Garlic Butter Rolls are a perfect addition to any meal, offering a soft, fluffy interior with a rich, garlicky butter flavor. These rolls are easy to make and incredibly delicious, making them a great choice for family dinners or special occasions. Here’s how to make them.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 (7 gram) packet dry active yeast
- 1/2 cup warm water (110°F-115°F)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
For the Filling and Topping:
- 8 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preparing the Dough
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Stir to dissolve and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Mix the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, the remaining sugar, melted butter, milk, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and stir until well combined. Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough starts to come together and is no longer sticky.
- Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
- First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until doubled in size.
Shaping and Filling the Rolls
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Shape the Rolls:
- Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 12-15 equal pieces. Flatten each piece slightly and place about a teaspoon of the garlic butter mixture in the center. Fold the dough around the butter, pinching to seal, and shape into a ball. Place the filled rolls seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Second Rise:
- Cover the rolls with a damp cloth and let them rise again for about 20-30 minutes until puffy.
Baking
- Bake the Rolls:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown.
Finishing the Rolls
- Add the Topping:
- While the rolls are baking, melt the remaining garlic butter mixture. As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush them generously with the melted garlic butter. Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese.
- Serve Warm:
- Serve the rolls warm, and enjoy the soft, garlicky, buttery goodness!
Cook’s Tips and Variations
- Yeast Activation: Ensure your water is not too hot or too cold for activating the yeast. The ideal temperature is between 110°F-115°F.
- Dough Consistency: The dough should be soft but not sticky. Adjust the flour amount accordingly.
- Herb Variations: You can add other herbs like rosemary or thyme to the garlic butter mixture for a different flavor.
- Cheese Variation: Try different cheeses such as mozzarella or cheddar instead of parmesan for a unique twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the dough a day ahead. After the first rise, punch it down, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Q: Can I freeze the rolls? A: Yes, you can freeze the baked rolls. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
Q: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? A: Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This will make the rolls a bit denser and add a nutty flavor.
Q: What can I serve with these rolls? A: These rolls are a great accompaniment to soups, stews, salads, or any main course. They are also perfect on their own as a snack or appetizer.
Q: Can I add cheese inside the rolls? A: Absolutely! Adding a small piece of cheese inside each roll along with the garlic butter makes for an extra cheesy, gooey surprise.
Garlic Butter Rolls are a delectable treat that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress. Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or just because, these rolls are bound to be a hit. The combination of soft, fluffy bread with rich, garlicky butter and a hint of parmesan cheese makes these rolls irresistible. Enjoy baking and savoring these delightful rolls!
