Garlic Butter Bread Rolls: Soft, Golden, and Perfectly Homemade

There’s something magical about the smell of warm bread fresh from the oven. When that bread happens to be brushed with melted garlic butter, it’s impossible to resist. These Garlic Butter Bread Rolls are soft, golden, and filled with rich buttery flavor in every bite. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday dinner or alongside a cozy bowl of soup, they’re the kind of side dish that disappears fast.

I remember the first time I made these rolls for Thanksgiving dinner. My kitchen smelled like a bakery a mix of warm yeast, melted butter, and roasted garlic. I pulled the tray from the oven, brushed the tops with butter, and before I could even transfer them to a basket, half were gone. Now, they’re a tradition at every family gathering.

If you love buttery, homemade comfort food like this, try pairing these rolls with my Creamy Bacon Potato Soup or Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup. They soak up every bit of soup or gravy beautifully.

Garlic Butter Bread Rolls

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Soft, golden, and brushed with melted garlic butter—these homemade bread rolls are the perfect side for soups, stews, or holiday dinners. A crowd-pleaser that smells like comfort.

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Prep Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 50 minutes mins

Course: Bread, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 190

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
• 3 tbsp butter, softened
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp butter (for topping)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Equipment

• mixing bowl
• Stand mixer or hands for kneading
• 9×13 baking dish
• small saucepan
• pastry brush

Method

 

1. Activate the yeast. In a large bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the dough. Add softened butter, salt, and flour gradually. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth.
3. Let it rise. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Shape the rolls. Punch down the dough, divide into 12 pieces, and shape each into a ball. Arrange them in a greased baking dish.
5. Second rise. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
6. Bake. Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake for 18–20 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Make the garlic butter. Melt butter in a pan, stir in minced garlic, and cook for 1–2 minutes. Brush generously over the warm rolls.
8. Serve warm. Sprinkle with parsley for a pop of color and enjoy immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 190kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 5gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.5gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 75mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1.6mg

Notes

Use warm (not hot) milk to activate yeast properly. Brush garlic butter while rolls are hot for that glossy, melt-in-your-mouth finish. Perfect to make ahead or freeze for later.

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Ingredients for Garlic Butter Bread Rolls

This recipe uses simple pantry ingredients you probably already have at home.

If you’re planning a cozy meal, serve these rolls beside my Creamy Lasagna Soup or Mouthwatering Vegetable Soup. They make the perfect companion to any hearty bowl.

How to Make Garlic Butter Bread Rolls

1. Activate the yeast. In a large bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the dough. Add softened butter, salt, and flour gradually. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth.
3. Let it rise. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Shape the rolls. Punch down the dough, divide into 12 pieces, and shape each into a ball. Arrange them in a greased baking dish.
5. Second rise. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
6. Bake. Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake for 18–20 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Make the garlic butter. Melt butter in a pan, stir in minced garlic, and cook for 1–2 minutes. Brush generously over the warm rolls.
8. Serve warm. Sprinkle with parsley for a pop of color and enjoy immediately.

These Garlic Butter Bread Rolls come out pillowy soft every time, and that buttery garlic aroma will have everyone hovering near the oven. If you like make-ahead dishes, my Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup is the perfect pairing for a simple dinner night.

Tips for Perfect Rolls

Use warm milk—not hot—to activate your yeast properly. Soft butter helps create that tender crumb inside. And don’t skip brushing with garlic butter while they’re still warm; that’s what gives them that glossy, melt-in-your-mouth finish.

If you love oven-baked comfort food like this, check out my Golden Creamy Scalloped Potatoes or Creamed Corn Thanksgiving. Both are easy, rich, and always crowd favorites.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Garlic Butter Bread Rolls ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the rolls and refrigerate them before baking. Let them come to room temperature before popping them in the oven.

2. Can I freeze baked rolls?
Absolutely. Once cooled, freeze them in an airtight bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes before serving.

3. What kind of butter works best?
Unsalted butter is best—you can control the saltiness of your garlic butter topping this way.

4. Can I make these without yeast?
You can try a biscuit-style version using baking powder instead, though the texture will be denser and less fluffy.

For another crowd-friendly recipe, try my Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls or the sweet Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites perfect for the holidays.

Serving Ideas

These Garlic Butter Bread Rolls are the ultimate side for everything from soups and stews to pasta and roast dinners. Serve them fresh from the oven with a bowl of One Pot Potato Soup or alongside your favorite Thanksgiving dishes for a show-stopping table addition.