There’s just something about the smell of homemade bread baking in the oven that stops everyone in their tracks. Every time I make these Soft & Fluffy Garlic Herb Dinner Rolls, they’re gone before the night is over — no matter how many I bake. I could put out a basket of store-bought dinner rolls, and people would politely take one or two. But when these homemade rolls hit the table? They vanish. Quickly.
I’ll never forget the first time I served them at a holiday dinner. I set the warm rolls down, brushed with garlic herb butter, and my family actually went quiet for a second. Then someone whispered, “Wait… did you make homemade rolls?” Suddenly everyone leaned in with wide eyes, oohs and aahs filling the room. And once they tasted that soft, pillowy goodness? The rolls became the star of the meal.
That’s the thing about homemade bread — it has this power to leave a lasting impression. And here’s the secret: these rolls are much easier to make than they look. If you’ve ever wanted to wow your family and friends without stressing in the kitchen, this recipe is for you.
Why These Rolls Are Special
I’ve baked a lot of bread, but these rolls are on another level. Here’s why:
✅ Enriched dough – Made with milk, butter, and egg for tenderness and rich flavor.
✅ High hydration – Slightly sticky dough = softer rolls. (Don’t over-flour!)
✅ Two proper rises – Builds that airy, bakery-style texture.
✅ Garlic herb butter finish – Brushed on while warm for irresistible flavor.
✅ Steam trick – Covering the rolls after baking traps steam and makes them pillowy.
They’re the kind of rolls you want for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter — but honestly, I bake them for Sunday dinners too. Once you see how simple the process is, you’ll understand why.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here — just pantry basics plus fresh herbs.
- Flour – All-purpose flour works perfectly. If you want chewier rolls, you can swap half for bread flour.
- Yeast – Instant yeast speeds up the process, but active dry yeast works too (just bloom it in warm milk first).
- Milk – Whole milk makes the softest rolls. You can substitute 2% if needed.
- Butter – Both in the dough and brushed on top. Use unsalted so you can control the salt level.
- Egg – Adds structure and richness. Room temp is best for even mixing.
- Sugar – Just enough to feed the yeast and balance the flavor.
- Salt – Flavor essential. Don’t skimp!
- Garlic & Herbs – Fresh parsley, chives, or rosemary mixed into melted butter at the end.
Affiliate note: A good digital kitchen scale makes bread baking much more consistent. It’s worth having if you bake even once in a while.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Garlic Herb Dinner Rolls
1. Make the Dough
In a stand mixer bowl (or large mixing bowl), whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, and the egg. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead for 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. If it feels too dry, add milk one tablespoon at a time. Too sticky? Lightly dust with flour, but keep it a little sticky — that’s the secret to softness.
2. First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for 60–90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Kitchen tip: If your kitchen is cold, place the bowl in a turned-off oven with just the oven light on. It creates the perfect proofing environment.
3. Shape the Rolls
Punch down the dough gently to release air bubbles. Divide it into 12 equal pieces (about 60–65 grams each if you’re weighing). Roll each into a tight ball and arrange them in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish or large skillet.
4. Second Rise
Cover again and let the shaped rolls rise for 30–45 minutes, until puffy and nearly doubled. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. Bake
Bake the rolls for 18–22 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should hit 190°F / 88°C).
6. Garlic Herb Butter Finish
While the rolls are baking, mix together melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, and herbs. As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush them generously with this fragrant mixture. Cover loosely with foil or a clean towel for 5–10 minutes to trap steam. This last step ensures they’re extra pillowy.
And that’s it! Soft, fluffy garlic herb dinner rolls ready to steal the spotlight.
Make-Ahead & Freezer Tips
- Overnight proof option: Shape the rolls, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature (about 45 minutes) before baking.
- Freezer-friendly: Once baked and cooled, wrap the rolls tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat covered at 325°F until warm.
