Heavenly Garlic Bread Rolls: A Must-Have Comfort Food Delight
Setting the Scene
Imagine stepping into a cozy kitchen, the air thick with the inviting aroma of warm, buttery garlic. It’s the kind of scent that wraps around you like a soft blanket, promising comfort and warmth. These Garlic Bread Rolls are not just any dinner accompaniment; they’re a celebration in each bite. Whether you’re gearing up for a family dinner, hosting friends for a game night, or preparing for a festive holiday gathering, these rolls will quickly become the star of the show.
Picture your loved ones gathered around the table, the soft golden-brown rolls nestled on a platter, glistening with a sheen of homemade garlic butter. As they break open, the fluffy insides waft steam into the air, mingling with the heavenly scent of garlic and herbs, filling every corner of your home with warmth and love. Each roll, indulgently rich yet light on the palate, is perfect for mopping up savory sauces or enjoyed solo with a sprinkling of flaky sea salt.
These Garlic Bread Rolls are the ultimate comfort food; a delightful nod to Italian traditions, they effortlessly marry familiarity and flavor, making them irresistible. The blend of dough and garlic melds beautifully, creating a texture that is both chewy and tender. Here’s how you can recreate this magical experience in your own kitchen.
What You’ll Need
To create these delightful Garlic Bread Rolls, gather a few simple ingredients and tools. You’ll find that with a little time and love, these rolls transform into something truly special.
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 (for garlic butter)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (for garlic butter)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garlic butter)
- Flaky sea salt (for finishing)
Tools
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
- Baking pan (9×13)
- Pot for melting butter
- Plastic wrap or kitchen towel
- Pastry brush
How to Make It
Creating these luscious Garlic Bread Rolls is an enchanting process that involves a few simple steps. Each phase contributes to the textured dough and aromatic garlic butter that makes this dish so delightful.
Prep the Base
First, we set the foundation for these incredible rolls. Begin by lightly buttering the bottom and sides of a 9×13 baking pan, creating a soft and slick surface for your golden rolls to rise. As you prepare, melt 4 1/2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small pot over low heat. Add 2 tablespoons of minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until the kitchen is filled with a heavenly garlic aroma. This fragrant mixture becomes the star of our garlic butter scene.
While the garlic is puffing with that delicious zest, it’s time to turn your attention to the dry ingredients. In a mixing bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 3 tablespoons of chopped parsley, 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, 2 1/4 teaspoons of instant yeast, and 1 teaspoon of fine sea salt. The mixture should look inviting, a pale blend flecked with bright green parsley. By whisking together these components, you’re crafting the backbone of your rolls.
Build the Flavor
Next, introduce the warmth to your dry mixture. Pour in 1 cup of warmed milk, along with your egg and that fragrant garlic butter mixture. As you mix these ingredients together—whether by hand or with a stand mixer—you’ll start to witness the transformation of these simple components into a dough that feels alive. Knead this mixture on low speed with a dough hook for about 10-12 minutes, until it achieves a smooth and tacky consistency. The dough should feel soft to the touch, like a gentle cloud of promise ready for the oven.
Once the dough is well-kneaded, it’s time to shape it. Cut the kneaded dough into 12 equal portions—each weighing about 67 grams for precision. Form each piece into a smooth ball by rolling it gently between your palms. The process feels satisfying as the dough forms a delicate surface over the filling. Pinch the bottoms to keep them tight and place them snugly into the prepared baking pan. Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and place it in a warm environment to rise until doubled in size, around 1-2 hours. This is the moment where patience pays off, as the aroma begins to fill your kitchen.
Bake to Perfection
Now, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C), and let the excitement build as your rolls prepare for their transformation. Once your rolls have risen, revealing their pillowy texture, it’s time for the finishing touch of the egg wash to add that enticing golden hue. Brush the tops with the beaten egg, watching as it glistens under the light, promising a crisp crust.
Bake the dinner rolls for 20-30 minutes, until the tops turn a beautiful golden brown. Your kitchen will soon echo with the delightful sound of bubbling rolls, while the aroma will grow richer, coaxing your family and friends closer. As you continue baking, prepare the garlic butter. Melt an additional 2 tablespoons of butter in a pot, adding another tablespoon of minced garlic and a sprinkle of parsley. Keep it warm to immediately brush over the rolls once they come out of the oven.
Finish & Serve
The moment has finally arrived. Once your rolls are out of the oven, they should appear irresistibly golden and softly risen. Use a pastry brush to generously coat them in the fragrant garlic butter, allowing it to sink into every crevice. For that final touch, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top, elevating the flavor to heavenly heights. Serve these warm and watch as your guests reach for them eagerly, their faces lighting up with joy as they savor every delightful bite of these Garlic Bread Rolls.
Creative Twists
While these Garlic Bread Rolls are perfect as they are, the beauty of baking allows for endless variations to ignite your creativity. Here are some fun twists to inspire you:
Seasonal Infusions: In the fall, try adding finely chopped fresh sage and a touch of grated parmesan to the dough for a warm, autumnal flavor. During summer, a pinch of freshly grated lemon zest can bring a bright and invigorating twist.
Spice Up Your Life: Consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or aromatic Italian herbs like oregano and thyme for a subtle kick. A pinch of smoked paprika can add a unique depth of flavor.
Cheesy Center: Pop a small cube of mozzarella cheese into the center of each roll before sealing. When baked, this will create a gooey surprise inside, taking your garlic rolls to the next level of indulgence.
Herb Variations: Swap out parsley for cilantro or chives for a refreshing change that adds a new layer of flavor. These herbs will compliment the garlic beautifully.
Garlic Lover’s Dream: For garlic enthusiasts, roast a whole garlic bulb and mix the creamy softened cloves into the dough for a deep roasted garlic flavor that’s hard to resist.
Final Inspiration
As you bring these Garlic Bread Rolls to your table, remember that they aren’t just a side dish; they’re a memory waiting to be made. Gather your loved ones, share the warmth of freshly baked rolls, and let laughter fill the air. This recipe is more than food; it’s a comforting embrace after a long day, a tool for connection and celebration. Don’t hesitate to make these rolls a part of your culinary repertoire—your family will thank you, and so will your heart as you take a moment to relish the joy of baking and sharing. Embrace the experience, enjoy the journey, and let every bite transport you to that cozy kitchen filled with love.
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Heavenly Garlic Bread Rolls
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Garlic Bread Rolls are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any gathering with their warm, buttery garlic flavor and fluffy texture.
Ingredients
- 4 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 3 1/2 cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 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 (for garlic butter)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (for garlic butter)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garlic butter)
- Flaky sea salt (for finishing)
Instructions
- Prepare a 9×13 baking pan by lightly buttering the bottom and sides.
- Melt 4 1/2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over low heat and sauté 2 tablespoons of minced garlic for 1-2 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, chopped parsley, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Pour in the warmed milk, egg, and garlic butter mixture, mixing until combined.
- Knead the dough for about 10-12 minutes until smooth and tacky.
- Cut the dough into 12 equal portions, rolling each into a ball and placing them in the prepared pan.
- Cover the pan and let the rolls rise until doubled, about 1-2 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Brush the risen rolls with a beaten egg.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Melt an additional 2 tablespoons of butter, adding another tablespoon of minced garlic and parsley for garlic butter.
- Brush the rolls with the garlic butter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt before serving warm.
Notes
For added flavor, consider infusing seasonal herbs or cheese into the rolls.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
