There’s something incredibly comforting about the aroma of freshly baked bread drifting through the kitchen, especially when it’s infused with the irresistible scent of garlic and butter. This recipe for Easy Garlic Bread Rolls is one of my go-to favorites—not only because it fills the kitchen with a mouthwatering fragrance, but because it brings people together in the best way possible. I’ve served these rolls at family dinners, brunches, and even casual get-togethers, and they never fail to get devoured within minutes. They’re soft, buttery, and have just the right amount of garlicky flavor to make them completely addictive.

You’ll love this recipe for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly simple to make. Even if you’re not an experienced baker, you’ll find the steps easy to follow and the ingredients very accessible. The dough is soft and manageable, and the results are nothing short of bakery-level quality. These rolls are also versatile—you can serve them with pasta, soup, roasted chicken, or even use them as sandwich sliders. They’re great on their own or as a complement to any main dish.

Affordability is another strong point. The ingredients are all pantry staples—nothing fancy or expensive. You don’t need to run out and buy a long list of items, which makes this an ideal recipe when you want something delicious without breaking the budget. The butter and garlic mixture brushed over the warm rolls gives them a golden, savory finish that tastes like you spent much more time (and money) than you actually did.

These garlic bread rolls are also perfect for customizing. You can easily switch up the herbs or sprinkle cheese on top before baking if you want to add a cheesy twist. They freeze well too, so you can make a big batch ahead of time and simply reheat when needed.

Ingredients for the recipe:

2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (for garlic topping)
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tablespoon dried)

How to Prepare Easy Garlic Bread Rolls

There’s something so satisfying about making bread from scratch, and these garlic bread rolls are no exception. They may look impressive, but the truth is—they’re incredibly easy to prepare. This recipe takes simple ingredients and turns them into soft, buttery, golden rolls that are packed with flavor. Whether you’re baking for a weeknight dinner, a holiday gathering, or meal prepping for the week ahead, these garlic bread rolls are quick, customizable, and always a hit.

How to Prepare This Recipe

To begin, activate the yeast. This is a crucial step to ensure your dough rises beautifully. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar, then sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This signals that the yeast is alive and ready to work.

Next, stir in the softened butter and salt, followed by the flour. Add the flour gradually while mixing with a spoon or dough hook until a soft dough forms. Once combined, knead the dough by hand for about 8 minutes on a lightly floured surface or for 5 minutes in a stand mixer until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and allow it to rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size. This resting period is essential for developing flavor and achieving a light, airy texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation

Activate the yeast: In a bowl, mix the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let sit 10 minutes, or until foamy.
Mix the dough: Add the softened butter and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add flour, mixing until a dough forms.
Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Knead for 8 minutes by hand, or 5 minutes with a dough hook, until smooth and elastic.
First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm area for 1 hour, until doubled in size.
Shape the rolls: Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal portions. Roll each into a ball and place on a greased baking tray or in a round baking dish.
Second rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30–40 minutes until puffy.
Prepare garlic butter: While the rolls rise, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan. Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes. Stir in parsley and set aside.
Brush and bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops of the rolls with half the garlic butter mixture. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown.
Final brush: Remove from oven and immediately brush with the remaining garlic butter.

Quick and Easy

From start to finish, this recipe is approachable and beginner-friendly. Even if you’ve never worked with yeast before, the clear steps and familiar ingredients make it stress-free. The dough comes together quickly and doesn’t require any special techniques or equipment. It’s just good, honest baking that delivers exceptional results.

Customizable

This recipe is also easy to tailor. Want a hint of cheese? Sprinkle grated mozzarella or parmesan on top before baking. Prefer a bit of heat? Add a pinch of chili flakes to the garlic butter. Need a dairy-free version? Use plant-based butter and milk. These rolls adapt to whatever you need them to be while still turning out delicious every time.

Popular with Many People

It’s rare to find a dish that pleases everyone, but garlic bread rolls manage to do just that. Their pillowy-soft interior and golden, buttery crust appeal to adults and kids alike. They’re perfect for dipping in sauces, pairing with soups, or enjoying as-is. You’ll find they’re one of those dishes that people always ask you to make again—and again.

Easy Garlic Bread Rolls that Everyone Will Love

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

These Easy Garlic Bread Rolls are buttery, fluffy, and full of garlic flavor—perfect as a side for any meal or served on their own as a savory snack. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, they’re ideal for beginners and experienced bakers alike. You’ll love how quick they are to prepare, how well they freeze, and how fast they disappear from the table.

Author: Lura Skye
Prep Time: 20
Cook Time: 20
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 1x

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top and let it sit for 10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
Add the softened butter and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually stir in the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8 minutes by hand (or 5 minutes in a stand mixer) until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each into a ball and place them in a greased baking dish or on a lined baking tray.
Cover the shaped rolls and let them rise again for 30 to 40 minutes, until puffy.
While the rolls rise, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the parsley and remove from heat.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops of the rolls with half of the garlic butter mixture.
Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
Remove from the oven and brush the warm rolls with the remaining garlic butter before serving.

Notes

For a cheesier version, sprinkle grated mozzarella or parmesan on top before baking.

If using instant yeast, it can be mixed directly into the flour, skipping the activation step.

Rolls can be frozen after baking; reheat in the oven to refresh texture.

Fresh parsley adds vibrant color and flavor, but dried parsley works well as a substitute.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these garlic bread rolls ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely. You can prepare the dough ahead of time, shape the rolls, and refrigerate them before the second rise. When you’re ready to bake, take them out of the fridge and allow them to come to room temperature for about 30–45 minutes before baking. You can also bake them fully and freeze once cooled, then reheat before serving.

Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast using the same quantity. There’s no need to activate it in warm milk—just mix it directly into the flour. However, activating yeast helps ensure it’s still active and gives better rise control.

Q: What type of flour works best for this recipe?
All-purpose flour works perfectly for soft and fluffy rolls. If you want slightly chewier rolls, you can mix in a bit of bread flour (e.g., use 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 cup bread flour).

Q: Can I add cheese to these rolls?
Definitely. Shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or parmesan can be added to the dough or sprinkled on top before baking. Just keep an eye on them so the cheese doesn’t over-brown.

Q: How should I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving.