I gotta tell you about the time I first fell head over heels for these Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls. It was a cozy Sunday afternoon, and I was craving something soft, buttery, and downright comforting. When these rolls came out of the oven, all golden and fragrant with that garlicky butter aroma, I knew I had found a forever kitchen win. From that moment on, Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls became my go-to crowd-pleaser for family dinners and dinner parties alike—because who doesn’t want buttery garlic bread that’s soft on the inside and melts in your mouth? These rolls hit that perfect sweet spot between homemade garlic rolls and soft dinner rolls, with a buttery garlic bread twist that’s just chef’s kiss.
What makes these Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls such a joy is how they bring everyone together around the table. I’ve watched friends and family reach for seconds and then debate over leftovers, all while chatting about the magic of that yeast rolls with garlic butter combo. There’s something about buttery garlic dinner buns, fresh from the oven, that feels like an instant hug in bread form. Honestly, this recipe has become a little treasure in my foodie life—a simple way to make any meal feel special without a ton of fuss.
If you’re scrolling through recipes wondering what to make that’s uncomplicated but will get all the flavor points, this Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls recipe is your answer. Plus, I’m so excited to share the step-by-step so you can impress your people with your very own buttery garlic bread vibes at home. Let’s make soft dinner rolls that everyone can’t stop talking about—your kitchen is about to smell incredible! And if you want some inspo while you wait for your rolls to rise, check out my favorite garlic butter chicken thighs skillet recipe or these garlic butter beef bites with creamy mashed potatoes for a full-on flavor party. Ready to get going? Let’s dive in!
What You’ll Need:
Here’s the scoop on ingredients for these Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls—nothing fancy, just everyday basics that make for big flavor. This Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls keeps the ingredient list totally approachable—because good food shouldn’t be complicated.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (You can swap in bread flour if you want extra chew, but all-purpose works great!)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet) (Find this at any grocery store in the baking aisle)
- 1 cup warm milk (around 110°F) (Whole milk gives richer rolls, but 2% or even non-dairy milk works too!)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (Sweet enough to feed the yeast and add a hint of caramelization)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (For that buttery garlic bread magic—don’t skimp here!)
- 1 tsp salt (Enhances all those buttery garlic flavors)
- 3 tbsp garlic butter, melted, plus extra for brushing (My secret? I always add a little extra fresh garlic and parsley to the butter for a flavor pop)
- 1 large egg (It helps the dough stay soft and tender)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Out of butter or want to shake it up? No problem! Olive oil works great for a slightly lighter take on these yeast rolls with garlic butter. And if you’re running low on milk, almond milk or oat milk will still give you soft dinner rolls with a nice crumb.
This Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls is kind to your wallet because it uses pantry staples you probably already have hanging out in your kitchen. Plus, the leftovers store beautifully—just pop them in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer stashes of buttery goodness.
Quick prep tip: Melt your butter and mix it with finely minced garlic while your dough is proofing; that way, the flavorful garlic butter dinner buns brush is ready to spread right out of the oven. It’s such a simple step that makes a huge difference and gets your kitchen smelling like a dream.
If you want to peek at a super soft version of garlic butter dinner rolls, I love checking out Cloudy Kitchen’s take—they really nail that fluffy texture.
Let’s Cook This Together:
Here’s the thing about making these Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls—you’re gonna feel like a total kitchen champ when you pull these beauties from the oven. Start to finish, this recipe takes about 2 hours, but most of that is letting your soft dinner rolls rise and work their magic.
- Activate the yeast: Warm your milk (if it’s too hot, it’ll kill the yeast, so aim for around 110°F). Sprinkle the yeast and a pinch of sugar in the warm milk and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy. This step is your first triumph—the yeast is waking up!
- Mix the dough ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and the egg. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to combine until it forms a sticky dough.
- Knead it out: Turn your dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes. You’re looking for a smooth, elastic dough—soft but not too sticky. This step taught me patience—the knead really makes your rolls tender.
- Let it rise: Grease a bowl and pop your dough inside. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour. Perfect time to pour yourself a drink or start prepping your garlic butter!
- Shape the rolls: Once risen, punch down the dough gently and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each into a smooth ball and place in a greased baking dish, close but not touching for that perfect pull-apart effect.
- Final rise: Cover again and let the rolls rise another 30-40 minutes. Your kitchen will start smelling heavenly, friends.
- Bake and brush: Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for about 20 minutes, until golden on top. Straight out of the oven, brush generously with your garlic butter mix. I always sneaky add a little chopped parsley here for a fresh pop.
If your Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls look a tiny uneven, don’t stress—it’s all part of the homemade charm. You can even check out Bake with Zoha’s easy garlic butter dinner rolls to see some handy shortcuts.
This is also a great moment to multitask: while your rolls bake, toss together a quick salad or prep the mashed potatoes to go alongside—I love pairing these buttery garlic dinner buns with creamy mashed potatoes.
