Rosemary Garlic Dinner Rolls Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you know that nothing quite beats the smell of fresh-baked bread wafting through the house. That’s why I’m so excited to share this Rosemary Garlic Dinner Rolls Recipe with you—a fan-freaking-tastic way to enjoy soft, fluffy rolls bursting with savory flavor in under an hour. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or just craving some cozy homemade bread, these rolls come together quickly and will have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make them again and again!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work in harmony to create rolls that are flavorful and irresistibly soft. The yeast activates quickly, rosemary adds that piney, herbal note, and garlic gives a subtle punch without overpowering the bread. Here are some brief tips on each ingredient to help you get started:

• Water: Warm water is key to activating the yeast—too hot can kill it, and too cold won’t wake it up.
• Melted Butter: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough, plus a lovely buttery flavor.
• Milk: The fat in milk helps keep the rolls soft and tender, a small but important touch.
• Honey: Just a touch for sweetness that also helps feed the yeast during rising.
• Active-Dry Yeast: Make sure it’s fresh for a good rise—you’ll see it foam when activated.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of your dough; the exact amount depends on humidity and flour brand, so add gradually.
• Fresh Rosemary: Finely chopped for an aromatic herb accent that really shines.
• Fine Sea Salt: Enhances all the flavors; if you only have table salt, reduce the amount to prevent over-salting.
• Garlic Powder: Infuses mild garlic flavor throughout the dough itself.
• Optional Flaky Sea Salt: For sprinkling on top—gives a great finishing crunch and burst of salt.
• Butter (for garlic herb butter): Melted to bring that luscious garlic flavor right to the surface.
• Fresh Garlic Cloves: Thinly sliced to infuse the butter gently without burning it.
• Fresh Parsley: Finely chopped for a burst of color and fresh herb lift in the garlic butter.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Rosemary Garlic Dinner Rolls Recipe to suit different tastes and occasions. Feel free to make it your own! A few simple tweaks can personalize these rolls without making the process complicated.

• Cheesy Twist: I sometimes add shredded parmesan or asiago cheese on top before baking—my family goes crazy for that extra layer of flavor and texture.
• Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes into the dough can give it a subtle heat that pairs perfectly with the garlic and rosemary.
• Gluten-Free Version: While I haven’t tried it myself yet, substituting a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend could work—just watch the dough texture and add more liquid as needed.
• Vegan Option: Swap the butter and milk for plant-based alternatives like olive oil and almond milk; the flavor will still be deliciously satisfying.

How to Make Rosemary Garlic Dinner Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Warm up the liquid mixture

Start by stirring together water and melted butter in a saucepan, then add milk and honey. I like to heat this gently over medium-low, stirring occasionally until it hits about 110°F. This temp feels warm but not hot if you test it with your finger. You want to be gentle here because if it’s too hot, the yeast won’t activate. (Alternatively, zap it in the microwave for short bursts, checking often.) This step wakes up the yeast and starts the magic of those fluffy rolls.

Step 2: Activate the yeast

Pour your warm liquid into your stand mixer bowl—or a large mixing bowl if you’re kneading by hand. Sprinkle the active-dry yeast on top and stir quickly to combine. Then let it rest for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy. This is your sign that the yeast is alive and kicking, ready to help your dough rise beautifully.

Step 3: Mix dough and add herbs

Time to add the flour—start with 3 1/2 cups—plus the finely chopped rosemary, fine sea salt, and garlic powder. Attach your dough hook and mix on medium-low until everything comes together. If the dough clings to the bowl, sprinkle in a little more flour—about 1/4 cup at a time—but no more than 4 cups total. You want the dough to pull away from the sides but still feel slightly sticky. Then keep mixing at a low speed for 4-5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.

Step 4: Let the dough rise briefly

Form the dough into a ball and transfer it to a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp towel or foil, and let it rest in a warm place for 15 minutes. This short rise will relax the dough and get those gluten strands ready to stretch.

Step 5: Prepare your baking dish and shape the rolls

Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400°F and grease a 9×13-inch pan. After the dough’s first rest, gently punch it down and divide it into 15 even pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place them evenly spaced in the pan. Cover again and let the rolls rise for another 15-20 minutes—the second rise is critical for those soft, fluffy interiors.

Step 6: Bake those beauties

Uncover the pan and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the tops are golden brown and smell amazing. I like to keep an eye on them around the 15-minute mark to make sure they don’t over-bake because soft rolls spoil fast if too dry.

Step 7: Whip up the garlic herb butter

While the rolls are baking, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add thinly sliced garlic and let it simmer gently for about 2 minutes to infuse the butter without burning the garlic. Then strain out the garlic slices and stir in chopped fresh parsley. This garlic butter will elevate your rolls to next-level deliciousness once brushed on warm.

Step 8: Serve warm with garlic butter

When the rolls are fresh from the oven, brush them generously with the garlic herb butter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt if you like that finishing crunch. Serve warm and watch these rolls disappear fast—I promise your family and guests will be impressed!

How to Serve Rosemary Garlic Dinner Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

When serving, I love brushing the rolls with extra garlic herb butter just before serving for extra shine and flavor. A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top adds a delightful crunch and an uplifting burst of saltiness that really makes these rolls pop.

Side Dishes

These rolls really shine alongside hearty meals—think creamy tomato soup, roasted chicken, or a big bowl of comforting stew. I’ve also served them with balsamic-glazed veggies or alongside a bold cheese board for a casual gathering, and they pair beautifully every time.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to arrange the rolls in a wreath shape on a festive platter and tuck fresh rosemary sprigs among them for decoration and aroma. Another fun idea is to serve them in individual ramekins or bread baskets lined with a colorful cloth napkin—makes the table instantly cozy and welcoming.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let leftover rolls cool completely before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and tasty for about 2 days this way. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is the way to go.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these rolls both before and after baking. To freeze before baking, shape the rolls and freeze them covered on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. To freeze after baking, make sure they’re completely cooled, then wrap tightly. When thawed, they taste just as fresh—and it saves a ton of time on busy days.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop a few rolls in a preheated 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes, uncovered. This method keeps the crust a little crisp while warming the inside perfectly. You can also microwave a single roll for 20-30 seconds if you’re in a hurry, but it won’t have that fresh-baked texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Rosemary Garlic Dinner Rolls Recipe turns out every single time—it’s become a quick go-to for me when I want something comforting, flavorful, and homemade without hours of work. When I first tried making dinner rolls from scratch, I struggled with dense or dry bread, but this recipe really nails the soft texture and bold flavor. I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as my family and I do, and that these rolls will bring warmth and happiness to your table just like they do to mine. Happy baking, friend!

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