Garlic Herb Dinner Rolls

I love these Garlic Herb Dinner Rolls—they’re soft, buttery, and infused with aromatic garlic and fresh herbs. Perfectly light yet flavorful, they pair beautifully with soups, salads, or a hearty dinner spread.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I’ll love this recipe because it brings a homemade touch to bread rolls that feel indulgent but approachable. The garlic and herbs bake into the dough and butter topping, creating savory rolls that are pillowy inside and lightly golden outside. I can serve them warm right out of the oven with dinner—or as an appetizer.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour (or bread flour)

• Active dry yeast or instant yeast

• Warm milk or water

• Unsalted butter (softened for the dough and melted for brushing)

• Granulated sugar or honey

• Salt

• Minced garlic (fresh or from a jar)

• Chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, chives, rosemary, or thyme)

• Egg (optional for egg wash)

directions

1. I warm the milk (or water) slightly and dissolve yeast with sugar or honey. I let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

2. I mix flour and salt in a bowl, then stir in the yeast mixture and softened butter. I knead until the dough is smooth and elastic (about 8–10 minutes by hand, or 5‑6 minutes in a stand mixer).

3. I shape the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled—about 1 hour.

4. After rising, I punch down the dough and divide it into equal portions. I shape each portion into a round roll and place them in a greased baking dish or on a lined baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between.

5. I cover the rolls and let them rise again until nearly doubled—about 30–45 minutes.

6. I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). If I like, I brush the tops gently with egg wash for shine.

7. I bake for 18–22 minutes, until the rolls are golden on top and sound hollow when tapped.

8. While they bake, I melt butter and stir in minced garlic and chopped herbs. I brush this garlic‑herb butter over the hot rolls right after they come out of the oven.

Servings and timing

• Makes: About 12 rolls (depending on size)

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus rising time)

• First Rise: ~1 hour

• Second Rise: 30–45 minutes

• Bake Time: 18–22 minutes

• Total Time: About 2 hours (includes rising)

Variations

• I add shredded cheese like cheddar or Parmesan into the dough or on top.

• I mix herbs like basil, oregano, or dill depending on the flavor profile I want.

• I swirl garlic‑herb butter inside the dough rolls for extra richness.

• I make mini slider-size rolls for bite-sized serving.

• I make them vegan by swapping dairy milk and butter for plant-based versions and using oil in the dough.

storage/reheating

I store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh them, I reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–8 minutes until warm. I avoid microwaving, since it can make them chewy instead of fluffy. For longer storage, I freeze fully cooled rolls in a sealed bag—then thaw and warm briefly before serving.

FAQs

What herbs work best in these rolls?

I like parsley, chives, and thyme for bright but savory notes—but rosemary, oregano or dill are also great choices depending on the flavor pairing.

Can I make the dough ahead and refrigerate?

Yes—I refrigerate the dough (covered) after the first rise. I let it come to room temperature and rise again before shaping and baking.

How can I make them extra garlicy?

I increase the garlic in the butter brush and also fold a bit of minced garlic into the dough. Just avoid overdoing it so it doesn’t overpower.

Are these rolls soft or crusty?

They’re soft on top but with a subtly golden crust. Brushing with butter keeps the exterior tender and flavorful.

Can I freeze these rolls?

Yes—after baking and cooling completely, I freeze them in a zip-top bag. I thaw at room temperature and briefly warm in the oven before serving.

Conclusion

These Garlic Herb Dinner Rolls elevate any meal with soft, warm bread full of garlic and herb flavor. I love how simple ingredients transform into these pillowy rolls that impress both visually and taste-wise. They’re perfect for dinners, bread baskets, or any time I want something comforting and savory.