Freezing

I love freezing extra rolls for busy nights. Just cool completely, wrap individually in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer bag. When you want a warm snack, thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop rolls in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes wrapped in foil so they steam slightly and stay soft. You can brush on a little more garlic butter before serving to refresh that flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve relied on this Garlic Herb Dinner Rolls Recipe to impress friends or just make a family meal feel special. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy and forgiving. Once you get the hang of the steps and fall in love with that garlicky, herbaceous aroma wafting through your kitchen, these rolls will become your comfort-food staple. I hope you enjoy making and sharing them as much as I do!

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