Garlic Herb Butter Dinner Rolls Soft and Flavorful Bites

Name: Garlic Herb Butter Dinner Rolls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 120 min
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons sugar; 2 teaspoons salt; 2.25 teaspoons instant yeast; 1.75 cups warm water (110°F/45°C); 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped; 0.5 teaspoon black pepper; as needed tablespoons extra melted butter for brushing

December 8, 2025April 21, 2025 by Amelia

Garlic Herb Butter Dinner Rolls are a treat you won’t forget. These soft, flavorful bites elevate any meal and are easy to make. In this post, I’ll guide you through essential ingredients, simple steps, and tips for perfect rolls. Whether you’re a novice baker or a pro, you’ll find useful insights to make your rolls shine. Let’s get started on crafting these delightful additions to your dinner table!

Why I Love This Recipe

Irresistible Flavor: The combination of garlic, fresh herbs, and butter creates a savory flavor profile that elevates these rolls to a whole new level.
Perfectly Soft Texture: With a light and fluffy consistency, these rolls are the perfect complement to any meal, making them a family favorite.
Customizable: The recipe allows for various herb substitutions, so you can tailor the flavor to your family’s preferences or what you have on hand.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, these rolls are sure to impress your guests and loved ones alike.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients for Garlic Herb Butter Dinner Rolls

– 4 cups all-purpose flour

– 2 tablespoons sugar

– 2 teaspoons salt

– 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) instant yeast

– 1¾ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)

– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

– 4 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped

– 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped

– ½ teaspoon black pepper

– Extra melted butter for brushing

Importance of Each Ingredient

Each ingredient in these rolls serves a key role.

– All-purpose flour: This gives structure to the rolls. It helps them rise and stay soft.

– Sugar: It feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness to the rolls.

– Salt: It enhances flavor and strengthens the dough.

– Instant yeast: This helps the dough rise quickly.

– Warm water: It activates the yeast for a good rise.

– Butter: It adds richness and flavor.

– Garlic: This brings a bold, savory taste.

– Rosemary and thyme: These herbs add fresh flavors and aroma.

– Black pepper: It gives a hint of spice.

– Extra melted butter: Brushing this on top creates a golden, shiny finish.

Suggested Substitutes for Common Ingredients

If you run out of an ingredient, here are some easy swaps:

– All-purpose flour: Use bread flour for a chewier texture.

– Sugar: Honey or maple syrup can work as natural sweeteners.

– Instant yeast: Active dry yeast is fine; just proof it first.

– Unsalted butter: Use olive oil for a dairy-free option.

– Garlic: Garlic powder can replace fresh garlic in a pinch.

– Fresh herbs: Dried herbs will work too; use less since they’re stronger.

These rolls are easy to make and full of flavor. You’ll love how they turn out!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation of the Dough

Start by mixing warm water, sugar, and instant yeast in a large bowl. Let this sit for five minutes until it gets frothy. This step wakes up the yeast. Next, add the flour and salt slowly. Mix until it forms a soft dough. Then, knead the dough on a floured surface for eight to ten minutes. You want it smooth and elastic. This helps the rolls rise well.

Shaping the Rolls

Once the dough is ready, put it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour. It should double in size. After that, punch down the dough to release the air. Turn it onto a floured surface and divide it into twelve equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball. This creates a nice round shape for the rolls. Place them close together in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

Rising and Baking Process

In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, and black pepper. Brush half of this mixture over the rolls. Cover them again with a cloth and let them rise for another 30 to 45 minutes. While they rise, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the rolls have puffed up, brush the rest of the garlic herb butter on top. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until they turn golden brown. Enjoy the aroma filling your kitchen! If you like, brush more melted butter on top after baking for extra flavor.

Tips & Tricks

Ensuring Perfectly Soft Rolls

To make soft rolls, focus on kneading. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes. This builds gluten, which gives the rolls structure. Make sure your water is warm, around 110°F. If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place. This helps it double in size. After shaping, let the rolls rise again. This second rise gives them a fluffy texture.

Flavor Enhancement Ideas

You can boost the flavor in many ways. Try adding more herbs like parsley or basil. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes. You can mix in cheese, like mozzarella or cheddar, for a rich taste. Brush with garlic herb butter just before baking for a burst of flavor. Experiment with different combinations to suit your taste.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your rolls are dense, check the yeast. Make sure it’s fresh and active. If they don’t rise well, the dough may be too cold. Warm it a bit to encourage rising. If rolls come out hard, you might have baked them too long. Keep an eye on them in the oven. Aim for golden brown, not dark brown. If they stick to the pan, grease it well before adding the dough.

