Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls Recipe
If you’re craving soft, buttery bread with that crave-worthy garlicky kick, then you’ve hit the jackpot with my Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls Recipe. These rolls are fluffy, rich, and pack a punch of fresh parmesan and garlic that will make your kitchen smell like heaven. Whether you’re serving them up for dinner or as a fun snack, once you try this recipe, you’re going to wonder why you ever bought dinner rolls from the store in the first place.
Why This Recipe Works
- Quick & Easy: You get wonderfully soft rolls in just 30 minutes total—no all-day rise time needed.
- Perfect Flavor Balance: Garlic and parmesan marry beautifully with fresh herbs for that irresistible savory taste.
- No-Fuss Dough: Minimal kneading needed, making it beginner-friendly but still deliciously fluffy.
- Versatile & Customizable: Easily tweaked for dietary preferences or to add your own twist.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls Recipe has its part in creating the softest, most flavorful rolls you’ve ever had. I always make sure to use fresh yeast and quality parmesan—it really makes a difference!
- Warm water: Activates the yeast perfectly; keep it between 95-105°F for best proofing results.
- Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast to help the dough rise beautifully.
- Yeast (instant or platinum): The magic behind those fluffy, airy rolls.
- Canola oil: Keeps the dough tender and moist without overpowering flavor.
- Salt: Essential for balancing sweetness and enhancing overall flavor.
- Large egg: Adds richness and structure to the dough.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect framework for a soft, yet stable roll.
- Melted butter: A finishing touch that adds moisture and a golden sheen.
- Granulated garlic: Delivers that unforgettable garlicky punch without clumps.
- Parmesan cheese: Gives a nutty, salty flavor that pairs perfectly with garlic.
- Parsley: Adds color and a hint of fresh herbaceousness to the topping.
Tweak to Your Taste
I like to think of this Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls Recipe as a great starting point that you can easily play around with. I often swap out parsley for fresh rosemary or add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat. Don’t be shy—make these rolls your own!
- Dairy-free variation: I tried replacing butter with olive oil and it still turned out deliciously soft and flavorful.
- Herb swap: Thyme or basil works great instead of parsley if you want a different fresh note.
- Cheese swap: Sharp cheddar or pecorino can add exciting twists to the parmesan flavor.
- Garlic intensity: Adjust the amount of granulated garlic topping depending on how strong you love that garlic flavor.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Proof the Yeast for a Fluffy Base
First things first, sprinkle your yeast into warm water mixed with sugar. The trick here is the water temperature: too hot and the yeast dies, too cold and it won’t activate. I stick to 95-105°F and wait 2-5 minutes until you see that lovely foamy layer on top—that’s your yeast waking up and ready to party.
Step 2: Mix in the Magic Ingredients
Next, toss in the canola oil, salt, egg, and gradually add your flour. The dough should come together but still be slightly tacky. If it’s too sticky to handle, sprinkle a bit more flour. I sometimes use my stand mixer for this part—it really makes things easier and helps develop the dough’s gluten with minimal effort.
Step 3: Shape and Rise with Love
Divide your dough into 16 equal pieces—this gives you perfectly sized rolls. Shape them into smooth balls by cupping your hand and gently rolling them on the counter. It’s a bit like giving your dough a little massage! Place them on a lined baking sheet and let them rise in a warm spot for about 5-10 minutes. I usually set mine by the fireplace—it’s perfect for a cozy kitchen vibe and the dough loves the gentle warmth.
Step 4: Butter, Garlic, Parmesan, & Bake!
Brush your risen rolls with melted butter, then sprinkle generously with granulated garlic, parmesan, and parsley. That combo creates a golden, flavorful crust. Pop them in your preheated oven at 375ºF for 18-20 minutes until they’re beautifully baked and smell irresistible.
Step 5: Finish with Comfort
As soon as they come out, brush on more butter while they’re warm. This step seals in moisture and gives your rolls that extra-glossy finish. Seriously, this little detail makes a big difference in taste and texture.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Watch Your Water Temp: Keep it warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast—test with your wrist if you don’t have a thermometer.
- Minimal Kneading is Key: Too much kneading can make the rolls tough; just a few minutes to bring dough together is perfect.
- Use Fresh Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan melts better and creates that irresistible savory crust.
