When I step into my kitchen, it feels like a wonderland filled with flavors, colors, and memories waiting to be made. As a self-taught cook and mother to Ella and Jack, I love having my little sous chefs helping me mix, measure, and taste. My husband, Tom, often jokes that our home smells like a restaurant thanks to the meals we create together.
One of our family favorites is my Garlic Bread Rolls. The garlic and butter fill the air, drawing everyone into the kitchen, and nothing beats sharing those warm rolls around the table with laughter, smiles, and delicious food.
Why Make This Recipe
Amelia tends to choose recipes that are not only tasty but also meaningful. Garlic Bread Rolls are perfect for family gatherings, cozy dinners, or even just a treat on a quiet night in. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into something truly special. The rolls are warm, fluffy, and packed with a rich garlic flavor that elevates them from basic bread to a delicious side dish.
But it’s not just about the wonderful taste. Making these Garlic Bread Rolls gives families a chance to bond in the kitchen. Children love getting their hands in the dough, shaping the rolls, and, of course, licking the bowl afterward. It’s a fun way to teach little ones about cooking, measuring, and the joy of preparing food together. Plus, the rolls pair seamlessly with a wide variety of meals, from pasta to hearty soups, making them an excellent addition to almost any dinner table.
How to Make Garlic Bread Rolls
Creating these delightful Garlic Bread Rolls is a rewarding experience that Amelia enjoys alongside her children. Below is a straightforward guide on how to whip up a batch of these soft, garlicky delights.
Ingredients
- 4 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 3 1/2 cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (See notes below for measuring)
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 cup whole or 2% milk (warmed to 110°F)
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 beaten egg, for brushing the tops
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Flaky sea salt (for finishing)
Directions
- Start by lightly buttering the bottom and sides of a 9×13 baking pan. This prevents the rolls from sticking and helps them turn golden brown.
- In a small pot, melt the butter, then add the minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until you can smell the fragrance of the garlic. Set it aside to cool while you prepare the next steps.
- In a stand mixer bowl, combine the flour, parsley, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add the warmed milk, the egg, and the cooled garlic butter. Mix at a low speed with a dough hook. Knead until the dough looks smooth and feels soft and slightly tacky, which usually takes about 10-12 minutes. If the dough feels too sticky, you can add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches a workable consistency.
- After kneading, cut the dough into 12 equal portions (about 67 grams each for accuracy). Roll each piece into a smooth ball. Pinch the bottom of each roll where the seam meets to keep them tight and place them in the prepared baking pan.
- Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place until they double in size. This usually takes 1-2 hours. It’s a great time for Amelia to involve Ella and Jack by letting them peek at the dough as it rises.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Once the rolls have risen, brush them with the beaten egg wash for a lovely golden color. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the tops turn a beautiful golden brown.
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the garlic butter. Melt the butter and add the minced garlic, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the parsley.
- When the rolls come out of the oven, brush them immediately with the garlic butter. For an extra touch, sprinkle them with flaky sea salt before serving warm to your family.
How to Serve Garlic Bread Rolls
Serve these Garlic Bread Rolls straight from the oven. The enticing aroma will draw your family to the kitchen, and the warm rolls are perfect for tearing apart and sharing. They can stand alone as a snack or serve alongside favorite dishes like spaghetti, roasted chicken, or a hearty vegetable soup. For a fun twist, Amelia often pairs them with a homemade marinara dip—her children love it!
How to Store Garlic Bread Rolls
To keep these Garlic Bread Rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for about 2-3 days. If you won’t finish them within that time, consider freezing them. Wrap each roll in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll remain good for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature and warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
Tips to Make Garlic Bread Rolls
- Measure Flour Accurately: Use a kitchen scale to ensure you have the correct amount of flour. Too much flour can lead to dense rolls.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh garlic and herbs for the best flavor. The bright taste of fresh parsley makes a huge difference.
- Let Kids Help: Include kids in the cooking process. They’ll love shaping the rolls and can even sprinkle the flaky sea salt on top before serving.
Variation
While Amelia’s Garlic Bread Rolls are perfect as is, there are plenty of playful variations to explore. For an Italian twist, you can add shredded mozzarella cheese into the dough or sprinkle some on top just before baking for a cheesy garlic roll. You can also experiment with spices like rosemary or thyme, depending on what you and your family love!
FAQs
- Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
- Yes, you can use garlic powder. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder per clove of fresh garlic.
- Can I make the dough ahead of time?
- Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, let it rise, and then refrigerate it overnight. Just allow it to come to room temperature and rise again before baking.
- What can I serve with Garlic Bread Rolls?
- These rolls pair well with pasta dishes, salads, soups, or even as a side to a cozy Sunday roast.
For Amelia, Garlic Bread Rolls are so much more than just a recipe; they’re a way to create lasting memories with her family—a delicious adventure that she shares with Ella and Jack as they grow together in the kitchen. Whether you bake them for a special occasion or a simple family dinner, these rolls bring warmth and joy to the table, one bite at a time.
Garlic Bread Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- Lightly butter the bottom and sides of a 9x13 baking pan.
- In a small pot, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
- In a stand mixer bowl, combine the flour, parsley, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Add the warmed milk, the egg, and cooled garlic butter. Mix at low speed with a dough hook until smooth and soft, about 10-12 minutes.
- Cut the dough into 12 equal portions (about 67 grams each), roll into balls, and place them in the prepared baking pan.
- Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1-2 hours).
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Once the rolls have risen, brush them with beaten egg wash and bake for 20-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare garlic butter by melting remaining butter and adding minced garlic. Cook until fragrant and stir in parsley.
- Brush the baked rolls immediately with garlic butter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt before serving warm.