Soft dinner rolls are a timeless addition to any meal. Light, fluffy, and slightly sweet, they’re perfect for soaking up sauces, serving alongside soups, or simply enjoying with butter. Adding a garlic butter glaze elevates these rolls, giving them a fragrant, savory finish that makes them irresistible. This recipe will guide you through making soft, pillowy rolls with a rich garlic butter topping that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
For the Rolls:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 45°C)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
For the Garlic Butter Glaze:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Preparing the Dough
Begin by warming the milk until it is lukewarm. Combine the warm milk with sugar and yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This indicates the yeast is active and ready to help the dough rise.
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the melted butter, egg, and the frothy yeast mixture. Mix until the ingredients come together to form a soft dough.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment for the same amount of time. Proper kneading develops gluten, which helps the rolls become soft and airy.
First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it once to coat all sides with oil. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size. The slow rise allows the dough to develop flavor and ensures the rolls are soft and fluffy.
Shaping the Rolls
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air bubbles. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place them in a greased baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Cover the shaped rolls with a towel and allow them to rise again for 30–45 minutes, until puffy. This second rise ensures a light texture and helps the rolls bake evenly.
Baking the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 18–22 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. To check doneness, tap lightly on a roll; it should sound hollow.
While the rolls are baking, prepare the garlic butter glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in parsley and a pinch of salt.
Glazing the Rolls
As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter glaze. The warmth of the rolls will help the butter soak in, giving them a rich, aromatic finish. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Tips for Perfect Dinner Rolls
- Warm environment: Yeast dough rises best in a slightly warm, draft-free place. You can turn your oven on for a minute, then turn it off and place the dough inside to rise.
- Check dough consistency: The dough should be soft but not sticky. Add a little more flour if it’s too wet or a few drops of milk if too dry.
- Don’t overbake: Rolls continue cooking slightly after removing from the oven. Remove them when lightly golden to avoid drying out.
- Customize the glaze: Add herbs like thyme or rosemary for different flavor profiles. You can also sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese on top before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Soft dinner rolls with garlic butter glaze pair beautifully with roasted meats, stews, or pasta dishes. They’re also excellent as sandwich rolls for pulled chicken or beef, or simply enjoyed with a bowl of soup.
For a festive touch, serve the rolls in a basket lined with a cloth napkin. The warmth, aroma, and soft texture will make them the highlight of any meal.
Storage
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To refresh them, warm in the oven for 5–7 minutes. The garlic butter can be reapplied lightly to maintain flavor and aroma.
Final Thoughts
Soft dinner rolls with garlic butter glaze are a comforting, versatile addition to any table. Their fluffy interior, golden exterior, and aromatic topping make them irresistible for family meals, holidays, or casual dinners. With a little patience and careful attention to the dough, anyone can achieve bakery-quality rolls at home.