Introduction:
Garlic bread rolls are the ultimate side dish for any meal, bringing together the soft, fluffy texture of dinner rolls with the bold, aromatic flavors of garlic and butter. Whether served alongside pasta, soup, or a holiday meal, these rolls are sure to be a hit with family and friends!
History of Garlic Bread:
Garlic bread has roots in Italian cuisine, originally made using toasted bread rubbed with garlic and drizzled with olive oil. Over time, the dish evolved to include butter and herbs, creating a comfort food staple that’s beloved worldwide.
Ingredients Breakdown:
- For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- For the Garlic Butter:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons parsley (chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional for extra flavor)
Step-by-Step Recipe:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy.
- Mix the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the softened butter and the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let the Dough Rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Rolls:
- Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place them on a greased baking sheet.
- Second Rise:
- Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, until puffy.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter:
- While the rolls rise, melt the butter in a small saucepan. Add the minced garlic, parsley, salt, and garlic powder (if using). Stir to combine and set aside.
- Bake the Rolls:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops of the rolls with half of the garlic butter. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Final Garlic Butter Coating:
- Remove the rolls from the oven and brush them immediately with the remaining garlic butter.
- Serve:
- Serve warm and enjoy your soft, garlicky rolls with any meal!
Tips for the Perfect Garlic Bread Rolls:
- Ensure Proper Rising: Yeast dough needs a warm environment to rise properly. If your kitchen is cold, try placing the dough near a warm oven or using the proof setting on your oven.
- Don’t Skimp on Garlic Butter: For maximum flavor, make sure to generously coat the rolls with the garlic butter before and after baking.
- Make it Cheesy: Add a sprinkle of Parmesan or mozzarella on top of the rolls before baking for cheesy garlic bread rolls.
Variations and Customizations:
- Cheesy Garlic Rolls: Add shredded mozzarella cheese to the tops of the rolls before baking for an extra cheesy version.
- Herbed Garlic Rolls: Mix in dried Italian herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary into the garlic butter for a fragrant herb version.
- Whole Wheat Option: For a healthier twist, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value:
- Portion Control: These rolls are rich in butter and carbs, so enjoy them in moderation.
- Calories: Each roll contains approximately 160-180 calories, depending on the size and amount of garlic butter used.
FAQ:
- Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Bring to room temperature before shaping the rolls. - How long can I store garlic bread rolls?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving. - Can I freeze these rolls?
Yes! After baking, let the rolls cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Garlic Bread Rolls
These soft and buttery Garlic Bread Rolls are the perfect addition to any meal. Easy to make and loaded with garlic flavor, they’re sure to become a family favorite!
Equipment
- 9×13 baking pan
Ingredients
- 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
- 1 beaten egg for brushing the tops
For the Garlic Butter
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- flaky sea salt for finishing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 F/180 C. Lightly butter the bottom and sides of a 9×13 pan and set it aside.
- 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.
- In a stand mixing bowl, combine the flour, parsley, sugar, yeast, and salt. Then add the warmed milk, egg, and garlic butter. Knead on low speed with the dough hook until the dough looks smooth and feels soft and tacky, about 10-12 minutes. *If the dough is too sticky, add one tablespoon of flour at a time until you have a workable dough.
- Cut the kneaded dough into 12 equal portions (use a scale for accuracy- 67 grams each). Shape each piece of dough into a smooth ball with your hand. Pinch the bottom of the roll where the seam comes together to keep it tight. Then place the shaped dough balls into the prepared baking pan. Cover the top with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and set them in a warm place to rise until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours. *Watch the video below for visual aid!
- Brush the tops of the rolls with the beaten egg wash. Then bake the dinner rolls for 20-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
- While the rolls are baking, make the garlic butter. Melt the butter in a pot and add the minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. Then remove it from the heat and stir in the parsley. When the rolls come out of the oven, immediately brush them with the garlic butter. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired, and serve warm!
Notes
*Measure your dry ingredients properly. This is my #1 baking tip! Do not ever scoop a measuring cup into your flour, as this always leads to using too much flour. Instead, use the spoon-level method. This means fluffing the flour first, then spooning it into your measuring cup/spoon. For the BEST results, use a kitchen scale!*
Note on yeast: If you use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast, you must activate it first. Stir the yeast into the warm milk and a sprinkle of the sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes. It should look nice and foamy! Then, after the dough is kneaded, let the dough rise until doubled in size before shaping (roughly 30-60 minutes).
Storage: Dinner rolls are best served the day they are made, but can be stored for 2-3 days in an airtight container or ziplock bag at room temperature.
Freezer: After baking, remove the rolls from the pan and let them cool completely. Transfer them to an airtight container for one month.
Make ahead: Once the rolls are shaped and snuggled into their baking pan, cover the top tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let them double in size at room temperature before baking. This could take a few hours!
Reheating: These garlic bread rolls are best served warm! Before serving, cover the rolls with foil and bake them at 350°F until warmed through. You can also pop them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds until warm!