Thanksgiving deserves bread that feels special, and garlic bread rolls are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. These golden rolls combine the soft texture of dinner bread with the savory depth of garlic herb butter. Fresh out of the oven, they’re a holiday-worthy side dish that feels homemade yet approachable. As a result, guests will enjoy pulling apart fluffy rolls, warm steam rising, and that unmistakable garlicky aroma filling the room. For this reason, this is a recipe you’ll want to bring back year after year.
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Garlic Bread Rolls Wonderful Thanksgiving Side
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and fluffy garlic bread rolls brushed with garlic herb butter. Perfect Thanksgiving or holiday side dish everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 4 ½ tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp butter for topping
- 3 tbsp fresh garlic, minced
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 4 tbsp parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1 egg
- 1 beaten egg for brushing
- Flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Melt butter with garlic until fragrant, set aside.
- Mix flour, yeast, sugar, salt, parsley. Add milk, egg, garlic butter.
- Knead dough until smooth and tacky.
- Divide into 12 pieces, shape into balls, place in buttered dish.
- Let rise until doubled, 1–2 hours.
- Brush with egg, bake at 350°F for 20–30 min until golden.
- Brush warm rolls with garlic butter, sprinkle with salt.
Notes
Make-ahead friendly by refrigerating shaped rolls overnight. Use dairy-free swaps for vegan option.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love Garlic Bread Rolls
These rolls are designed for holiday meals where every bite should taste comforting. In addition, they’re buttery without being heavy, and their fluffy crumb makes them perfect for soaking up gravy or soup. What’s more, the garlic butter brushed on top ensures flavor in every bite. Finally, you can prepare them ahead, saving you precious oven time on Thanksgiving day.
Ingredients for Garlic Bread Rolls
Before we dive into the recipe, here’s everything you’ll need to make garlic bread rolls from scratch. Not only do these rolls call for simple pantry staples, but they also include fresh garlic and parsley for that festive holiday touch.
Pantry & Fresh
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 4 ½ tbsp + 2 tbsp for topping |
| Fresh garlic, minced | 3 tbsp |
| All-purpose flour | 3 ½ cups + 1 tbsp |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 4 tbsp |
| Granulated sugar | 1 tbsp |
| Instant yeast | 2 ¼ tsp |
| Fine sea salt | 1 tsp |
| Whole milk, warmed | 1 cup |
| Large egg | 1 |
| Beaten egg (for brushing) | 1 |
| Flaky sea salt | For finishing |
Substitutions for Garlic Bread Rolls
If parsley isn’t available, swap with thyme or oregano. Alternatively, you can use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar. Meanwhile, whole milk gives the richest texture, though 2% milk works fine. Finally, active dry yeast can replace instant yeast if you proof it first in warm milk with sugar.
Step-by-Step Garlic Bread Rolls
Time needed: 2 hours
Let’s walk through the process together. Step by step, each part builds layers of flavor and texture, ensuring rolls that are soft, golden, and holiday-ready.
- Make the garlic butter
First, melt butter in a saucepan, stir in garlic, and cook until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
- Mix the dough
Next, combine flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and parsley. Add warm milk, egg, and garlic butter to bring the dough together.
- Knead until smooth
Then, knead until the dough feels soft and elastic. Adjust with flour as needed.
- Shape the rolls
After that, divide into 12 pieces, shape into smooth balls, and place in a greased dish.
- Let them rise
Meanwhile, cover and let rolls double in size in a warm spot, about 1–2 hours.
- Bake and finish
Finally, brush with egg wash, bake at 350°F until golden. While still warm, brush with garlic butter and sprinkle with flaky salt.
Pro Tips for Garlic Bread Rolls
To begin, measure flour carefully to avoid dense rolls—using a kitchen scale is best. In addition, allow the dough to rise fully for maximum fluffiness. If you’re short on time, refrigerate shaped rolls overnight and bake fresh the next day. Most importantly, don’t skip brushing extra garlic butter at the end; it’s the ultimate flavor boost.
Variations & Substitutions for Garlic Bread Rolls
These rolls are versatile. For example, you can make them dairy-free with vegan butter and oat milk. In contrast, swapping half the flour for whole wheat adds a nutty, hearty touch. On the other hand, gluten-free blends will work but yield denser rolls. Finally, try making mini versions for appetizer platters.
Serve Garlic Bread Rolls With
Garlic bread rolls pair beautifully with classic Thanksgiving dishes. For instance, they make a wonderful companion to roast turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, and savory stuffing. Additionally, their soft crumb is perfect for soaking up rich gravy or enjoying alongside hearty soups and seasonal stews. As a result, they become a versatile side dish that complements both traditional holiday fare and cozy weeknight meals.
Storage & Reheat Garlic Bread Rolls
These rolls store well. If serving later, keep them in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days. To extend freshness, freeze cooled rolls for a month. When reheating, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes, or microwave briefly until warm.
Nutrition for Garlic Bread Rolls
According to USDA FoodData Central, a standard serving of garlic bread (about 43 g) provides approximately 142 calories, 5.5 g of fat, 20 g of carbohydrates, and 4.4 g of protein. In addition, it contains small amounts of calcium and iron, making it a source of both energy and micronutrients. While garlic bread rolls are a buttery holiday treat, they are still lighter than many other festive sides. As a result, they can be enjoyed as part of a balanced plate when paired with vegetables and lean proteins. In short, these rolls deliver flavor and comfort while fitting into a satisfying Thanksgiving spread.
For those interested in heart health and balanced eating, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) TLC Guide offers practical advice on lowering saturated fat while still enjoying family favorites. In short, garlic bread rolls provide comfort and flavor while fitting into a holiday spread that can remain both satisfying and mindful.
FAQs on Garlic Bread Rolls
The trick is brushing freshly baked bread with warm garlic butter. That way, the flavor soaks in while keeping the rolls tender.
At its simplest, bread, butter, and garlic form the base. In this recipe, fresh parsley adds brightness.
Start with bread dough, bake until golden, and brush with garlic butter. Essentially, garlic bread rolls merge both steps into one delicious side.
Enriched breads like dinner rolls or brioche are ideal. Because of their texture, they absorb butter while staying fluffy.
More Like These Garlic Bread Rolls
If you enjoy making homemade bread for the holidays, you’ll love exploring more savory side dishes and fresh recipes from Recipes2Gather. Each of these works beautifully for Thanksgiving or any family gathering.
- Try Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe for a classic holiday side that pairs perfectly with turkey and gravy.
- Make Broccoli Cauliflower Salad to bring a crunchy, fresh counterpoint to rich holiday dishes.
- Enjoy Heirloom Tomato Flight when you want a colorful and vibrant salad to lighten the table.
- Bake Costco Stuffed Peppers Recipe for a hearty make-ahead dish that doubles as a side or main course.
Save This Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe for Later
Add these rolls to your Thanksgiving pin board or bookmark them for the holidays. That way, you’ll always have a reliable, festive side dish ready for family gatherings.