Homemade Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls: The Ultimate Dinner Roll Recipe
Introduction to Homemade Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through your home, inviting everyone to gather around the table. Homemade garlic butter dinner rolls are not just a side dish; they are a comforting addition to any meal. Soft, fluffy, and infused with rich garlic butter, these rolls are sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re having a casual weeknight dinner or hosting a special occasion, these rolls will elevate your meal to a new level of deliciousness.
A Personal Story Behind My Homemade Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Journey
Growing up, my grandmother would often bake these delightful rolls every Sunday for our family gatherings. The moment we stepped into her kitchen, we were greeted with the warm aroma of garlic and butter, which filled the air with a sense of love and comfort. I remember gathering around the dining table, eagerly waiting for the rolls to come out of the oven. Now, as I recreate this recipe, I cherish those memories and love sharing this tradition with my own family.
What Makes This Homemade Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe Special?
This recipe stands out because of its simplicity and the incredible flavor that comes from the garlic butter. Using whole milk gives the rolls a rich texture, while the active dry yeast ensures they rise perfectly. The addition of sea salt on top before baking adds a delightful crunch and flavor contrast. These rolls are not only easy to make but also versatile; they pair beautifully with soups, salads, or as a stand-alone snack. Making these rolls from scratch is a rewarding experience that anyone can achieve!

The Full Homemade Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240g) whole milk, warmed to around 110F
- 3 tsp active dry yeast or instant yeast
- 1/3 cup (70g) sugar
- 3 3/4 cups (490g) all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 6 tbsp (85g) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- Egg wash: 1 egg yolk and 1 tbsp milk
Garlic butter: - 1/4 cup (57g) salted butter
- 2-3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1-2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the warm milk with the yeast.
- Add all the other ingredients for the dinner rolls into the same bowl.
- Stir the ingredients until they form a shaggy dough.
- Transfer the dough onto a clean surface and knead with a push-pull motion using your palms for about 15 minutes. The dough will be sticky at first but will become smooth and stretchy with kneading.
- Place the dough in a large clean bowl sprayed with a little oil. Cover with cling wrap and let it rise in a warm, humid spot until it doubles in size, about 90 minutes.
- Once risen, punch the dough down and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a tight, smooth ball.
- Line a 9×13″ baking sheet with parchment paper and place the rolls on it with even spacing.
- Mix the egg yolk and milk to make the egg wash. Brush the rolls generously with the egg wash.
- Let the rolls rise a second time in a warm spot for 30-45 minutes until they puff up.
- Preheat the oven to 350F (conventional) in the last 20 minutes of rising.
- Brush the risen rolls with another generous coating of the egg wash.
- Bake for 20-22 minutes until the rolls have a shiny golden crust.
- For the garlic butter, melt the butter in a saucepan, add the garlic, and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Turn off the heat and mix in the parsley.
- Brush the hot rolls with the garlic butter.
- Serve and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Homemade Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
These rolls are perfect on their own, but you can enhance your dining experience by serving them with a variety of dishes. They pair wonderfully with soups like creamy tomato or chicken noodle, and they are fantastic alongside hearty salads. For a fun variation, try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for an aromatic twist. You can also experiment with different toppings—try brushing them with a mix of Italian herbs and olive oil instead of plain butter. The possibilities are endless!

Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
How should I store leftover Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Can I use different types of flour?
Yes, you can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but the texture may be denser.
What if I don’t have whole milk?
You can use 2% milk or even almond milk if you need a dairy-free option. Just ensure it’s warm when mixing with the yeast.

Homemade Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
Equipment
- Large Bowl
- Baking sheet
- kitchen towel
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup 240g whole milk, warmed to around 110F
- 3 tsp active dry yeast or instant yeast
- 1/3 cup 70g sugar
- 3 3/4 cups 490g all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 6 tbsp 85g unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- Egg wash: 1 egg yolk and 1 tbsp milk
- Garlic butter:
- 1/4 cup 57g salted butter
- 2-3 garlic cloves finely chopped
- 1-2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
- 1 cup 240g whole milk, warmed to around 110F
- 3 tsp active dry yeast or instant yeast
- 1/3 cup 70g sugar
- 3 3/4 cups 490g all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 6 tbsp 85g unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- Egg wash: 1 egg yolk and 1 tbsp milk
Garlic butter:
- 1/4 cup 57g salted butter
- 2-3 garlic cloves finely chopped
- 1-2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the warm milk with the yeast.
- Add all the other ingredients for the dinner rolls into the same bowl.
- Stir the ingredients until they form a shaggy dough.
- Transfer the dough onto a clean surface and knead with a push-pull motion using your palms for about 15 minutes. The dough will be sticky at first but will become smooth and stretchy with kneading.
- Place the dough in a large clean bowl sprayed with a little oil. Cover with cling wrap and let it rise in a warm, humid spot until it doubles in size, about 90 minutes.
- Once risen, punch the dough down and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a tight, smooth ball.
- Line a 9x13" baking sheet with parchment paper and place the rolls on it with even spacing.
- Mix the egg yolk and milk to make the egg wash. Brush the rolls generously with the egg wash.
- Let the rolls rise a second time in a warm spot for 30-45 minutes until they puff up.
- Preheat the oven to 350F (conventional) in the last 20 minutes of rising.
- Brush the risen rolls with another generous coating of the egg wash.
- Bake for 20-22 minutes until the rolls have a shiny golden crust.
- For the garlic butter, melt the butter in a saucepan, add the garlic, and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Turn off the heat and mix in the parsley.
- Brush the hot rolls with the garlic butter.
- Serve and enjoy!
