If you’re ready to treat yourself (and everyone lucky enough to be at your table) to pure bread bliss, look no further than these Soft and Savory Garlic Bread Rolls. Imagine billowy-soft rolls, tender from a rich, buttery dough laced with fresh garlic and parsley, golden on the outside and meltingly soft within. Every bite is infused with aromatic garlic, a whisper of fresh herbs, and a final touch of garlicky butter for irresistible flavor. These rolls are truly the definition of comfort, and just as perfect at a festive dinner as they are for soaking up pasta sauce on a cozy weeknight.

Soft and Savory Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Soft and Savory Garlic Bread Rolls is that their magic lies in a handful of simple, everyday ingredients. Each one boasts an important role: the milk makes them tender, the garlic builds deep savory flavor, and the fresh herbs add a burst of color and aroma. Here’s what you’ll need:

Unsalted butter: Use good-quality butter for both dough and topping; it creates that signature rich, soft crumb and a flavorful, glossy finish.
Minced garlic: Fresh garlic is key for irresistible depth—don’t skimp, since it’s the star of the show.
All-purpose flour: This classic flour keeps the rolls pillowy light, and holds up beautifully to all the butter and herbs.
Chopped fresh parsley: Not just for color! Parsley brightens and balances the garlicky richness in every bite.
Granulated sugar: Just enough to boost the yeast and add a subtle sweetness.
Instant yeast: This makes your rolls rise quickly and evenly, ensuring classic fluffiness.
Fine sea salt: The glue that brings all the flavors together and rounds out the bread’s taste.
Whole or 2% milk, warmed: Warm milk creates a plush, tender dough that bakes up light and airy.
Large egg, room temperature: Helps bind the dough and adds extra richness—the secret to such a soft bread!
Beaten egg (for brushing): Gives the rolls a gorgeous golden brown sheen after baking.
Unsalted butter (for garlic butter topping): More butter means maximum softness and a melt-in-your-mouth finish.
Minced garlic (for topping): A second hit of garlic for bold flavor on top and throughout.
Chopped fresh parsley (for topping): Fresh and pretty, it brings vibrance right at the end.
Flaky sea salt: Sprinkling this at the finish adds irresistible pops of flavor to every bite.

How to Make

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Start by lightly buttering the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch baking pan. This not only keeps the rolls from sticking but also gives the base a little buttery flavor edge—worth the couple of seconds it takes!

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter for the Dough

Melt 4 ½ tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for just a minute or two, until it smells fragrant and mellow. Let this mixture cool—you’ll fold it straight into the dough for deep flavor in every bite of your Soft and Savory Garlic Bread Rolls.

Step 3: Make the Dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix together the all-purpose flour, chopped parsley, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Pour in the warmed milk, room-temperature egg, and your cooled garlic butter mixture. Knead with a dough hook on low speed for 10 to 12 minutes, until the dough is beautifully soft and just a little tacky. If it sticks too much, add flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it feels perfect—supple but holds its shape.

Step 4: Shape the Rolls

Turn your dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Each piece should be rolled into a smooth, tight ball. Line them up in your prepared pan, allowing a tiny bit of room between each—their gentle rise will help them snuggle together for those picture-perfect pull-apart rolls.

Step 5: Let the Dough Rise

Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and let it rest in a warm spot. In about 1 to 2 hours, your dough will puff up and double in size, becoming pillowy and ready for the oven. This rise is the secret to supremely soft and savory garlic bread rolls.

Step 6: Preheat the Oven

When your rolls are nearly ready, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). This ensures it’s perfectly hot the moment your dough finishes rising, so you’ll get even browning and a tender inside.

Step 7: Brush and Bake

Gently brush the tops of the proofed rolls with beaten egg for a shiny golden finish, then bake for 20–30 minutes. The tops should be lusciously golden brown, the kitchen will smell absolutely divine, and you’ll see the rolls gently pulling apart as they bake.

Step 8: Prepare the Garlic Butter for Topping

While the rolls bake, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter, then add the minced garlic and cook until it’s just fragrant. Stir in some parsley to keep the flavor fresh and bright for your final step.

Step 9: Finish the Rolls

The moment your rolls emerge hot from the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. The warm bread will soak up the garlicky flavor, and the salt will add that finishing touch that makes every bite pop!

How to Serve

Garnishes

A handful of fresh chopped parsley sprinkled right before serving will add a vibrant, herby finish to your Soft and Savory Garlic Bread Rolls. If you love cheese, grate a little Parmesan over the top while they’re still warm for an irresistible, savory kick.

Side Dishes

These rolls are perfect for soaking up sauces from hearty pastas, pairing with creamy soups, or serving alongside roasted vegetables. They also shine as a crowd-pleasing bread basket addition for just about any main course.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful touch, serve your Soft and Savory Garlic Bread Rolls in a rustic basket lined with a checkered napkin, or stack them on a wooden board alongside a small bowl of extra garlic butter for dipping. For parties, you can even make mini rolls for a fun, poppable appetizer spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the rolls cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They stay soft for about two days at room temperature, ready for quick reheating whenever you crave a garlicky treat.

Freezing

Soft and Savory Garlic Bread Rolls freeze beautifully! Simply wrap cooled rolls tightly in foil and place in a zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months. For best results, thaw them at room temperature before reheating so they retain their moisture and softness.

Reheating

To recapture that just-baked magic, reheat individual rolls in a low 300°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes, wrapped loosely in foil to avoid drying out. You can brush with a little extra melted butter before serving to freshen up the flavor and shine.

FAQs

Can I make Soft and Savory Garlic Bread Rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! Shape the rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight after the first rise. Let them sit at room temperature for about an hour before baking to allow a final puff, then bake as usual for fresh, warm rolls with minimal day-of effort.

How do I make these rolls vegan?

Swap in a plant-based butter and your favorite non-dairy milk (like oat or soy). The rolls will still be irresistibly soft and flavorful—just be sure to skip the egg wash or use a little olive oil for shine.

Why is my dough so sticky?

Humidity, flour type, and temperature can all play a role, so don’t worry! Simply add extra flour a tablespoon at a time until the dough is soft and only slightly sticky. It should pull away from the sides of the bowl, but stay nice and tender.

Can I add cheese or other herbs?

Definitely! A sprinkle of shredded mozzarella or Parmesan in the dough (or on top before baking) adds a rich, cheesy twist. Experiment with extra herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano for a personalized flavor bouquet.

What’s the best way to ensure my rolls are light and fluffy?

The key is proper kneading to develop gluten, and giving the dough plenty of time to rise until doubled in size. Both steps create an airy structure for the Soft and Savory Garlic Bread Rolls, so don’t rush!

Final Thoughts

If you adore the combination of pillowy bread, fragrant garlic, and the promise of that melt-in-your-mouth texture, these Soft and Savory Garlic Bread Rolls deserve a place at your next meal. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised when they disappear faster than you can bake them. There’s simply nothing more comforting or crowd-pleasing—enjoy every savory bite!