Pro Tips

Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor of your rolls. If possible, opt for freshly chopped rosemary and thyme instead of dried.
Check Water Temperature: Ensure your water is at the right temperature (110°F/45°C) to activate the yeast without killing it. Use a kitchen thermometer for accuracy.
Let Dough Rise Properly: Give your dough ample time to rise until doubled in size. A warm, draft-free environment works best for proofing.
Brush with Butter Twice: Brushing the rolls with melted butter before and after baking adds richness and a beautiful golden color to the crust.

Variations

Adding Cheese or Other Herbs

You can make these rolls even tastier by adding cheese. Try shredded mozzarella or sharp cheddar for a cheesy twist. Mix the cheese into the dough before shaping the rolls. You can also add herbs like basil or oregano instead of rosemary and thyme. Just chop them finely and mix them in with the garlic butter.

Making Sweet Dinner Rolls

If you prefer a sweeter roll, just tweak the recipe a bit. Use honey or brown sugar instead of regular sugar. You can also add cinnamon for a warm, sweet flavor. After baking, brush the rolls with a mix of melted butter and honey. This gives them a lovely glaze that is sweet and sticky.

Gluten-Free Options

You can enjoy these rolls gluten-free too! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure it has a binding agent like xanthan gum. This helps give the rolls structure. Follow the same steps in the recipe, but note that the dough may need more water. Adjust as needed to get the right texture.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftover Rolls

To keep your leftover rolls fresh, let them cool first. Place them in a clean, airtight container. They can stay at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent drying.

Freezing Instructions

If you want to save some rolls for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the rolls cool completely. Then, wrap each roll in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag or container. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat them, simply take out the rolls and let them thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating Tips

To enjoy your rolls warm again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Unwrap the rolls and place them on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. If you prefer, you can microwave them for 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat, or they will get tough. Enjoy those soft bites again!

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. After kneading, place the dough in a bowl. Cover it and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This slow rise adds flavor. When you’re ready, take it out and let it warm up for about 30 minutes before shaping the rolls.

What if I don’t have instant yeast?

If you don’t have instant yeast, you can use active dry yeast. Use the same amount, but you need to activate it first. Mix it with warm water and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it bubbles. Then, add it to your flour mixture and follow the rest of the recipe.

How can I adjust for altitude when baking?

Baking at high altitude can change how your rolls turn out. You may need to add a bit more flour to the dough. Start with an extra tablespoon. Also, reduce the sugar slightly. This helps the rolls rise better. Keep an eye on the baking time, as they may bake faster at higher altitudes.

We explored how to make garlic herb butter dinner rolls with care. Each ingredient plays a key role in flavor and texture. I shared simple steps for dough prep, shaping, and baking. Helpful tips ensure soft rolls, and I provided tasty variations. Store your leftovers to enjoy later and refer to FAQs for common questions. Baking rolls is fun and rewarding. With practice, you’ll master this recipe and impress your friends and family. Enjoy your delicious creatio

