Pull-Apart Garlic Bread Rolls – Fluffy, Buttery & Irresistible

Garlic bread rolls transform ordinary dinner tables into extraordinary culinary experiences with their irresistible aroma and pillowy-soft texture. Picture this: the golden-brown rolls emerge from your oven, their surfaces glistening with herb-infused garlic butter while warm, fragrant steam escapes from every tender fold.

These homemade garlic roll recipe creations aren’t just bread – they’re edible hugs that bring families together and turn simple meals into memorable feasts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Last weekend, I watched my teenage son grab his third garlic cheese bread rolls before even touching his main course, and honestly, I couldn’t blame him. These easy garlic bread rolls possess an almost magical quality that makes everyone at the table pause mid-conversation just to savor that first bite. The combination of fresh parsley, aromatic garlic, and buttery richness creates layers of flavor that dance on your taste buds.

What makes these best garlic bread rolls truly special is their versatility and foolproof nature. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving comfort food on a Tuesday night, this cheesy garlic rolls recipe delivers consistent, bakery-quality results every single time. The dough comes together effortlessly, and the final product rivals any restaurant’s offerings while filling your kitchen with an intoxicating fragrance that signals “home” to everyone within a three-block radius.

Explore more hearty dinner recipes here to complete your perfect meal lineup.

Ingredients List

These garlic herb bread rolls require simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that combine to create something truly extraordinary. Here’s everything you’ll need for these crispy garlic cheese rolls:

For the Rolls	Amount
All-purpose flour	3 1/2 cups + 1 tablespoon
Whole or 2% milk (warmed to 110°F)	1 cup
Unsalted butter	4 1/2 tablespoons
Large egg (room temperature)	1
Beaten egg (for brushing)	1
Minced garlic	2 tablespoons
Chopped fresh parsley	3 tablespoons
Instant yeast	2 1/4 teaspoons
Granulated sugar	1 tablespoon
Fine sea salt	1 teaspoon

For the Garlic Butter	Amount
Unsalted butter	2 tablespoons
Minced garlic	1 tablespoon
Chopped fresh parsley	1 tablespoon
Flaky sea salt	For finishing

Discover more satisfying lunch ideas here to enjoy these rolls throughout your day.

Step-by-Step Directions

Creating these garlic bread rolls is a rewarding journey that fills your kitchen with incredible aromas. Follow these detailed steps for perfect results every time:

Prepare the Dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warmed milk, sugar, and instant yeast. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy and active.
2. Add the room temperature egg, melted butter, minced garlic, and fresh parsley to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined.
3. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.

Knead and Rise:
4. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should spring back when gently pressed.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Shape the Rolls:
6. Punch down the risen dough and divide into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a smooth ball.
7. Arrange the garlic bread rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each roll.
8. Cover and let rise for an additional 30-45 minutes until puffy.

Bake to Perfection:
9. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops of the rolls with beaten egg for a golden finish.
10. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the rolls sound hollow when tapped.
11. While still warm, brush with prepared garlic butter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt and additional parsley.

Exact Timing to make Garlic Bread Rolls

Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• First Rise: 1 hour
• Shaping and Second Rise: 45 minutes
• Baking Time: 15-18 minutes
• Cooling and Finishing: 10 minutes

The key to perfect garlic bread rolls lies in patience during the rising phases. Don’t rush these steps, as proper fermentation develops the rolls’ signature fluffy texture and complex flavors.

Nutritional Information

Understanding the nutritional profile of these garlic bread rolls helps you incorporate them mindfully into your meal planning:

Nutrient	Per Roll (1 of 12)	% Daily Value*
Calories	245	12%
Total Fat	7.2g	9%
Saturated Fat	4.1g	21%
Cholesterol	42mg	14%
Sodium	285mg	12%
Total Carbohydrates	38.5g	14%
Dietary Fiber	1.6g	6%
Total Sugars	2.8g	–
Protein	7.1g	14%
Calcium	85mg	7%
Iron	2.2mg	12%
Potassium	125mg	3%
Vitamin C	3.2mg	4%

*Based on a 2,000-calorie daily diet. Individual nutritional needs may vary based on age, gender, physical activity level, and overall health status.

