The Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are a delightful addition to any meal. These rolls are soft, fluffy, and infused with rich garlic butter flavor. Perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or just a cozy night in, these homemade rolls will impress anyone who takes a bite. Their standout qualities include a pillowy texture and the irresistible aroma of garlic and butter that fills your kitchen as they bake.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- Main Ingredients
- For Egg Wash
- For Garlic Butter Topping
- For Garnish
- How to Make Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
- Step 1: Activate the Yeast
- Step 2: Mix the Dough Ingredients
- Step 3: Form a Shaggy Dough
- Step 4: Knead the Dough
- Step 5: First Rise
- Step 6: Divide and Shape Rolls
- Step 7: Prepare Baking Sheet
- Step 8: Apply Egg Wash
- Step 9: Second Rise
- Step 10: Preheat Oven
- Step 11: Bake Rolls
- Step 12: Make Garlic Butter
- Step 13: Brush Rolls with Garlic Butter
- Final Step: Serve & Enjoy!
- How to Serve Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
- With Soup
- As an Appetizer
- For Breakfast
- With Salads
- As Slider Buns
- With Pasta Dishes
- How to Perfect Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
- Best Side Dishes for Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
- Reheating Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I ensure my Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are fluffy?
- Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
- What can I serve with Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls?
- Can I make Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls ahead of time?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Pillowy Softness: These dinner rolls are incredibly soft and fluffy, making them perfect for sopping up gravy or enjoying with butter.
- Quick to Prepare: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, you can whip these up without stress.
- Versatile Use: Whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas feasts, or casual weeknight meals, these rolls fit any occasion.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of garlic and butter adds a rich depth of flavor that elevates the ordinary bread roll.
- Homemade Goodness: Nothing beats the taste of freshly baked rolls made right in your kitchen.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, having the right tools makes all the difference. Gather your equipment to ensure a smooth baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Clean surface for kneading
- Baking sheet (9×13”)
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl is essential for combining all ingredients effectively without mess.
- Pastry brush: This tool helps achieve a beautiful golden crust by applying egg wash evenly on the rolls before baking.
- Baking sheet: A good-quality sheet ensures even cooking, leading to perfectly baked rolls every time.
Ingredients
The best, pillowy soft and fluffy homemade garlic butter dinner rolls
Main Ingredients
- 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 Egg Wash
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tbsp milk
For Garlic Butter Topping
- 1/4 cup salted butter (57g)
- 2-3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1-2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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 until well combined. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
Step 2: Mix the Dough Ingredients
Add all other ingredients for the dinner rolls to the same bowl.
Step 3: Form a Shaggy Dough
Use a large spoon or spatula to stir together until you form a shaggy dough that barely holds together.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Turn out onto a clean surface. Knead with a push-pull motion using your palms for about 15 minutes. The dough will start sticky but will become smooth over time. It’s done when you can stretch it thin without tearing.
Step 5: First Rise
Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl. Cover it with cling wrap and place it in a warm area to rise until it doubles in size—usually around 90 minutes.
Step 6: Divide and Shape Rolls
Once risen, punch down the dough gently. Turn it out onto a clean work surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into tight balls.
Step 7: Prepare Baking Sheet
Line a 9×13 baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the rolled balls on the tray with space between them.
Step 8: Apply Egg Wash
Mix together egg yolk and milk for the egg wash in a small bowl. Brush this mixture generously over each roll.
Step 9: Second Rise
Allow the rolls to rise again in a warm spot for about 30–45 minutes until puffy.
Step 10: Preheat Oven
In the last 20 minutes of rising, preheat your oven to 350F (conventional).
Step 11: Bake Rolls
Once risen adequately, brush again with egg wash before placing them in the oven. Bake for about 20–22 minutes until golden brown on top.
Step 12: Make Garlic Butter
To prepare garlic butter, melt salted butter in a saucepan over low heat. Add chopped garlic and sauté for about 1–2 minutes before turning off heat; stir in parsley.
Step 13: Brush Rolls with Garlic Butter
As soon as you take them out of the oven, brush hot rolls generously with garlic butter while they are still warm.
Final Step: Serve & Enjoy!
Serve these delicious Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls warm from the oven alongside your favorite dishes!
How to Serve Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
Serving Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls can elevate any meal. They are perfect as a side or even as a snack on their own. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to make the most of these fluffy rolls.
With Soup
- Pair with your favorite soup for a comforting meal. The rolls soak up broth beautifully.
As an Appetizer
- Serve warm with a side of marinara or garlic dip. They make a great start to any dinner party.
For Breakfast
- Enjoy with a spread of butter and jam. These rolls also taste delightful when toasted.
With Salads
- Serve alongside fresh salads for a balanced meal. The rolls add heartiness and flavor to your greens.
