Light and Fluffy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe
If you’re ready to wow your family and friends at the dinner table, say hello to Light and Fluffy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls! Imagine pulling apart a golden roll that’s pillowy inside, wafting with buttery garlic, and finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. These are the kind of soft, irresistible rolls that transform any meal into something special, yet they’re simple enough to make from scratch in your own kitchen. They’re sure to become your go-to recipe for every occasion, big or small.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Light and Fluffy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls truly shine thanks to just a handful of carefully chosen ingredients. Each one is essential, coming together to achieve the ideal tender crumb, buttery richness, and irresistible aroma that sets these rolls apart. Keep it simple, but don’t skip a thing—each plays a starring role!
- Warm milk (1 cup, 110°F): This is the magic that brings the yeast to life, creating the fluffy texture and beautiful rise of the rolls.
- Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): Yeast helps the dough rise, giving you those delightfully airy and light rolls.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Just enough sweetness to feed the yeast and balance the savory garlic notes.
- Unsalted butter, melted (3 tablespoons, plus more for brushing): Butter adds richness to the dough, and when brushed on top, it creates a glistening, soft crust with deep garlic flavor.
- Large egg (1): This acts as a tenderizer, ensuring your rolls are extra soft and giving them a beautiful golden hue.
- All-purpose flour (3 1/2 cups): Flour forms the structure, giving just the right chew without being dense.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Absolutely essential for flavor—salt brings the dough’s taste to life.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Fresh garlic infuses the butter that’s brushed on top, taking the savory aroma to the next level.
- Chopped fresh parsley (1 tablespoon): A sprinkle of green adds freshness and a pop of color that complements the garlic butter perfectly.
How to Make Light and Fluffy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Combine the warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar in a small bowl. This is a satisfying first step—watch for the yeast to get foamy and bubbly in just 5 to 10 minutes, signaling that it’s alive and ready to lift your Light and Fluffy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls. If the yeast doesn’t foam, it might be expired or your milk was too hot or cold, so checking here saves you from disappointment down the road.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and egg until fully combined. Add the activated yeast mixture, then gradually stir in the flour and salt. Mix until a loose, shaggy dough forms. This is where everything starts coming together—your kitchen already smells inviting, and anticipation builds!
Step 3: Knead Until Smooth and Elastic
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes (or use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for about 5 minutes). The dough should be smooth, bouncy, and just a little tacky—not sticky. Don’t rush the kneading process—it’s key for developing that dreamy, light texture that defines these dinner rolls.
Step 4: First Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour. Watching the dough puff up never gets old—it’s like magic unfolding right in your kitchen!
Step 5: Shape and Second Rise
Punch down the dough gently to release excess air, then divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and nestle them closely together in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover again and let them rise until puffy and soft, 30 to 40 minutes. The close arrangement ensures you get those signature soft pull-apart sides.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Once perfectly risen, bake the rolls for 18 to 20 minutes until they’re golden brown and irresistible. The tops should have a light sheen, while the aroma alerts everyone in the house that something delicious is coming!
Step 7: Garlic Butter Glaze and Serve
While the rolls are in the oven, slowly melt the remaining butter with the minced garlic on low heat. When the rolls come out hot, brush them generously with this garlic butter, making sure you hit every nook and cranny. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. This step infuses your Light and Fluffy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls with bold, fragrant flavor—try not to sneak one before they hit the table!
How to Serve Light and Fluffy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley is classic, but don’t be afraid to finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or even a little grated Parmesan for extra flavor. The glistening garlic butter creates a gorgeous sheen and makes every roll look bakery-worthy—with virtually no effort!
Side Dishes
These rolls adore a place next to hearty soups like tomato basil or creamy potato; they’re equally perfect alongside saucy pasta dishes, roast chicken, or a holiday ham. They also work beautifully as sliders with leftover turkey or beef—honestly, they steal the show on any table.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Light and Fluffy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls in a basket lined with a patterned napkin, or circle them around a small bowl of garlic butter for dipping. For parties, try skewering mini versions on decorative sticks for a bread “bouquet”—guaranteed to draw oohs and aahs from guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover rolls in an airtight container or wrapped snugly in foil at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll stay soft and flavorful—perfect for quick snacks or a speedy addition to your next meal.
Freezing
For longer storage, let the rolls cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep their airy structure and taste best if used within one month. You can also freeze shaped, unbaked dough balls; just thaw and allow time to rise before baking as usual.
Reheating
Warm the rolls in a 300°F oven for about 8 minutes, or until heated through. If frozen, let them thaw at room temperature before reheating. To revive that bakery-fresh aroma, brush lightly with more melted garlic butter before serving—the secret to “just baked” flavor any time!
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough up through the first rise, then cover and refrigerate overnight. The dough will rise slowly in the fridge, allowing you to shape, rise again, and bake fresh rolls the next day. This also deepens the flavor and makes dinner party prep a breeze.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
No worries! You can use dried parsley in a pinch, or try other fresh herbs like chives or thyme. A little sprinkle of dried Italian herbs adds wonderful flavor, too.
How do I know when the rolls are perfectly baked?
The tops should be deeply golden with a slight sheen from the butter. If you gently tap a roll, it should sound hollow. If you’re unsure, an internal temperature around 190°F means they’re done and ready for garlic butter glory.
Can I double this recipe?
Definitely! Just use two baking dishes and rotate them halfway through baking if your oven isn’t large enough for both at once. Expect rave reviews and requests to bring Light and Fluffy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls to every gathering!
Are these rolls suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! The entire recipe for Light and Fluffy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls contains no meat or animal-derived products besides dairy and eggs, making them a vegetarian-friendly favorite for any occasion.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll treat yourself and your loved ones to a big basket of warm, Light and Fluffy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls soon. They’re the kind of baking project that brings comfort, joy, and pure satisfaction—straight from your kitchen to your table. Happy baking!
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Light and Fluffy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These light and fluffy garlic butter dinner rolls are a perfect addition to any meal. Soft, buttery rolls with a hint of garlic and parsley, they are sure to be a hit with your family and guests.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
Garlic Butter Topping:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare Dough: Combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit until foamy. Whisk melted butter and egg in a bowl. Add yeast mixture, then gradually stir in flour and salt until a dough forms.
- Knead and Rise: Knead dough until smooth, then let rise until doubled in size.
- Shape and Bake: Divide dough, shape into balls, place in baking dish, let rise again, then bake at 375°F for 18-20 minutes.
- Garlic Butter Topping: Melt butter with garlic, brush over hot rolls, and sprinkle with parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add Parmesan cheese to the garlic butter topping.
- The dough can be refrigerated overnight for a slower rise.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