- Storage: Keep leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any) in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Variations & Flavor Ideas
- Herb blends: Try rosemary + thyme for savory depth, or dill + parsley for a fresher taste.
- Cheesy rolls: Sprinkle shredded parmesan or mozzarella on top before baking.
- Sweet version: Skip the garlic and herbs, brush with honey butter instead. Perfect for brunch!
- Ultra-rich: Replace half the milk with heavy cream for the softest, most indulgent rolls.
Serving Suggestions
These rolls are versatile:
- Holiday dinners: They shine on Thanksgiving alongside turkey and Maple Miso Brussels Sprouts, or at Christmas next to glazed ham with a side of Ultimate Thanksgiving Stuffing.
- Everyday meals: Serve with soups, stews, or roasted chicken for weeknight comfort.
- Appetizers: Slice and fill with ham and cheese for bite-sized sliders.
- Cozy bread lovers: If you’re hooked on homemade bread, don’t miss our Easy No-Knead Bread — another reader favorite.
And let’s be real: sometimes the best way to enjoy them is straight from the pan, still warm, with an extra swipe of butter.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these without a stand mixer?
Yes! Knead the dough by hand for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. It’s a workout, but it works.
Q: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
You can, but fresh herbs give the butter a brighter, more aromatic finish. If using dried, reduce the quantity by half.
Q: How do I know when the rolls are done?
They should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. For precision, use a digital thermometer and look for 190°F inside.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
Yes — just use two pans or a larger baking dish. Perfect for feeding a crowd.
Final Thoughts
Homemade bread has a way of creating memories. These Soft & Fluffy Garlic Herb Dinner Rolls are more than just a side dish — they’re the kind of food people remember. Whether it’s a holiday table filled with family or just a quiet weeknight dinner, these rolls bring comfort, warmth, and that irresistible bakery smell to your kitchen.
And honestly? They’re easier to make than you think. So next time you’re tempted to grab a bag of rolls at the store, take a little extra time to make these. You’ll be glad you did — and so will everyone at your table.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some of the links above are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting the blog!
Soft & Fluffy Garlic Herb Dinner Rolls
Equipment
- Stand mixer with dough hook (or mixing bowl + hands)
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Digital kitchen scale
- 9x13-inch baking dish or large skillet
- Pastry brush
- Kitchen towel or plastic wrap
- Oven thermometer (optional, affiliate)
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups 420 g all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 2 ¼ teaspoon instant yeast 1 packet, 7 g
- 3 tablespoon sugar
- 1 ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup 240 ml warm whole milk (110°F / 43°C)
- ¼ cup 60 g unsalted butter, melted & slightly cooled
- 1 large egg room temperature
- Garlic Herb Butter
- 3 tablespoon unsalted butter melted
- 3 garlic cloves finely grated or minced
- 2 tablespoon fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives or rosemary finely chopped (optional)
- ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Make the dough – In a large bowl or stand mixer, whisk flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead 8–10 minutes (mixer medium speed or by hand) until smooth and slightly tacky. If too dry, add 1 tablespoon milk at a time; if too sticky, dust lightly with flour (but keep it soft and tacky).
- First rise – Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled (60–90 minutes).
- Shape rolls – Punch down gently. Divide dough into 11-12 equal pieces (~60–65 g each). Shape into tight balls and arrange in greased 9x13-inch dish or skillet.
- Second rise – Cover and let rise again 30–45 minutes until puffy. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake – Bake 18–22 minutes, until tops are golden and internal temp reaches 190°F (88°C).
- Garlic Herb Butter – Mix melted butter, garlic, parsley, and chives/rosemary. Immediately brush hot rolls with garlic herb butter. Cover loosely with foil or towel 5–10 minutes to trap steam and make rolls extra pillowy.*
Video
Notes
Serving: Best warm, paired with soups, roasted meats, or holiday spreads. Skip the garlic herb step if you just want regular rolls
Rufus Dewanou says
The Colorful Pantry