As Slider Buns
- Use them as bases for sliders filled with your choice of meat or veggies. They’re soft enough to hold all the goodness without falling apart.
With Pasta Dishes
- Accompany pasta dishes like spaghetti or lasagna. The garlic butter flavor complements tomato-based sauces perfectly.
How to Perfect Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
To achieve the best results with your Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls, follow these helpful tips that ensure perfect texture and flavor every time.
- Use warm milk: Ensuring the milk is warm but not hot activates the yeast effectively, leading to fluffy rolls.
- Don’t rush the rise: Allowing the dough ample time to rise is crucial for achieving a light and airy roll.
- Knead thoroughly: Proper kneading develops gluten, which gives the rolls their signature soft and chewy texture.
- Brush generously: Applying enough egg wash gives the rolls a beautiful golden crust while baking, enhancing their appearance.
- Melted garlic butter: Brushing on melted garlic butter while they are hot adds an irresistible flavor that makes these rolls truly special.
- Store properly: Keep leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
These Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls pair wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some fantastic options you can serve alongside them:
- Caesar Salad: A classic salad featuring romaine lettuce, croutons, and Caesar dressing, offering crunch and freshness.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized provide a tasty contrast to the soft rolls.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a comforting side dish rich in flavor, perfect for scooping up gravy.
- Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken breast seasoned simply allows the rich flavors of the rolls to stand out.
- Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans complement the garlic butter nicely, adding protein and fiber.
- Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad brings bright flavors from vegetables and dressing, balancing out the warmth of the rolls.
- Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and tang, making it an excellent counterpoint to the rich garlic butter.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli offers a nutritious green option that pairs well with any meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls that can lead to less-than-perfect results.
- Not Using Warm Milk: Yeast needs warmth to activate. If the milk is too cold or too hot, the yeast may not rise properly. Ensure it’s around 110°F (43°C).
- Skipping the Kneading Process: Proper kneading develops gluten, which gives rolls their structure. Skipping this step can lead to dense rolls. Aim for at least 15 minutes of kneading.
- Ignoring Rising Time: Allowing the dough to rise adequately is crucial for fluffy rolls. Don’t rush this process; it typically takes about 90 minutes for the first rise.
- Overbaking: Keeping an eye on your rolls as they bake is important. Overbaking can result in dry dinner rolls. Look for a shiny golden crust around 20-22 minutes.
- Not Brushing with Garlic Butter: For that irresistible flavor, don’t forget to brush your rolls with garlic butter right after baking. This adds a delicious finish that enhances taste.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Use parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.
Freezing Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
- Freeze in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
- Make sure they are cooled completely before freezing to maintain texture.
Reheating Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap rolls in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Place a damp paper towel over a roll and microwave on medium power for about 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over low heat and cover with a lid, warming each roll for about 2-3 minutes until soft.

Frequently Asked Questions
How do I ensure my Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are fluffy?
The key is proper kneading and allowing enough time for the dough to rise. Don’t rush these steps!
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but keep in mind that whole wheat flour may yield denser rolls. You might want to combine it with all-purpose flour for better results.
What can I serve with Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls?
These dinner rolls pair wonderfully with soups, salads, or as a side dish during holiday meals like Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Can I make Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the fridge. Then shape and bake them fresh when ready.
Final Thoughts
These Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are not only soft and fluffy but also incredibly versatile. Perfect as a side dish or enjoyed on their own, they offer endless customization options, such as adding cheese or herbs into the dough. Try this recipe today, and enjoy fresh-baked goodness at your table!
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📖 Recipe Card
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Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 rolls 1x
Description
Indulge in the warm, buttery goodness of Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls. These rolls are a perfect addition to any meal, boasting a soft and fluffy texture infused with rich garlic butter flavor. Ideal for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or a cozy night in, these homemade rolls are sure to impress. The enticing aroma of garlic and butter wafting through your kitchen will make them irresistible. With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, you can whip up these delightful rolls quickly. Whether served alongside soups, salads, or as a snack on their own, they bring comfort and flavor to every occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk (240g), warm (around 110°F)
- 3 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/3 cup sugar (70g)
- 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (490g)
- 1 large egg
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (85g), softened
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by mixing warm milk with yeast in a bowl; let sit until frothy.
- Combine all remaining ingredients in the same bowl to form a shaggy dough.
- Knead on a clean surface for about 15 minutes until smooth.
- Place in an oiled bowl covered with cling wrap; let rise until doubled (90 minutes).
- Punch down the dough, divide into 12 pieces, and shape into balls.
- Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet; brush with egg wash and allow to rise again (30–45 minutes).
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Bake for 20–22 minutes until golden brown.
- Brush with melted garlic butter immediately after baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg





