These Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are the definition of homemade comfort. Pillowy soft, golden, and brushed with rich garlic butter, they deliver a melt-in-your-mouth experience that rivals (and surpasses) any restaurant bread basket. Designed for simplicity, this recipe is fuss-free and doesn’t require a stand mixer—making it perfect for beginners. Whether paired with soup, served at holiday dinners, or enjoyed fresh out of the oven, these rolls will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Dough:
1 cup warm whole milk (about 110°F)
3 teaspoons active dry or instant yeast
⅓ cup sugar
3¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 large egg
1½ teaspoons salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Egg Wash:
1 egg yolk
1 tablespoon milk
Garlic Butter Topping:
¼ cup salted butter
2–3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1–2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
Directions
In a large bowl, stir the warm milk with yeast and sugar. Let it activate for a few minutes until foamy.
Add the flour, egg, salt, and softened butter to the bowl. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
Turn the dough onto a clean surface and knead by hand for about 15 minutes until smooth and elastic. Do not add extra flour.
Transfer to a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (about 90 minutes).
Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal portions.
Shape each portion into a smooth ball and place evenly on a parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking pan.
Brush with the egg wash and let rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) during the second rise.
Brush again with egg wash and bake for 20–22 minutes or until golden brown.
While baking, melt the butter in a small pan, sauté the garlic for 1–2 minutes, and stir in parsley.
Brush hot rolls with garlic butter and serve warm.
Nutrients (Per roll, approx. based on 12 servings)
Calories: ~220
Fat: ~9g
Saturated Fat: ~5g
Carbohydrates: ~30g
Sugar: ~6g
Protein: ~5g
Sodium: ~230mg
Cholesterol: ~35mg
Calcium: ~30mg
Iron: ~1.5mg
Pillowy Texture with a Golden Crust
What sets these rolls apart is their texture. The dough is enriched with milk, eggs, butter, and just the right amount of sugar, which produces a soft, tender crumb and a subtly sweet flavor. Once baked, the rolls develop a golden brown crust that’s delicate—not hard or overly chewy—thanks to the combination of egg wash and butter. Inside, they remain fluffy and cloud-like, with enough structure to be sliced or pulled apart.
The kneading process, though done by hand, transforms the shaggy dough into a smooth and elastic base that rises beautifully. This physical transformation is a satisfying part of the baking experience. It also ensures the final product has the light airiness that makes dinner rolls so irresistible.
The Power of Garlic Butter
No garlic roll would be complete without a rich, buttery topping—and this recipe delivers with a silky blend of butter, sautéed garlic, and chopped fresh parsley. The garlic is sautéed just long enough to mellow its pungency and release its fragrant oils, infusing the butter with warm, savory depth. This mixture is then generously brushed over the rolls while they’re still hot from the oven, allowing it to seep into the crust and create a glossy, flavorful finish.
The result is a balance of buttery richness, herby brightness, and garlicky warmth that enhances the soft bread beneath it. The parsley isn’t just a garnish—it adds freshness and color that elevates the rolls visually and taste-wise. You can adjust the garlic level to suit your taste, or even add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
A Foolproof Recipe for Every Occasion
This recipe is designed to be beginner-friendly. There’s no need for a stand mixer—just a bowl, a spoon, and your hands. The ingredients are pantry staples, and the steps are clearly defined, making it ideal for first-time bread bakers. It’s also flexible enough to fit into any schedule. You can make the dough in the morning and bake it by dinner, or prep the dough a day ahead and refrigerate it overnight for a slow rise and even deeper flavor.
These dinner rolls are also wonderfully versatile. They can be shaped into individual rolls, formed into a pull-apart ring, or even baked in muffin tins for a more structured look. Serve them as-is or customize the garlic butter topping with parmesan, rosemary, or chives. The possibilities are endless, making this a base recipe you’ll return to again and again.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Ideas
Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are the ultimate sidekick to nearly any main dish. Serve them warm alongside hearty soups like creamy tomato basil, roasted butternut squash, or chicken noodle. They pair beautifully with pasta dishes, from classic spaghetti and meatballs to rich baked ziti or lasagna.
During the holidays, they make an elegant addition to any table—perfect with roast turkey, ham, or beef. At weeknight meals, they elevate simple stews, grilled meats, or even salads. You can also enjoy them solo, dipped into olive oil and balsamic vinegar or slathered with soft butter and a sprinkle of flaky salt.
Leftovers (if there are any!) can be sliced and toasted with cheese for mini sandwiches, or split and stuffed with eggs and bacon for a savory breakfast treat.
Nutritional Snapshot and Modifications
Each roll comes in at around 220 calories, with a balance of carbs, protein, and fats that make it satisfying but not overly heavy. The enriched dough includes milk, eggs, and butter, which contribute protein, calcium, and essential fats. Garlic and parsley also bring subtle health benefits, including antibacterial properties and antioxidants.
For those looking to modify the recipe, there are several options. You can use plant-based milk and vegan butter for a dairy-free version, and egg replacers work well for an egg-free dough. Whole wheat flour can be swapped in for part of the all-purpose flour for added fiber and a nuttier flavor. If you’re watching your sodium intake, reduce the salt slightly and choose unsalted butter.
The garlic butter topping is also highly adaptable. Try mixing in roasted garlic for a mellower flavor, or add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for extra richness and umami.
Tips for Best Results
Use warm milk between 105°F and 110°F to activate the yeast properly.
Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free spot—an oven with the light on works great.
Don’t rush the kneading process. A full 15 minutes by hand helps develop the gluten and creates that signature pillowy texture.
Avoid adding extra flour while kneading. The dough should be tacky, not dry.
For evenly golden tops, apply the egg wash both before and midway through baking.
Brush the garlic butter on while the rolls are still hot so it soaks into the crust.
Conclusion
These Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls bring warmth, flavor, and a touch of indulgence to your table—without the stress or complication of traditional yeast breads. From their impossibly soft texture to their buttery garlic finish, they’re a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special.
Whether you’re baking for the holidays, prepping a weekend family dinner, or simply indulging in a little kitchen therapy, this recipe offers comfort and confidence in equal measure. It’s proof that you don’t need to be a professional baker to create bakery-quality results. Once you taste these rolls, you’ll understand why they’re destined to become a household favorite—requested again and again, and always gone in minutes.
