Name: Homemade Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (can substitute half or all with whole wheat flour); 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet); 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C); 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced finely; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or Italian herbs, chopped; 1-2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional); Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (for cheesy rolls); Additional fresh herbs: rosemary, thyme, basil; Red pepper flakes or finely chopped jalapeños (for spicy rolls); Plant-based margarine or olive oil (for dairy-free versions); Dairy-free cheese (optional)

Ingredients

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (can substitute half or all with whole wheat flour)

2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)

1 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

3 cloves fresh garlic, minced finely

2 tablespoons fresh parsley or Italian herbs, chopped

1-2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (for cheesy rolls)

Additional fresh herbs: rosemary, thyme, basil

Red pepper flakes or finely chopped jalapeños (for spicy rolls)

Plant-based margarine or olive oil (for dairy-free versions)

Dairy-free cheese (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Dissolve the active dry yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is active. In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt.

Step 2: Pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil or melted butter. Stir and knead the mixture for 8 to 10 minutes until you achieve a smooth, elastic dough. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.

Step 3: While the dough is rising, melt the butter and combine it with finely minced garlic and chopped fresh parsley or Italian herbs. Add grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Step 4: Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release air bubbles. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide into 10 to 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place them on a lined baking tray or greased pan.

Step 5: Position the rolls close together for soft edges or spaced apart for a crustier texture. Lightly brush the rolls with the garlic herb butter and cover them with a kitchen towel. Let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until puffed.

Step 6: Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 7: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown on top with a crisp crust. Immediately after baking, brush more garlic herb butter over the hot rolls to keep them moist and flavorful.

Tips & Variations

For cheesy rolls, add shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese inside each dough ball before shaping.

To make spicy garlic rolls, mix in red pepper flakes or finely chopped jalapeños into the garlic herb butter.

Substitute plant-based margarine and dairy-free cheese to make this recipe vegan and dairy-free.

Experiment with different fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or basil for varied flavors.

Brush the rolls with garlic herb butter both before and after baking to enhance moisture and taste.

Storage

Store cooled garlic bread rolls in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the rolls wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Reheat frozen rolls by warming in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. Use slightly less (about 2 teaspoons) and mix it directly into the dry flour before adding liquids. The rising times may be shorter.

What if I don’t have fresh garlic or herbs?

You can use garlic powder and dried herbs as substitutes. Use about 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 tablespoon dried herbs in place of fresh for the garlic herb butter.