Data Insights: Each roll provides approximately 7 grams of protein, making these garlic bread rolls a more substantial option than traditional dinner rolls. The garlic content contributes beneficial compounds like allicin, which studies suggest may support cardiovascular health and immune function.

Healthier Alternatives

Transform your Garlic Bread Rolls into a more nutritious option without sacrificing flavor. These modifications maintain the recipe’s beloved taste while enhancing its nutritional profile:

Original Ingredient	Healthier Alternative	Benefits
All-purpose flour	Whole wheat pastry flour (substitute 50%)	Increases fiber content by 65%, adds B vitamins and minerals
Unsalted butter	Olive oil or avocado oil	Provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, reduces saturated fat by 40%
Whole milk	Unsweetened almond or oat milk	Reduces calories by 35%, suitable for dairy-free diets
Regular salt	Himalayan pink salt or herb seasoning	Adds trace minerals, reduces sodium when using herb blends
Sugar	Raw honey or maple syrup	Provides antioxidants and minerals, use 75% of original amount

Creative Adaptations:

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and add 1 teaspoon xanthan gum for structure
• Keto-Friendly: Use almond flour and psyllium husk powder, though texture will differ significantly
• Protein-Boosted: Add 2 tablespoons of unflavored protein powder to increase protein content by 40%

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Serving Suggestions

Perfect Pairing Partners: These garlic bread rolls shine alongside hearty soups like tomato basil, creamy mushroom risotto, or classic spaghetti and meatballs. The rolls’ buttery richness complements acidic dishes beautifully, while their soft texture makes them ideal for sopping up sauces and gravies.

Entertaining Excellence: Transform these rolls into an elegant appetizer by slicing them horizontally and toasting lightly, then topping with bruschetta, whipped ricotta and herbs, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Their impressive appearance and irresistible aroma make them conversation starters at dinner parties.

Breakfast Innovation: Day-old garlic bread rolls make exceptional French toast when sliced thick and soaked in a vanilla-cinnamon custard. The garlic adds an unexpected savory note that balances beautifully with maple syrup and fresh berries.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Temperature Missteps: The most frequent error involves using milk that’s too hot, which kills the yeast and prevents proper rising. Always test the milk temperature with a thermometer – it should feel barely warm to the touch at 110°F. Similarly, placing dough in an overly warm environment can cause rapid, uneven rising that compromises the garlic bread rolls’ final texture.

Overworking the Dough: Enthusiastic kneading might seem helpful, but excessive manipulation develops too much gluten, resulting in tough, dense rolls. Knead just until the dough becomes smooth and elastic – typically 8-10 minutes by hand or 5-6 minutes in a stand mixer.

Impatient Rising: Rushing the fermentation process produces disappointing results. Proper rising develops flavor complexity and creates the light, airy texture that makes these garlic bread rolls irresistible. If your kitchen is cool, create a warm environment by placing the bowl near (not on) a radiator or in an oven with just the light on.

Storing Tips

Room Temperature Storage: Fresh garlic bread rolls maintain optimal quality for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature. Place a slice of bread in the container to maintain moisture – this old baker’s trick prevents the rolls from drying out while preserving their soft texture.

Freezing for Future Enjoyment: These rolls freeze exceptionally well for up to 3 months. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. To refresh frozen garlic bread rolls, thaw at room temperature for 2 hours, then warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their just-baked taste and texture.

Reheating Perfection: Revive day-old rolls by wrapping them in slightly damp paper towels and microwaving for 15-20 seconds, or warming them in a 325°F oven for 5 minutes. For extra indulgence, brush with additional garlic butter before reheating to enhance their flavor and create that irresistible fresh-baked aroma.

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