I still remember the very first time I baked these Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls—it was a chilly evening, and I wanted something warm, comforting, and utterly irresistible to serve with dinner. These rolls quickly became a staple in my kitchen because they are just that good. Soft dinner rolls, kissed with garlic infused butter that melts into every soft bite—they fill the whole house with an impossible-to-ignore aroma that instantly makes you feel cozy and welcomed.
What I love most about these Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls is their simplicity paired with that rich, garlicky touch. They’re fluffy yeast rolls that come together with straightforward ingredients anyone can find. When I make these at home, there’s a little moment of celebration every time the roll’s crust turns golden, and the garlic herb butter glaze slows into every nook and cranny. Baking friends, if you haven’t tried homemade bread rolls like these yet, you’re in for a treat that’s easy enough for weeknight baking but special enough for celebrations.
I bake Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls over and over because they’re a reliable crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a family dinner or a last minute dinner party, these rolls bring everyone closer around the table, passing that soft, buttery goodness from hand to hand. I’d love for you to give these rolls a shot. Trust me, once you taste that garlic butter melting on fluffy bread, you’ll want to make them part of your baking rotation too.
What You’ll Need for This Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls:

- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour – the base for our fluffy yeast rolls. Don’t have all-purpose? You can swap in bread flour for a slightly chewier texture.
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast – easy to find in most grocery stores and affordable.
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F) – this helps activate the yeast. If you only have plant-based milk, unsweetened almond or oat work beautifully too.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar – a little sweetness helps the dough rise and adds balance to our garlic herb butter.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened – I always add a bit extra to the dough for that tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon salt – brings everything together perfectly.
- 2 large eggs – keep them at room temperature for the best dough texture.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – the star of our garlic infused butter, adding deep flavor.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped – for that fresh herb finish in our garlic herb butter.
- Additional melted butter for brushing – this elevates the homemade bread rolls with a shiny, soft crust.
Here’s a quick tip: Prep your garlic herb butter while the rolls rise so you can brush them hot right out of the oven. This Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls recipe is wonderful because all these simple ingredients come together to create something special without breaking the bank or needing a fridge full of fancy items.
How to Make This Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls:
- Activate your yeast: In a small bowl, stir the sugar into warm milk, then sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit about 5 minutes until it’s frothy and alive—this is the heartbeat of your rolls.
- Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. In another bowl, beat the eggs with the softened butter, then pour in the yeast mixture. Gradually add wet ingredients to the dry, stirring gently until a soft dough forms.
- Knead with care: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes. This step is where gentle strength comes in—the dough should be smooth and elastic, not sticky. Flour your hands if needed but don’t overdo it, or your rolls won’t be as fluffy.
- First rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until doubled in size. While waiting, I like to whisk together the garlic herb butter—melt butter, stir in garlic and parsley, and set aside.
- Shape your rolls: Punch down your dough gently, then divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each into a smooth ball and place them in a greased baking dish, spaced just enough to let them grow but close enough to get those soft sides once baked.
- Second rise: Cover the pan again and let the rolls puff up for another 30-40 minutes. Your kitchen will start smelling heavenly already!
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Pop the rolls in for 18-20 minutes or until deeply golden on top. If you like a shinier top, brush some melted butter on right before popping them in.
- Final touch: As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic infused butter. This seals in moisture and gives you that perfect garlicky finish.
From start to finish, this Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls recipe takes about 2.5 hours, most of which is hands-off rising time. This makes it perfect to prepare while you get other dinner dishes ready or relax with a warm cup of tea. Remember, if your rolls don’t look quite puffy enough after rising, just give them a little extra time—they’ll thank you with that soft, fluffy texture everyone loves.
Serving Your Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls:

These Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are truly a crowd-pleaser. I love serving them warm alongside hearty soups, roast chicken, or even with a side of creamy mashed potatoes like in this recipe for Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Creamy Mashed Potatoes. The garlic herb butter adds a savory depth that complements just about any savory meal.
If you want something simple for a cozy night, pull these rolls right out of the oven and enjoy them with a slather of extra garlic butter or a sharp cheddar. They also disappear quickly at holiday dinners and family gatherings—they’re just that soft and comforting.
A neat trick I use is to sprinkle some extra fresh parsley or even a bit of grated Parmesan over the rolls after brushing with garlic butter to give them a fresh look and extra flavor kick. These rolls pair beautifully with garlic butter salmon, like the one found in this Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon recipe, making it a complete meal that feels easy yet special.
Leftovers? No worries. I gently reheat these rolls wrapped in foil at 300°F for about 10 minutes. They’re also perfect for making little sliders or garlic bread bites the next day. My family always suggests doubling the batch because there’s rarely any leftover!
Common Questions About This Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls:
Can I make these Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, shape the rolls, and refrigerate them overnight. Let them come to room temperature and finish rising before baking. This slow rise actually adds a lovely texture and depth of flavor.
What’s a good substitute for fresh garlic in this recipe?
You can use garlic powder, but be cautious—about 1 teaspoon mixed in the melted butter works well. Fresh minced garlic really brings the best aroma and flavor, though.
Can I make these rolls dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the milk with unsweetened plant milk and swap butter with a good quality dairy-free spread. The texture remains soft and fluffy.
How do I adjust the recipe for different pan sizes?
If you use a larger pan, space the rolls out. For a smaller pan, make fewer rolls or expect them to rise up and join—delicious pull-apart style!
Can I freeze these soft dinner rolls?
Definitely. Freeze fully cooled rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven.
What if my dough feels too sticky?
Add a tablespoon of flour at a time while kneading but try not to add too much or the rolls won’t be as soft.
Are there variations to the garlic herb butter?
Yes! Some friends have added rosemary or thyme for a different twist. For a kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes stirred into the garlic infused butter is delightful.
If you like this, you might love the Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls recipe from Vikalinka or the soft and fluffy Homemade Garlic Herb Dinner Rolls from Fork in the Kitchen. They highlight different takes on this classic bread.
Final Thoughts on This Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls:
This recipe has become a treasure in my collection because it’s consistently satisfying and approachable. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting with homemade bread rolls, these Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls yield dependable, fluffy results that astonish your family and friends.
My Top Tips for This Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls:
- Always make sure your yeast is fresh and your milk is warm (not hot) to kickstart that perfect rise.
- Don’t rush the rising steps—they’re key to fluffy yeast rolls that melt in your mouth.
- Brush rolls with the garlic herb butter as soon as they come out of the oven for maximum flavor and shine.
Three delicious variations I enjoy include adding parmesan cheese to the dough, swapping parsley for fresh basil in the garlic infused butter, or folding in some caramelized onions before shaping. The garlic herb butter version, though, gets requested most often by my family.
I hope you find joy in baking these soft dinner rolls and sharing them with the people you love. Baking is all about those little moments of warmth and comfort passed from kitchen to table—and these Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls do just that. Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own with your favorite herbs or toppings. Happy baking, my fellow friends!
If you want to pair these rolls with something special, check out my recipes for Garlic Butter Salmon or the Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon for dinner ideas that complement the richness of these homemade bread rolls perfectly.
Here’s to warm kitchens and even warmer smiles!
PrintGarlic Butter Dinner Rolls
Soft, fluffy dinner rolls infused with rich garlic butter, perfect as a comforting side for any meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for garlic butter topping)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
- Shape each piece into a ball and place them in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spaced slightly apart.
- Cover and let the rolls rise again for 20-30 minutes until puffy.
- Mix the minced garlic into the melted butter.
- Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Immediately brush the warm rolls with the garlic butter mixture and sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
For extra flavor, you can add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking.

