The Ultimate Homemade Garlic Rolls: Soft, Buttery, and Irresistible
These homemade garlic rolls are soft, buttery, and packed with fresh garlic flavor. Perfect for pairing with pasta, soups, or holiday dinners! Try this easy recipe today.
There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked garlic rolls filling your kitchen. These soft, fluffy rolls are infused with rich, buttery garlic goodness and finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Whether you’re serving them as a side for pasta, soup, or your holiday spread, these rolls will steal the show.
In this post, we’ll break down every ingredient, share expert tips, and give you all the secrets to making perfect homemade garlic rolls. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Irresistibly Soft & Fluffy: The perfect balance of milk, butter, and eggs creates a soft, pillowy dough.
Garlic Butter Heaven: Melted butter mixed with fresh garlic and parsley takes these rolls to the next level.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve them at family dinners, holiday feasts, or just because you crave homemade bread.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the dough ahead of time and bake when ready!
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Dough:
1 3/4 cups whole milk – Adds richness and softness to the dough.
1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick) – Enhances the flavor and tenderness.
1/2 cup sugar – Adds a slight sweetness that balances the garlic.
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast – The key ingredient that makes the dough rise.
1/2 cup warm water – Helps activate the yeast.
3 large eggs – Adds structure and enhances the fluffy texture.
2 tsp kosher salt – Balances flavors and strengthens the dough.
6 cups all-purpose flour – The base of the dough, providing structure.
For the Garlic Butter:
1 stick butter, melted – Rich and flavorful base for the topping.
3-4 garlic cloves, finely grated – Fresh garlic makes all the difference.
2 tbsp parsley, finely chopped – Adds a fresh, herbaceous touch.
Flaky sea salt – A final sprinkle enhances the flavor and texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
In a small pot, heat the milk until it reaches a low simmer. Turn off the heat and stir in the butter and sugar until melted. Let cool slightly.
In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy and activated.
In a stand mixer bowl, combine the milk mixture, eggs, activated yeast, salt, and 3 cups of flour. Using a dough hook, knead on low speed for 1-2 minutes.
Gradually add the remaining flour, one cup at a time, until all 6 cups are incorporated.
Knead the dough for about 5-6 minutes until smooth.
2. First Rise
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead by hand for another 3-4 minutes, adding a little flour if needed.
Form the dough into a ball and place it in a greased mixing bowl. Cover with a towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until it has doubled in size.
3. Shape the Rolls
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Punch down the dough to remove air bubbles.
Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Tuck and roll each piece into a smooth ball.
Place the rolls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
4. Bake the Rolls
Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked through.
5. Make the Garlic Butter & Finish the Rolls
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, grated garlic, and chopped parsley.
Brush the warm rolls with the garlic butter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Rolls
✔ Use fresh garlic – The flavor is much more intense and aromatic than pre-minced garlic. ✔ Don’t overheat the milk – It should be warm but not too hot, or it will kill the yeast. ✔ Check yeast freshness – If your yeast doesn’t foam when dissolved in warm water, it’s likely expired. ✔ Let the dough rise properly – A warm, draft-free environment helps the dough rise beautifully. ✔ Brush the garlic butter while the rolls are warm – This allows the butter to soak in for maximum flavor. ✔ Store leftovers properly – Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for later.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these garlic rolls with:
A warm bowl of creamy tomato soup
Spaghetti Bolognese or any pasta dish
Thanksgiving dinner as a side
Grilled meats or roasted veggies for a hearty meal
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! After the first rise, you can refrigerate the dough overnight and bake the next day.
Can I freeze these rolls?
Absolutely! Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight bag in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.
What can I use instead of parsley?
Fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary make great alternatives.

The Ultimate Homemade Garlic Rolls
These homemade garlic rolls are soft, buttery, and packed with fresh garlic flavor. Perfect for pairing with pasta, soups, or holiday dinners! Try this easy recipe today.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 6 cups all-purpose flour
- For the Garlic Butter:
- 1 stick butter, melted
- 3-4 garlic cloves, finely grated
- 2 tbsp parsley, finely chopped
- Flaky sea salt
Instructions
- In a small pot, heat the milk until it reaches a low simmer. Turn off the heat and stir in the butter and sugar until melted. Let cool slightly.
- In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy and activated.
- In a stand mixer bowl, combine the milk mixture, eggs, activated yeast, salt, and 3 cups of flour. Using a dough hook, knead on low speed for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually add the remaining flour, one cup at a time, until all 6 cups are incorporated.
- Knead the dough for about 5-6 minutes until smooth.
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead by hand for another 3-4 minutes, adding a little flour if needed.
- Form the dough into a ball and place it in a greased mixing bowl. Cover with a towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Punch down the dough to remove air bubbles.
- Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Tuck and roll each piece into a smooth ball.
- Place the rolls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
- Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked through.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, grated garlic, and chopped parsley.
- Brush the warm rolls with the garlic butter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
- Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!
Try This Recipe & Share Your Results!
Now that you have the ultimate garlic rolls recipe, it’s time to bake a batch! If you try this recipe, leave a comment below and tag me on Instagram @cooksnapbake with your delicious creations.
Happy baking!
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