$- 4 cups all-purpose flour - 2 tablespoons sugar - 2 teaspoons salt - 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) instant yeast - 1¾ cups warm water (110°F/45°C) - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped - ½ teaspoon black pepper - Extra melted butter for brushing Each ingredient in these rolls serves a key role. - All-purpose flour: This gives structure to the rolls. It helps them rise and stay soft. - Sugar: It feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness to the rolls. - Salt: It enhances flavor and strengthens the dough. - Instant yeast: This helps the dough rise quickly. - Warm water: It activates the yeast for a good rise. - Butter: It adds richness and flavor. - Garlic: This brings a bold, savory taste. - Rosemary and thyme: These herbs add fresh flavors and aroma. - Black pepper: It gives a hint of spice. - Extra melted butter: Brushing this on top creates a golden, shiny finish. If you run out of an ingredient, here are some easy swaps: - All-purpose flour: Use bread flour for a chewier texture. - Sugar: Honey or maple syrup can work as natural sweeteners. - Instant yeast: Active dry yeast is fine; just proof it first. - Unsalted butter: Use olive oil for a dairy-free option. - Garlic: Garlic powder can replace fresh garlic in a pinch. - Fresh herbs: Dried herbs will work too; use less since they're stronger. These rolls are easy to make and full of flavor. You’ll love how they turn out! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by mixing warm water, sugar, and instant yeast in a large bowl. Let this sit for five minutes until it gets frothy. This step wakes up the yeast. Next, add the flour and salt slowly. Mix until it forms a soft dough. Then, knead the dough on a floured surface for eight to ten minutes. You want it smooth and elastic. This helps the rolls rise well. Once the dough is ready, put it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour. It should double in size. After that, punch down the dough to release the air. Turn it onto a floured surface and divide it into twelve equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball. This creates a nice round shape for the rolls. Place them close together in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, and black pepper. Brush half of this mixture over the rolls. Cover them again with a cloth and let them rise for another 30 to 45 minutes. While they rise, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the rolls have puffed up, brush the rest of the garlic herb butter on top. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until they turn golden brown. Enjoy the aroma filling your kitchen! If you like, brush more melted butter on top after baking for extra flavor. To make soft rolls, focus on kneading. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes. This builds gluten, which gives the rolls structure. Make sure your water is warm, around 110°F. If it's too hot, it can kill the yeast. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place. This helps it double in size. After shaping, let the rolls rise again. This second rise gives them a fluffy texture. You can boost the flavor in many ways. Try adding more herbs like parsley or basil. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes. You can mix in cheese, like mozzarella or cheddar, for a rich taste. Brush with garlic herb butter just before baking for a burst of flavor. Experiment with different combinations to suit your taste. If your rolls are dense, check the yeast. Make sure it's fresh and active. If they don't rise well, the dough may be too cold. Warm it a bit to encourage rising. If rolls come out hard, you might have baked them too long. Keep an eye on them in the oven. Aim for golden brown, not dark brown. If they stick to the pan, grease it well before adding the dough. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor of your rolls. If possible, opt for freshly chopped rosemary and thyme instead of dried. Check Water Temperature: Ensure your water is at the right temperature (110°F/45°C) to activate the yeast without killing it. Use a kitchen thermometer for accuracy. Let Dough Rise Properly: Give your dough ample time to rise until doubled in size. A warm, draft-free environment works best for proofing. Brush with Butter Twice: Brushing the rolls with melted butter before and after baking adds richness and a beautiful golden color to the crust. {{image_2}} You can make these rolls even tastier by adding cheese. Try shredded mozzarella or sharp cheddar for a cheesy twist. Mix the cheese into the dough before shaping the rolls. You can also add herbs like basil or oregano instead of rosemary and thyme. Just chop them finely and mix them in with the garlic butter. If you prefer a sweeter roll, just tweak the recipe a bit. Use honey or brown sugar instead of regular sugar. You can also add cinnamon for a warm, sweet flavor. After baking, brush the rolls with a mix of melted butter and honey. This gives them a lovely glaze that is sweet and sticky. You can enjoy these rolls gluten-free too! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure it has a binding agent like xanthan gum. This helps give the rolls structure. Follow the same steps in the recipe, but note that the dough may need more water. Adjust as needed to get the right texture. To keep your leftover rolls fresh, let them cool first. Place them in a clean, airtight container. They can stay at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent drying. If you want to save some rolls for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the rolls cool completely. Then, wrap each roll in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag or container. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat them, simply take out the rolls and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. To enjoy your rolls warm again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Unwrap the rolls and place them on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. If you prefer, you can microwave them for 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat, or they will get tough. Enjoy those soft bites again! Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. After kneading, place the dough in a bowl. Cover it and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This slow rise adds flavor. When you're ready, take it out and let it warm up for about 30 minutes before shaping the rolls. If you don’t have instant yeast, you can use active dry yeast. Use the same amount, but you need to activate it first. Mix it with warm water and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it bubbles. Then, add it to your flour mixture and follow the rest of the recipe. Baking at high altitude can change how your rolls turn out. You may need to add a bit more flour to the dough. Start with an extra tablespoon. Also, reduce the sugar slightly. This helps the rolls rise better. Keep an eye on the baking time, as they may bake faster at higher altitudes. We explored how to make garlic herb butter dinner rolls with care. Each ingredient plays a key role in flavor and texture. I shared simple steps for dough prep, shaping, and baking. Helpful tips ensure soft rolls, and I provided tasty variations. Store your leftovers to enjoy later and refer to FAQs for common questions. Baking rolls is fun and rewarding. With practice, you’ll master this recipe and impress your friends and family. Enjoy your delicious creation!$