Name: Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet); 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C); ½ cup plant-based milk; ¼ cup softened plant-based butter; 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent; ¼ cup plant-based butter (melted); 3 cloves minced garlic; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

If you crave soft and fluffy homemade bread, this Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls recipe is exactly what you need. These Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are baked to perfection, infused with rich plant-based butter and aromatic garlic, creating a perfect balance of flavor and texture that feels like a warm hug straight from your own kitchen. Whether you’re serving them with a weeknight dinner or bringing a comforting touch to your holiday table, these rolls never disappoint and are sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delightfully soft texture: Each roll is pillowy and tender, making them the perfect dinner companion.
Rich garlic flavor: The blend of aromatic garlic and plant-based butter fills your kitchen with an irresistible scent.
Simple ingredients: Everyday pantry staples come together to create a fantastic homemade treat.
Quick and easy to make: This recipe is beginner-friendly without sacrificing any of that bakery-quality taste.
Perfect for any occasion: From casual meals to celebrations, these rolls fit right in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward baking your own batch of fluffy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls. Each component plays an essential role in delivering soft texture, flavorful richness, and appealing golden color.

All-purpose flour: This helps create the soft and tender crumb structure of the rolls.
Active dry yeast: Responsible for helping the dough rise and become light and airy.
Plant-based butter: Adds richness and moisture, enhancing the roll’s decadent flavor.
Granulated sugar: Balances the garlic and butter with a subtle sweetness and feeds the yeast.
Warm water: Activates the yeast and brings everything together into a smooth dough.
Salt: Delivers depth of flavor and strengthens the dough’s texture.
Minced garlic: The star of this recipe, providing that iconic savory aroma and taste.
Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a burst of color and a fresh, herbal finish to the butter topping.
Plant-based milk: Enhances the roll’s tenderness and richness.
Natural gelling agent: Used to improve the roll’s softness and shelf life.

Variations for Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

This Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to customize it according to your taste preferences or dietary needs, making it even more special every time you bake.

Herb-infused rolls: Add rosemary or thyme to the dough for a fragrant twist.
Spicy garlic version: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
Cheesy garlic rolls: Mix in plant-based cheese into the dough or sprinkle on top before baking.
Sweet garlic rolls: Drizzle a little maple syrup into the garlic butter topping for a subtle sweetness.
Whole wheat option: Substitute half the flour for whole wheat to boost the nutritional profile.

Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe to Try

How to Make Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

Step 1: Activate the yeast

Begin by combining the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, signaling that the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic for fluffy rolls.

Step 2: Prepare the dough

In a large mixing bowl, add the all-purpose flour, salt, and natural gelling agent. Pour in the yeast mixture, plant-based milk, and softened plant-based butter. Mix everything together until a sticky dough forms, then knead for 8 to 10 minutes on a floured surface until the dough feels smooth and elastic.

Step 3: First rise

Place the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and leave it somewhere warm. Let it rise until it doubles in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours, allowing the dough to develop that perfect airy texture.

Step 4: Shape the rolls

Punch down the risen dough gently to release the air. Divide it into equal-sized pieces, shaping each piece into a smooth ball. Arrange the dough balls into a greased baking dish, leaving just a little space between them for rising.

Step 5: Second rise

Cover the rolls again and let them rise for about 30 to 45 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled in size. This step ensures a light bite and soft crumb.

Step 6: Prepare the garlic butter topping

In a small bowl, melt the plant-based butter and mix in minced garlic and chopped fresh parsley. This savory topping will make the rolls irresistible both in appearance and flavor.

Step 7: Bake and brush

Bake the rolls at 375°F (190°C) for 18 to 20 minutes until golden brown. Remove them from the oven and immediately brush the warm garlic butter mixture generously over the rolls for a glossy, flavorful finish.

Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

Use fresh yeast: It ensures a better rise and softer texture compared to older yeast.
Keep ingredients at room temperature: This helps to blend them seamlessly and speeds up yeast activation.
Don’t rush the rises: Allowing the dough enough time to rise creates the perfect fluffiness.
Brush rolls while warm: Applying garlic butter right after baking helps it soak in deeply.
Cover dough with a damp towel: Prevents the surface from drying out during rising phases.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on top add vibrant color and a fresh herbal touch that pairs beautifully with the savory garlic butter flavor.

Side Dishes

These rolls are perfect alongside hearty soups, roasted vegetables, or your favorite plant-based pasta dishes, making every meal feel complete and comforting.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the rolls in a basket lined with a soft cloth or stack them on a rustic wooden board for a cozy, inviting presentation everyone will love digging into.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their softness and flavor.

Freezing

Wrap rolls individually or as a group in freezer-safe packaging and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw them gently and reheat to enjoy fresh-baked taste anytime.

Reheating

Warm the rolls in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes or microwave covered briefly to revive their soft, fresh-from-the-oven texture.

FAQs

Can I make these rolls gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking, but be mindful of adjusting liquid amounts and rising times accordingly for best results.

How do I store Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls to keep them soft?

Store them in an airtight container or a resealable bag at room temperature to prevent them from drying out and losing their fluffy texture.

Can I prepare the dough the night before?

Absolutely, you can refrigerate the shaped dough overnight, allowing a slow rise that often improves flavor and texture. Just bring it back to room temperature before baking.

What can I use instead of fresh garlic?

Minced garlic powder or garlic paste (natural) can be used as substitutes if fresh garlic isn’t available, but fresh garlic will always provide the best flavor.

Are these rolls suitable for freezing?

Yes, Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls freeze very well. Just make sure to store them properly to preserve their freshness and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, combining simplicity with incredible flavor and softness. Once you try making them at home, you’ll love how quickly these rolls come together and how they elevate any meal to something special. Grab your ingredients, get your hands doughy, and enjoy homemade goodness baked with love!

Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

Author: Kevin
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 12 rolls 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

These Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and infused with rich plant-based butter and aromatic garlic. Perfectly baked to a golden brown with a glossy garlic butter topping, they bring comforting flavors and a tender texture ideal for any meal or celebration. Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe approachable for beginners while delivering bakery-quality results.

Instructions

Activate the yeast: Combine warm water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast in a bowl. Let sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, salt, and natural gelling agent. Pour in the yeast mixture, plant-based milk, and softened plant-based butter. Stir until a sticky dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First rise: Place the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and leave in a warm place. Allow it to rise until doubled in size, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
Shape the rolls: Gently punch down the dough to release air. Divide into equal portions and shape each into smooth balls. Arrange the dough balls in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between them.
Second rise: Cover the dough balls again and let them rise for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled in size.
Prepare the garlic butter topping: In a small bowl, mix melted plant-based butter with minced garlic and chopped fresh parsley.
Bake and brush: Bake the rolls at 375°F (190°C) for 18 to 20 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven and immediately brush generously with the garlic butter mixture for a glossy and flavorful finish.

Notes

Use fresh active dry yeast for best rise and softness.
Keep all ingredients at room temperature before mixing for better yeast activation.
Allow the dough to rise fully at each stage to achieve perfect fluffiness.
Brush garlic butter topping immediately after baking while the rolls are warm for best absorption.
Cover dough with a damp towel during rising to prevent drying.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American