Garlic Butter Rolls

Introduction

If you’ve ever had a roll fresh out of the oven with a rich, golden, and buttery flavor, you know exactly what I’m talking about. These Garlic Butter Rolls are the ultimate comfort food – warm, soft, and dripping with a garlic-infused butter that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, prepping for a holiday feast, or simply craving a delicious side dish, these rolls will take your meal to the next level. And trust me, there’s something magical about the scent of garlic butter filling your kitchen as these rolls bake. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into making the most mouthwatering garlic butter rolls you’ve ever tasted.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are a number of reasons why these Garlic Butter Rolls will become a staple in your home:

• Perfectly Soft and Fluffy: These rolls come out of the oven soft, warm, and perfectly pillowy, making them the ideal side for any meal.
• Garlic Butter Goodness: The combination of garlic, butter, and herbs creates an irresistible topping that everyone will love.
• Simple Ingredients: With just a few basic ingredients, you can make bakery-quality rolls right at home.
• Versatile: These rolls are great with everything from pasta to roasted meats or just as a snack.
• Easy to Make: The recipe is straightforward, with simple steps that make it perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers.
• Family-Favorite: Kids and adults alike will ask for these again and again.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake them when you’re ready, making meal prep easier.
• Impressive Presentation: Whether served at dinner or brought to a potluck, these rolls look as great as they taste.
• Garlic Lovers’ Dream: If you’re a fan of garlic, then you’re going to fall in love with the bold, savory flavors that make these rolls so special.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Resting Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 12 rolls
• Calories per roll: Approximately 200 calories
• Key Nutrients: Fiber: 1g, Fat: 12g, Carbohydrates: 23g, Protein: 3g

Ingredients

For the fluffiest, most delicious Garlic Butter Rolls, gather the following ingredients:

the Rolls:

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour (start with 3 ½ cups and add more if needed)
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Garlic Butter Topping:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

Ingredient Highlights

• Active Dry Yeast: The key to getting the rolls to rise beautifully and develop that soft, airy texture.
• Butter: Two generous portions of butter ensure the rolls are rich and tender, while the garlic butter topping brings everything to a whole new level of indulgence.
• Flour: All-purpose flour provides the perfect structure for the dough, giving it the ideal balance of softness and chewiness.
• Garlic: The star ingredient in the butter topping, infusing every bite of the roll with savory, aromatic flavor.
• Sugar: Just a hint of sweetness in the dough rounds out the flavor, balancing the garlic’s savory punch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of Garlic Butter Rolls:

Make the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: Start by combining warm milk and sugar in a small bowl. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5 minutes, until it becomes foamy. This tells you that the yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
2. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, add the yeast mixture, softened butter, and egg. Stir until the butter begins to melt into the mixture. Add 3 ½ cups of flour and salt, and mix until the dough starts to come together. You can switch to using your hands or a dough hook if you have a stand mixer.
3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour a tablespoon at a time until you get the right consistency.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1 hour or until it doubles in size. This is the time to prep your garlic butter topping!

Prepare the Garlic Butter

1. Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned.
2. Add Herbs and Salt: Stir in the chopped parsley and salt, then set the garlic butter aside to cool slightly.

Shape the Rolls

1. Divide the Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air bubbles. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll it out into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches). Cut the dough into 12 equal pieces.
2. Form the Rolls: Roll each piece of dough into a ball by pinching the edges underneath and turning it over. Place the dough balls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, making sure they are close together but not touching.

Second Rise

1. Let the Rolls Rise Again: Cover the baking dish with a clean towel and allow the rolls to rise for another 30 minutes, until they puff up and fill the pan.

Bake the Rolls

1. Preheat the Oven: While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake: Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.

Add the Garlic Butter

1. Coat the Rolls: As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, immediately brush them generously with the prepared garlic butter. Be sure to coat every roll with that buttery goodness!
2. Serve Warm: Let the rolls sit for a few minutes before serving. If you want, you can drizzle any remaining garlic butter over the rolls for an extra burst of flavor.

How to Serve

There’s no wrong way to enjoy Garlic Butter Rolls, but here are some fun serving ideas:

1. Pair with Pasta: Serve these rolls alongside your favorite pasta dish for the ultimate comfort meal.
2. With Roasted Meats: These rolls are perfect with a hearty roast – try them with chicken, beef, or lamb.
3. Soup Companion: Dip them in soup or stew for a cozy and filling experience.
4. On Their Own: Honestly, they’re so good you may not want to pair them with anything. They make an excellent snack on their own.
5. For a Special Dinner: Add a basket of Garlic Butter Rolls to your dinner table as a stunning side dish for any occasion.

Additional Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your rolls come out perfectly every time:

1. Measure Flour Correctly: When measuring your flour, use the spoon-and-level method. Too much flour can make the dough dense.
2. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Be sure your butter and egg are at room temperature for the best dough consistency.
3. Don’t Overknead: Knead just until the dough is smooth and elastic. Overkneading can make the rolls tough.
4. Check Your Oven: Every oven is different, so start checking the rolls after 18 minutes to avoid overbaking.
5. Freeze for Later: Make extra and freeze unbaked rolls. When you’re ready, let them rise and bake as usual – it’s a time-saver for future meals.
6. More Garlic, Please: For an extra punch of garlic flavor, increase the garlic in the butter topping to 6 or 7 cloves.
7. Brush Twice: For extra buttery goodness, brush the rolls with garlic butter right after baking, and then again just before serving.

Recipe Variations

Here are some fun twists on the classic Garlic Butter Rolls recipe:

• Cheese Stuffed Rolls: Add a small cube of mozzarella cheese in the center of each dough ball for a cheesy surprise.
• Herb Variation: Experiment with different herbs in the garlic butter, like thyme, rosemary, or basil, for a unique flavor.
• Parmesan Crust: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top of the rolls before baking for a crispy, cheesy crust.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free alternative.
• Honey Garlic Rolls: Add a tablespoon of honey to the garlic butter mixture for a sweet-savory twist.

faq section

Got questions about these Garlic Butter Rolls? You’re not alone! Whether you’re wondering how to make them ahead of time, adjust the recipe, or store leftovers, I’ve got you covered. Below are some frequently asked questions to help you make these rolls with ease and confidence. If you don’t find your answer here, feel free to leave a comment or send a message – I’m always happy to help!

• Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
• Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance! After the first rise, cover the dough and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, then proceed with the second rise and baking as usual. You can also freeze the dough after shaping the rolls for later use. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before baking.
• Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
• Absolutely! This recipe uses active dry yeast, but you can use instant yeast as well. If you use instant yeast, you don’t need to activate it in warm milk – you can simply add it directly to the flour and sugar mixture. Either way, the rolls will turn out delicious.
• How can I store leftover rolls?
• Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Simply wrap the rolls in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, thaw the rolls at room temperature or pop them in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes to warm them up.you go this route, you may need to add a little extra liquid to the dough to compensate.

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Conclusion

These Garlic Butter Rolls will quickly become a favorite in your household, with their golden, soft texture and rich garlic flavor. Whether you’re enjoying them with dinner or snacking on them as a treat, they’re sure to impress. The best part? They’re simple to make but taste like you’ve been baking for hours! Try them out, and let me know how they turned out. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media – I love seeing your delicious creations!