Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

If you’re looking for a simple yet delightful addition to your dinner table, then you must try these Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls! There’s something magical about the aroma of fresh-baked bread wafting through the house. These rolls are pillowy soft and fluffy, making them perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings with friends. Whether you’re serving them alongside a comforting soup or just wanting to enjoy them warm with a bit of butter, these rolls will quickly become a cherished recipe in your home.

What makes these Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls so special is how easy they are to make. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients and minimal fuss, you’ll impress everyone with your baking skills—trust me, even if you’re new to bread-making!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With straightforward steps, you’ll have these rolls ready in no time.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike can’t resist warm, buttery rolls fresh from the oven.
• Versatile: Perfect for any occasion—be it weeknight dinners or holiday feasts!
• Make-ahead option: Prepare the dough ahead of time and bake when you’re ready.
• Irresistible flavor: The garlic butter brushed on top adds an extra layer of deliciousness!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls is a breeze with simple and wholesome ingredients. Gather these pantry staples, and let’s get started on creating something delicious!

For the Rolls

• 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)

For the Egg Wash

• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tbsp milk

For the Garlic Butter

• 1/4 cup salted butter (57g)
• 2-3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1-2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily customize it to suit your tastes or whatever you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add cheese: Fold in shredded cheese like mozzarella or cheddar into the dough for cheesy rolls.
• Herb-infused: Mix in dried herbs such as oregano or rosemary into the dough for an aromatic twist.
• Garlic herb spread: Instead of plain garlic butter, create a blend of garlic, herbs, and olive oil for brushing.
• Sweet rolls: Swap out some sugar for cinnamon and add raisins for a sweet variation perfect for breakfast.

How to Make Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large bowl, stir together the warm milk with the yeast. This step is crucial as it wakes up the yeast, allowing it to start fermenting. You’ll want to see some bubbles forming after a few minutes—that’s how you know your yeast is alive and ready!

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Add all the other ingredients for the dinner rolls into that same bowl. Mixing everything together now will help ensure even distribution of flavors and textures throughout your dough.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Turn out your shaggy dough onto a clean surface. Knead it with a push-pull motion using your palms for about 15 minutes. While it may feel sticky at first, don’t be tempted to add flour! Your patience will pay off as it transforms into smooth and stretchy perfection.

Step 4: Let It Rise

Transfer your beautiful dough to a clean bowl sprayed with oil. Cover it with cling wrap and place it somewhere warm and humid; this allows it to rise until it’s doubled in size—usually around 90 minutes.

Step 5: Shape Your Rolls

Once risen, punch down the dough gently before turning it out onto your surface again. Divide it into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a tight ball. This ensures that they’ll bake evenly while keeping that lovely fluffy texture.

Step 6: Second Rise

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and space out your rolls nicely on it. Now it’s time for another rise! Cover them lightly and let them puff up in that warm spot again—this should take about 30-45 minutes.

Step 7: Preheat & Brush

While they’re rising again, preheat your oven to 350F (conventional). Prepare an egg wash by mixing an egg yolk with milk in a small bowl. Brush this mixture generously over each roll just before they go in the oven; this gives them that beautiful golden crust.

Step 8: Bake & Brush with Garlic Butter

Bake those glorious rolls for about 20-22 minutes until they’re golden brown on top. As soon as they come out of the oven, melt some salted butter in a saucepan and sauté minced garlic briefly until fragrant. Add freshly chopped parsley before brushing this delicious garlic butter over hot rolls—they’re going to smell heavenly!

Step 9: Serve Up & Enjoy!

These Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are now ready to be devoured! Serve them warm alongside your favorite dishes or simply enjoy them straight from the tray—they’re irresistible!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

Making these rolls is a delightful experience, and with a few handy tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use Warm Milk: Starting with warm milk (around 110F) helps activate the yeast effectively, leading to a better rise and fluffier rolls.
• Don’t Rush the Kneading: Taking your time to knead the dough for the full 15 minutes develops gluten, giving your rolls that soft and airy texture we all love.
• Create a Warm Environment: For rising, place your dough in a warm, humid spot. This helps it double in size more efficiently, resulting in light and fluffy rolls.
• Check for Doneness: Instead of just relying on time for baking, check if the rolls have a shiny golden crust. If they’re golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom, they’re ready!
• Brush Generously: When applying the garlic butter after baking, don’t be shy! The more you brush on while they’re hot, the more flavor they absorb.

How to Serve Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

These dinner rolls are not only delicious but also versatile enough to accompany various meals. Here are some fun ways to present them!

Garnishes

• Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and enhances that fresh garlic flavor.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Lightly dusting some grated cheese over the top before baking can add an extra savory layer to your rolls.

Side Dishes

• Garden Salad: A crisp garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers provides a refreshing contrast to the rich buttery rolls.
• Creamy Tomato Soup: Pairing these rolls with a warm bowl of creamy tomato soup creates a comforting meal perfect for any chilly evening.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini offer vibrant colors and nutrients that complement the softness of your dinner rolls.
• Herbed Chicken: A simple herbed chicken dish brings protein into the mix while enhancing the overall flavor profile of your meal.

Enjoy serving these Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls alongside your favorite dishes; they are sure to steal the spotlight at any table!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time, store them properly, and enjoy fresh rolls whenever you crave them.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the rolls to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Once cooled, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just label and date your packages!

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, preheat the oven to 350F (175C).
• Remove rolls from the freezer and unwrap them.
• Place on a baking sheet and cover with foil; heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warm.
• For extra deliciousness, brush with garlic butter after reheating!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls.

Can I use instant yeast for Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls?

Absolutely! Instant yeast can be used interchangeably with active dry yeast in this recipe. Just add it directly with the dry ingredients without activating it in warm milk.

What makes these Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls so fluffy?

The secret lies in the kneading process and allowing the dough to rise properly. Kneading develops gluten, which gives structure, while rising helps create those fluffy pockets of air!

Can I make these rolls without egg?

Yes! You can substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or use unsweetened applesauce as a binding agent.

How do I ensure my rolls rise well?

Make sure your yeast is active by testing it with warm milk before mixing. Additionally, find a warm, draft-free spot for the dough to rise; this will help achieve that perfect fluffiness!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls as much as I do! They’re not just a side dish but a loving addition to any meal that warms the heart. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, these rolls will surely impress. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share how they turned out!