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If you’ve ever dreamed of perfect, fluffy bread rolls kissed with rich garlic and sharp Parmesan cheese, then you’re in for a treat with this Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls Recipe. These rolls are soft on the inside with a golden crust that carries the irresistible aroma of garlic butter and freshly grated Parmesan, making them the perfect companion for any meal or a standout snack on their own. Once you make these, they’ll quickly become your go-to bread to impress family and friends effortlessly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls Recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together to create a bread that’s soft, flavorful, and wonderfully aromatic. Each ingredient adds a special touch, from the creamy richness of butter to the subtle tang of Parmesan and the warm yeast that makes the rolls beautifully fluffy.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and soft crumb that’s classic for dinner rolls.
- Active dry yeast: The magic agent that makes our dough rise and become airy.
- Warm milk: Feeds the yeast and keeps the dough tender and moist.
- Sugar: Just enough to activate the yeast and add a slight sweetness to balance the garlic.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb and golden crust.
- Egg: Brings moisture and structure, contributing to the dough’s elasticity.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for that knockout flavor that defines this recipe.
- Italian seasoning (optional): A pinch adds herbal notes that deepen the flavor profile.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated, it melts and crisps on top, adding a savory punch.
- Fresh parsley: For garnish that brings a fresh, vibrant finish.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining your active dry yeast with warm milk and sugar. This awakens the yeast, creating bubbles and a foamy surface that signals it’s ready to work its magic. It’s a small step with a huge payoff in airy, fluffy rolls.
Step 2: Combine the Dough Ingredients
Once your yeast is bubbly, mix it with all-purpose flour, salt, softened butter, and egg. These create a rich dough that balances flavor and texture perfectly. The butter keeps the rolls tender, while the egg helps bind everything together, resulting in lovely elasticity.
Step 3: Knead and Let Rise
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic. This process develops the gluten network to give your rolls that perfect chew. After kneading, pop the dough into a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise until doubled in size — usually about an hour. This rise is where the magic of fluffy bread happens.
Step 4: Shape and Second Rise
Gently punch down your dough, then divide and shape it into 12 even rolls. Place them on a greased baking sheet or in a pan, cover, and let them rise again until puffy. This second rise guarantees lightness and a beautiful crumb texture.
Step 5: Add Garlic Butter and Parmesan, Then Bake
Before baking, brush each roll generously with garlic butter made by melting butter and mixing in minced garlic and optional Italian seasoning. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the tops for that savory, crispy crust. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18-22 minutes until golden and irresistible.
Step 6: Final Butter Brush and Garnish
Once out of the oven, brush your rolls again with more garlic butter to lock in moisture and enhance flavor. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness. Serve them warm—you won’t want to wait!
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
The final touch of fresh parsley adds a vibrant green contrast that makes these rolls look as good as they taste. For an extra layer of decadence, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan just before serving keeps the cheesy goodness front and center.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair beautifully with hearty soups, homemade stews, or a fresh garden salad. They soak up sauces wonderfully, making them perfect alongside Italian, Mediterranean, or classic American comfort meals.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the rolls in a circular pattern on a rustic wooden board, surrounded by garlic butter dip and small bowls of marinara or pesto. You can also slice them horizontally for garlic Parmesan sliders filled with your favorite sandwich fixings for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls Recipe treats, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft and fresh, ready for snacking or quick reheating.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the rolls individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
The best way to bring back that fresh-baked magic is to warm rolls in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes. You can also microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel for about 15 seconds, though the oven method keeps the crust nicely crisped.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour adds a nuttier flavor and denser texture. You might want to use a mix of half whole wheat and half all-purpose to keep the rolls soft while adding some wholesome goodness.
Is Italian seasoning necessary for the garlic butter?
Italian seasoning is optional but highly recommended as it adds aromatic herbs that complement the garlic and Parmesan perfectly. If you don’t have it, simple dried oregano or basil will still taste great.
Can I make these rolls vegan?
To keep these dinners rolls vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based option, use a plant-based milk like almond or soy, and replace the egg with unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg. The flavor will still be amazing!
What if my dough doesn’t rise properly?
Make sure your milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast. Also, ensure your yeast is fresh and active. If the dough isn’t rising, give it more time in a warm, draft-free spot—it can sometimes just need a bit more patience.
Can I make the dough in a stand mixer?
Yes! Using a stand mixer with a dough hook makes kneading easier and quicker. Mix until the dough is smooth and elastic, then proceed with the rising and shaping steps as usual.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so heartwarming about pulling freshly baked, soft, garlicky Parmesan rolls out of the oven—it’s pure comfort on a plate. This Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls Recipe is simple enough to make any day special but delicious enough to be the star of your holiday table. I can’t wait for you to try it and share the joy of homemade bread with those you love.
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Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls are soft, buttery, and infused with rich garlic flavor, topped with savory Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Perfect as a side for dinner or a tasty snack, these rolls offer a delightful combination of fluffy texture and cheesy, herby taste.
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
Garlic Butter & Topping
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar, then sprinkle the active dry yeast over the liquid. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is activated and ready to use.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the softened butter and egg to the frothy yeast mixture, then pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until the dough starts coming together.
- Knead and Rise: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape and Second Rise: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and arrange them on a greased or parchment-lined baking tray. Cover and let the rolls rise again for about 30-40 minutes until puffy.
- Garlic Butter and Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix the melted butter with minced garlic and Italian seasoning if using. Brush the tops of the rolls generously with this garlic butter mixture, then sprinkle evenly with grated Parmesan cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes or until the rolls are golden and cooked through.
- Final Touch and Serve: After baking, brush the rolls again with any remaining garlic butter to keep them moist and flavorful. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the rolls warm for the best taste experience.
Notes
- Use warm milk, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- If you don’t have Italian seasoning, you can use a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme.
- For extra cheesy rolls, sprinkle more Parmesan before baking or add mozzarella inside the rolls.
- These rolls freeze well; wrap them tightly and thaw before reheating.
- Adjust garlic quantity based on your preference for garlicky flavor.
