Garlic Butter Bread Rolls Recipe : Soft, Fluffy, and Perfect for Thanksgiving

Garlic butter bread rolls are warm, golden, and irresistibly fluffy, with the rich aroma of fresh garlic and herbs filling your kitchen. Their buttery flavor pairs beautifully with any Thanksgiving spread, turning simple rolls into a standout side. Each bite melts in your mouth, with a perfect balance of tender bread and garlicky goodness. These rolls aren’t just for Thanksgiving—they’re a cozy addition to any holiday dinner or comforting family meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These garlic butter bread rolls are soft, fluffy, and packed with flavor. The dough comes together with pantry staples, and the process is beginner-friendly. You can make garlic butter bread rolls ahead, refrigerate overnight, or freeze for busy holiday prep. Once baked, they’re brushed with garlic herb butter that makes them irresistible. Whether served with turkey, soups, or stews, garlic butter bread rolls bring comfort and warmth to every table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Dough Ingredients

• All-purpose flour (385g/3 cups): The base for a soft, fluffy texture.
• Granulated sugar (30g/2 tbsp): Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness.
• Instant yeast (2 tsp): Helps the dough rise quickly and reliably.
• Fine sea salt (1 tsp): Balances flavors and strengthens gluten.
• Whole milk (240g/1 cup, warm): Activates yeast and adds richness.
• Large egg (1, room temperature): Adds structure and tenderness.
• Unsalted butter (57g/4 tbsp, softened): Enriches the dough for softness.

Garlic Herb Butter Ingredients

• Unsalted butter (57g/4 tbsp, melted): Creates a rich, silky finish.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Adds bold flavor and aroma.
• Fresh parsley (2 tbsp, chopped): Brings a fresh, herby balance.
• Kosher salt (½ tsp): Enhances the garlicky butter mix.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Use active dry yeast instead of instant, but bloom it first in warm milk.
• Swap parsley for fresh rosemary, thyme, or dill for a twist.
• Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar for cheesy garlic bread rolls.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Dough

Warm the milk to 100–110°F, ensuring it’s not too hot. In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add milk, egg, and softened butter. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 10–12 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 1–1.5 hours.

Shape the Rolls

Punch down the risen dough to release air. Divide into 12 equal pieces using a kitchen scale for accuracy. Roll each piece into a smooth ball by tucking the edges underneath. Arrange the balls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, leaving a little space between each.

Second Rise and Baking

Cover the shaped rolls with a kitchen towel and let rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°F. Bake for 19–21 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the rolls sound hollow when tapped.

Garlic Butter Finish

While the rolls bake, mix melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, and salt. Once the rolls come out of the oven, brush generously with the garlic butter. Serve warm.

Recipe Tips for Success

Start with room-temperature ingredients so the dough rises properly. Pay attention to milk temperature—too hot kills yeast, too cold slows rising. Knead thoroughly to build gluten for that tender, airy crumb. During shaping, try to keep the rolls uniform in size so they bake evenly. Always let them rise fully before baking; rushing this step can lead to dense rolls. For a shiny finish, brush tops with a little butter before baking as well.

Storage, Freezing, and Make-Ahead Options

Store baked rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To prepare ahead, shape the rolls and refrigerate overnight before the second rise. Let them sit at room temperature for 45–60 minutes before baking. For longer storage, freeze baked rolls for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes before serving. These options make holiday prep far less stressful.

Serving Ideas and Variations

Serve garlic butter bread rolls alongside your Thanksgiving turkey or pair them with hearty soups and stews. Try adding shredded cheese for cheesy rolls or swapping parsley with rosemary for an earthy flavor. They’re also wonderful with pasta or as a snack dipped into marinara. For other festive pairings, consider making a cheesy root vegetable gratin for Thanksgiving or sweet apple cinnamon rolls perfect for holiday mornings.

Explore Similar Recipes

• Cheesy root vegetable gratin for Thanksgiving
• Apple cinnamon rolls perfect for holiday mornings
• Cranberry cream cheese crescent bites
• Thanksgiving deviled eggs appetizer
• Garlic butter steak bites
• Thanksgiving appetizers collection

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

These garlic butter bread rolls are soft, golden, and bursting with flavor—perfect for Thanksgiving and beyond. They’re simple to prepare, freezer-friendly, and always a hit at the table. With buttery garlic goodness and fluffy texture, they’ll quickly become a family favorite. Try them once, and you’ll find yourself making them for every holiday meal. For more festive inspiration, visit our Pinterest collection.

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