If you’re searching for the ultimate side to impress everyone at your table, look no further than these Light and Fluffy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls. Imagine biting into a perfectly golden roll that’s pillowy-soft inside, flecked with fragrant parsley, and slathered with rich, aromatic garlic butter. Whether it’s a holiday feast or an ordinary weeknight, these rolls instantly elevate any meal—they’re practically irresistible straight out of the oven!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the beautiful simplicity of these ingredients! Every element has a special role to play—from creating that delicately chewy crumb to delivering the rich and savory garlic butter finish that makes these Light and Fluffy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls completely unforgettable.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation that gives your rolls their signature tender structure and soft bite.
- Active dry yeast: This is your ticket to fluffiness, bringing the perfect rise and lightness.
- Warm milk (about 110°F): A gentle warmth activates the yeast and adds a subtle creamy flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Not just for sweetness—it helps feed the yeast and encourages that beautifully golden color.
- Salt: Essential for depth of flavor, it makes all the other ingredients pop.
- Large egg: Adds moisture and richness to the dough for extra tender rolls.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Mixed into the dough for moistness and incredible flavor.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Perfect for brushing over the hot rolls to soak in that garlic goodness.
- Garlic (minced): The star of the show, infusing each roll with irresistible savory aroma.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): Adds a pop of green and a touch of freshness to the buttery topping.
How to Make Light and Fluffy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Begin your roll-making adventure by dissolving the active dry yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. After just a few minutes, you’ll see it become foamy and lively—this is your sign that the yeast is ready to work its magic. Don’t rush this step, as it ensures your Light and Fluffy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls turn out perfectly pillowy every time!
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Pour in your frothy yeast mixture, then add the egg and softened butter. Whether you’re kneading by hand or letting your trusty stand mixer do the heavy lifting, keep going for about 8 to 10 minutes until you have a smooth, elastic dough. It should feel soft but not too sticky—if it’s still clinging to your hands, add a dusting of flour as needed.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Place your kneaded dough in a greased bowl, turning it once to coat the surface. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rest in a warm, cozy corner for about an hour. You’ll be amazed as the dough doubles in size, becoming the cloud-like base for your Light and Fluffy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls.
Step 4: Shape the Rolls
Punch down the risen dough gently—it’s fun and oddly satisfying! Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces, then shape each piece into a smooth ball. Arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spacing them just enough so they’ll rise together and achieve those gorgeously fluffy edges.
Step 5: Second Rise
Cover the baking dish and give the rolls one final rest—30 to 40 minutes this time. They’ll plump up beautifully, filling in the pan and priming themselves for that classic, pull-apart dinner roll texture you crave.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F and slide the dish onto the center rack. Watch as the kitchen fills with those mouthwatering aromas. In about 18 to 20 minutes, the tops will be perfectly golden and the rolls will sound hollow when tapped.
Step 7: Brush with Garlic Butter
As soon as the rolls emerge from the oven, combine your melted butter, freshly minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Generously brush this fragrant mixture over the tops—don’t hold back! The garlic butter seeps into every crevice, locking in moisture and delivering that unmistakable flavor punch that sets these Light and Fluffy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls apart.
How to Serve Light and Fluffy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
Garnishes
The finishing touch is as simple or as dressed up as you like! I love a sprinkle of extra chopped parsley and a light scattering of flaky sea salt while the garlic butter is still warm. The color pops and every bite becomes even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair with just about anything—think creamy soups, hearty stews, fresh salads, or your favorite holiday roasts. Their gentle garlic flavor is never overpowering, making them the perfect companion for almost any meal, from Thanksgiving to Sunday suppers.
Creative Ways to Present
If you really want to wow your guests, arrange the rolls in a basket lined with a checkered napkin and serve them straight from the oven. For bite-sized fun, shape the dough into smaller balls and bake them in muffin tins for a personal roll everyone will love. However you present them, these Light and Fluffy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls always steal the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (it’s rare, but it does happen), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll remain soft and delicious, ready to complement your next meal.
Freezing
Light and Fluffy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months and reheat without losing their softness or flavor.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked magic, warm rolls in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. For extra decadence, brush with a bit more melted garlic butter before serving. It’s like reliving the joy of freshly made rolls all over again!
FAQs
Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Bread flour will give your rolls a chewier texture and a bit more rise. If you love a slightly sturdier roll, swap out the all-purpose for bread flour and follow the recipe as written.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
Dried parsley works in a pinch, though it’s less vibrant both in flavor and color. If you can, substitute with other fresh herbs like chives or basil for a fun twist.
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
A good rule of thumb is to look for dough that has doubled in size. If you poke it lightly with your finger and the indentation remains, you’re ready for the next step!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! After the first rise, punch down the dough and store it in the refrigerator overnight. The next day, shape and rise again before baking. This slow fermentation actually enhances flavor—and saves time before your meal.
Are these Light and Fluffy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls vegetarian?
They sure are! All the ingredients are vegetarian-friendly, and you can even use plant-based milk and butter if needed to keep them dairy-free.
Final Thoughts
When you’re ready to bake up some love, these Light and Fluffy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are the recipe to reach for. With their irresistible aroma, soft crumb, and golden, buttery crust, they never fail to make a meal memorable. Honestly, once you try them, you’ll be looking for excuses to make another batch—so don’t wait to share this joy with your favorite people!
Print
Light and Fluffy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (includes rise time)
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These light and fluffy garlic butter dinner rolls are a perfect addition to any meal. Soft and buttery with a hint of garlic, these homemade rolls will impress your guests and have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
Garlic Butter Topping:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Dissolve Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, egg, and softened butter. Mix until a dough forms, then knead by hand or with a dough hook for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Rise Dough: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Shape Rolls: Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Shape into balls and place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake rolls for 18–20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prepare Topping: While baking, mix melted butter with minced garlic and parsley.
- Finish: Brush rolls with garlic butter as soon as they come out of the oven. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra richness, substitute milk with half-and-half.
- Rolls can be made ahead and reheated just before serving.
- You can also freeze baked rolls for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