- Warm Rise Spot: If your kitchen is cold, use your oven’s light or a warm surface like a fireplace hearth for proofing dough.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
I like to finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a light dusting of extra parmesan right before serving. It keeps things fresh, adds color, and boosts that cheesy flavor. Sometimes, a tiny dab of garlic butter on the side for dipping is a total crowd-pleaser too.
Side Dishes
These rolls team up beautifully with stews, pasta dishes, or a big bowl of soup. My favorite combo? A hearty tomato basil soup or classic spaghetti bolognese—that garlic and parmesan flavor really elevates the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I love arranging these rolls in a wreath shape on a festive platter, letting the golden tops peek through garnished with fresh herbs. It’s both eye-catching and perfect for sharing around the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days and they stay soft and fresh. If I know I won’t eat them right away, I always freeze extra batches.
Freezing
Freezing these rolls works like a charm—just let them cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before tossing in the freezer. When you want a fresh roll moment, just thaw overnight in the fridge or for an hour at room temperature.
Reheating
To bring them back to life, I pop the rolls in a 350ºF oven for about 5-7 minutes, brushing lightly with butter before warming. This keeps them soft and gives you that fresh-baked aroma again.
FAQs
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Can I make these Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls without an egg?
Absolutely! One reader had great success substituting the egg with a heaping tablespoon of fat-free Greek yogurt, which still gave the dough structure and moisture without compromising softness.
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How can I tell when my yeast is active and ready?
When you mix your yeast with warm water and sugar, it should foam up in 2 to 5 minutes. That foamy layer is a sign it’s alive and kicking. If it doesn’t, your yeast may be old or water too hot or cold.
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Do I need to knead the dough a lot for the best texture?
This recipe calls for minimal kneading because the mixer handles most of it. But if you’re mixing by hand, kneading about 5 minutes on a floured surface helps develop gluten for fluffier rolls.
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Can I use milk instead of water for the dough?
Yes! Another wonderful substitution I’ve heard from readers is swapping the water for milk, which enriches the dough even more. Just keep your liquid warm to properly activate the yeast.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls Recipe has become one of my go-to recipes for quick dinners and gatherings. The ease, the aroma, and that perfect garlicky-cheesy taste keep everyone coming back for more. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with your family or friends—you’re going to love how simple it is to wow everyone at your table with homemade rolls that taste bakery-fresh!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 rolls
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These 30-Minute Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and flavorful, featuring a buttery garlic topping with parmesan cheese and parsley. Quick to prepare and perfect for any dinner table, these rolls combine the classic taste of garlic and parmesan with an easy yeast dough that rises fast for a delicious homemade bread experience.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1¼ cups warm water (95-105 degrees)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 Tbsp yeast (instant or platinum)
- ⅓ cup canola oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
Topping
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tbsp granulated garlic
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese (shredded or grated)
- 2 tsp parsley
Instructions
- Prepare baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a non-stick liner and set it aside.
- Proof yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water and sugar, then add the yeast. Allow the mixture to proof for about 5 minutes, until it becomes foamy.
- Make dough: Add canola oil, salt, egg, and flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until the dough is combined, adding a bit more flour if the dough feels too sticky.
- Shape rolls: Divide the dough into 16 equal pieces and shape each piece into a roll. For fluffier rolls, knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes if needed.
- Let rolls rise: Place the rolls on the prepared baking sheet and let them rise in a warm place for 10 minutes. Using a warm area like near a fireplace hearth works well.
- Apply toppings: Brush the risen rolls with melted butter, then evenly sprinkle with granulated garlic, parmesan cheese, and parsley.
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375ºF.
- Bake rolls: Bake the rolls for 20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Finish and serve: After baking, spread additional melted butter over the top of the rolls before serving to add extra richness.
Notes
- You can substitute the water with milk and replace the egg with a heaping tablespoon of fat-free Greek yogurt for a slightly different texture and flavor.
- Kneading helps develop gluten for fluffier rolls; while mixing in a stand mixer may be sufficient, some climates or elevations might require kneading the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes.
- Keep the water temperature between 95-105 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal yeast activation; higher temperatures risk killing the yeast.
- Allow enough rising time to create light and fluffy rolls; a warm environment aids this process.
- A video tutorial for similar 1-hour dinner rolls is available, which may help visualize the process.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
