Description
These Garlic Bread Rolls are soft, fluffy, and packed with flavorful garlic butter. Perfect as a side for dinner or a snack, they feature a homemade yeast dough enriched with butter and milk, brushed with garlicky olive oil and parsley, and baked to a golden brown. Optional Parmesan adds extra cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for dough)
Garlic Butter Topping
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing after baking)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and let it sit untouched for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make the Dough: Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix everything until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or knead in a stand mixer on medium speed for about 5 minutes.
- First Rise: Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and set it in a warm place to rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, minced garlic, and chopped fresh parsley to create the garlic butter mixture.
- Shape the Rolls: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place them evenly spaced in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Brush the tops generously with the garlic butter mixture and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if using.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls loosely and allow them to rise again in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until they look puffy.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the garlic bread rolls for 15 to 18 minutes until they are golden brown on top.
- Finish with Butter: Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush the hot rolls with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter. Serve warm.
Notes
- Warm the milk carefully; too hot can kill the yeast, and too cold will slow activation.
- Kneading by hand helps develop the gluten but a stand mixer can be used to save time.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle Parmesan cheese before baking or try adding a pinch of Italian seasoning to the dough.
- These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated.
- Optional additions include substituting parsley with fresh basil or oregano for a different herb flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