How to Serve & Savor It:
When it comes to serving these Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls, I’m all about pairing with comfort food that brings smiles. These rolls truly shine when you serve them alongside dishes like a juicy roast chicken or a garlicky butter chicken thigh skillet—I have a favorite recipe that’s always requested.
My absolute favorite way to enjoy these garlic butter dinner rolls is on a lazy weekend brunch or at dinner when we have friends over. Slathered with extra garlic butter, they soak up gravy delightfully and hold their own with just about any cozy meal.
Presentation-wise, try serving them warm in a lined basket with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or alongside a bowl of homemade soup for an effortlessly inviting vibe.
If leftovers hang around (unlikely!), toasted garlic butter dinner buns make killer mini sandwiches with ham or roasted veggies. For a seasonal twist, I’ve added a little fresh rosemary to the garlic butter in fall—hello, cozy aroma.
Past meals with these rolls led to spontaneous potlucks and impromptu dinner swaps with friends—it’s that kind of recipe that brings everyone together with a satisfied sigh.
And if you’re looking to round out a garlic butter dinner buns meal, this one-pan chicken dinner with buttered noodles is a perfect match—easy, delicious, and everyday awesome food.
Your Questions, Answered:
I get it, Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls might have some questions before you jump in. Here are a few I often hear, answered like we’re chatting over the kitchen counter.
Q1: Can I prep parts of this Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can shape the rolls and let them rise in the fridge overnight, covered tight. Just pop them in the oven straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to bake.
Q2: What’s a good swap for milk in this recipe?
Non-dairy milks like almond, oat, or soy work just fine. The rolls might be a bit less rich, but the flavor and softness hold up beautifully.
Q3: Can I make more or fewer rolls?
Yes! This recipe scales well. Just adjust the flour and yeast proportionally. Need just six rolls? Halve the ingredients and bake in a smaller pan.
Q4: Why are my rolls dense sometimes?
Usually, it’s because the yeast wasn’t active or the dough didn’t rise long enough. Make sure your milk is warm, not hot, and be patient with those rises.
Q5: How do I get that buttery garlic flavor to really pop?
Use fresh minced garlic in your melted butter, and brush it on right after baking. Adding some chopped parsley or chives can also make a big difference.
Q6: Is there a shortcut if I’m short on time?
Totally! You can use store-bought refrigerated dough and just brush on your homemade garlic butter after baking. I’ve done this on busy weeknights with great results.
Q7: Can I freeze these garlic butter dinner buns?
Yes, freeze them before the second rise, wrapped tightly, and thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. Or freeze fully baked rolls and reheat with a quick butter brush.
For some extra inspiration and variations, you’ll love this garlic butter dinner rolls recipe over at Vikalinka, which has some lovely twists. And if you want even more approachable recipes for garlic butter dinner buns, Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls by Bake with Zoha is a great watch!
Final Foodie Thoughts:
These Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls hold a special spot in my foodie heart because they’ve become the bread that brings all my favorite meals together. You get this incredible buttery garlic bread flavor with the tender softness of homemade garlic rolls, and they’re just so satisfying. Seriously, there’s something about pulling warm garlic butter dinner buns apart—it’s pure joy.
- Be patient letting the dough rise—it’s the secret to that perfect fluffy texture.
- Don’t skimp on the garlic butter brushing—it’s what makes these rolls unforgettable.
- Try adding a pinch of fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary to your garlic butter for a bright twist.
As for variations, I’ve loved a cheesy garlic butter dinner rolls version, a spicy twist with red pepper flakes mixed into the butter, and a herb and sun-dried tomato swirl that’s a showstopper.
The classic garlic butter dinner buns with fresh garlic and parsley are definitely the most requested at my table—it’s that perfect balance of savory, soft, and buttery.
I hope you make this recipe your own little kitchen triumph and love it as much as I do. These Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are a simple, delicious way to bring a bit of comfort and joy to your everyday meals. Trust me, your friends and family will be asking for seconds, and you’ll be grinning the whole time you bake them. So grab your butter and yeast, and let’s make some everyday awesome food!
For more tasty foodie goodness, don’t forget to peek at this one-pan chicken dinner with buttered noodles and the garlic butter chicken thigh skillet recipe—both perfect companions to your garlic butter dinner rolls adventure.
Happy baking, friends!
Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
Soft, fluffy dinner rolls brushed with rich garlic butter, perfect for complementing any meal or enjoying on their own.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warm
- 1/4 cup water, warm
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for garlic butter)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (for garlic butter)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add the melted butter and egg to the yeast mixture and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a smooth ball.
- Place dough balls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spacing them evenly.
- Cover the dish and let the rolls rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the rolls for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- While the rolls bake, combine softened butter and minced garlic to make the garlic butter.
- Remove rolls from the oven and immediately brush the tops generously with garlic butter.
- Optionally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the rolls for garnish.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to the garlic butter before brushing on the rolls.