Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

If you’re looking for the best way to elevate your dinner table, look no further than these Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls. Soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavor, they are bound to become a staple in your home. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a special family gathering, these rolls are perfect for soaking up sauces, pairing with your favorite dishes, or simply enjoying on their own.

What makes this recipe truly special is not just the delightful taste but also the joy of making them from scratch. You’ll love how simple and rewarding it is to knead the dough and watch it rise. Plus, your kitchen will smell heavenly while they bake!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With only a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have delicious rolls in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves warm, buttery rolls! They’re perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday feast or an everyday meal, these dinner rolls fit right in.
• Make Ahead Option: Prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight for effortless baking!
• Customizable Flavors: Add herbs or spices to make them uniquely yours!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need:

• 1 cup whole milk (240g), warm (around 110F)
• 3 teaspoons active dry yeast or instant yeast
• 1/3 cup sugar (70g)
• 3 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (490g)
• 1 large egg
• 1.5 teaspoon salt
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened at room temperature (85g)
• Egg wash: 1 egg yolk and 1 tbsp milk
• 1/4 cup salted butter (57g)
• 2-3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1-2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ways to switch things up:

• Add Cheese: Incorporate shredded cheese into the dough for a cheesy surprise in every bite.
• Herb Infusion: Mix in dried herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist.
• Sweeten Up: Try adding cinnamon and sugar to create a sweet version perfect for breakfast.
• Stuff Them: Fill each roll with a spoonful of your favorite jam or savory filling before baking.

How to Make Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, stir together the warm milk with the yeast. This step is crucial as it activates the yeast, helping our rolls rise beautifully.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Add all the other ingredients for the dinner rolls to the same bowl. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to mix until you form a shaggy dough. This process brings all those tasty components together!

Step 3: Knead Away

Turn out your dough onto a clean surface and knead it with a push-pull motion using your palms for about 15 minutes. Don’t worry if it’s sticky at first—this is normal! The goal is to develop gluten so that our rolls will be soft and fluffy.

Step 4: First Rise

Transfer that lovely dough into a large clean bowl sprayed with a little oil. Cover it with cling wrap and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size—this usually takes around 90 minutes. This is where the magic happens!

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

Once risen, punch down the dough gently and turn it out onto a clean surface. Divide it into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a tight ball. Take your time here; ensuring there are no wrinkles helps create smooth rolls.

Step 6: Second Rise

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place those beautiful balls of dough on it with enough space between each one. Cover them again and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

While those rolls are rising happily away, mix an egg yolk with milk to create an egg wash. When ready, brush this mixture generously over each roll for that perfect golden crust.

Step 8: Bake Them Up!

Preheat your oven to 350F (conventional). Once your rolls have risen again, give them another brush of egg wash before sliding them into the oven. Bake for about 20-22 minutes until they’re golden brown on top—your kitchen will smell amazing!

Step 9: Finish with Garlic Butter

While they bake, melt some salted butter in a saucepan and sauté the finely chopped garlic for just a minute or two until fragrant. Turn off the heat and stir in some fresh parsley.

Step 10: Brush & Serve

When those rolls come out of the oven hot and steamy, brush them generously with that delicious garlic butter mixture. Serve them warm and watch everyone enjoy these delightful Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

Making dinner rolls at home is a rewarding experience, and these tips will help you achieve the perfect texture and flavor!

• Use warm milk: Starting with warm milk (around 110F) activates the yeast effectively, promoting a good rise and fluffy texture in your rolls.

• Don’t rush the kneading: Knead the dough for the full 15 minutes to develop gluten, which gives the rolls their delightful chewiness. If you cut this step short, your rolls may turn out dense.

• Let it rise properly: Allowing the dough to double in size ensures that your rolls will be light and airy. A warm, humid environment can make this process even more effective.

• Shape them well: Take care to roll each piece into a smooth ball without wrinkles or cracks. This helps the rolls maintain their shape while baking and promotes an even rise.

• Brush generously: Don’t be shy when brushing on that egg wash before baking. A generous coat creates a beautiful golden crust that enhances both appearance and flavor.

How to Serve Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

These garlic butter dinner rolls are a showstopper on any dining table! Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or planning a festive gathering, here are some delightful ways to present them.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of finely chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to your warm rolls.
• Grated parmesan: For an extra layer of flavor, consider sprinkling some grated parmesan cheese over the rolls right after brushing with garlic butter.
• Sea salt flakes: A finishing touch of flaky sea salt can elevate the taste profile, adding just the right amount of savory goodness.

Side Dishes

• Garden Salad: A light garden salad loaded with crisp greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers provides a refreshing contrast to the rich garlic butter flavor of the rolls.
• Roasted Vegetables: Toss seasonal veggies like carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini in olive oil and herbs before roasting. Their caramelized sweetness pairs beautifully with the soft dinner rolls.
• Creamy Potato Soup: A hearty potato soup served alongside these dinner rolls makes for a comforting meal. The creamy texture complements the fluffy bread perfectly.
• Grilled Chicken: For those looking for protein options, grilled chicken marinated with herbs can be a fantastic pairing. The juicy chicken balances well with the rich garlic flavors in the rolls.

Enjoy making these Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls, and don’t forget to share them with friends and family!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time and enjoy their fresh, warm goodness whenever you want. Here’s how to store and preserve these delightful rolls:

Storing Leftovers

• Let the rolls cool completely.
• Place them in an airtight container or zip-top bag.
• Store at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Allow the baked rolls to cool completely.
• Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For frozen rolls, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the rolls on a baking sheet and cover with foil to prevent over-browning.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about these delicious dinner rolls!

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls?

Yes, you can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. However, keep in mind that the texture may be denser than with all-purpose flour alone.

What makes these Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls so special?

The combination of soft, fluffy dough infused with rich garlic butter creates an irresistible flavor and texture that elevates any meal. They’re a great addition to family dinners or gatherings!

Can I make Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls without an egg?

Absolutely! You can replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) or use unsweetened applesauce as a binder instead.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings warmth and joy to your dining table! These Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are not just delicious; they add a comforting touch to any meal. Enjoy making them from scratch and sharing them with loved ones. Happy baking!