Name: Garlic Herb Butter Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-489407H56M44S
Total time: 1 h 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 tsp (1 stick) butter; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 sprigs thyme leaves, chopped; 1 sprig rosemary leaves, chopped; 1 sprig oregano leaves, chopped; 8 sage leaves, chopped; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; 180 mL warm water (110ºF-115ºF); 10 grams instant dry yeast; 5 grams white granulated sugar; 15 grams extra virgin olive oil; 280 grams bread flour, sifted; 10 grams kosher salt; 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; Flaky sea salt for garnish

If you’ve been searching for a foolproof way to elevate your bread game, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Garlic Herb Butter Rolls Recipe is seriously a fan-freaking-tastic combination of soft, fluffy rolls and a buttery, herb-studded garlic topping that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re making dinner for the family or prepping for a holiday feast, these rolls deliver that homemade warmth and irresistible flavor every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bursting with Fresh Herb Flavor: The blend of thyme, rosemary, oregano, and sage infuses a garden-fresh aroma you can’t resist.
Soft, Fluffy Texture: Thanks to the yeast and kneading technique, these rolls come out light and tender every time.
Garlic Butter Magic: Melting the butter with garlic and herbs makes all the difference for that rich, savory glaze.
Perfect for Any Occasion: These rolls go from weekday dinners to special gatherings with ease, impressing every crowd.

The image shows a close-up of several golden-baked garlic knot rolls arranged closely together on a round wooden board. Each roll is twisted into a knot shape with a slightly crispy, browned surface speckled with green herbs and small bits of garlic. The texture looks soft inside with a lightly toasted outer layer. The background is blurred with warm tones, and the whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create that irresistible garlic herb butter goodness combined with the perfect bread roll structure. When shopping, fresh herbs and good-quality butter will really elevate the flavor — don’t skip the parmesan cheese either, it adds a lovely savory crust.

Butter: Use unsalted if you want to control saltiness; the flavor melts beautifully with the herbs.
Garlic: Freshly minced is best — it gives that punch of strong, aromatic flavor.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps keep the dough tender.
Fresh Herbs (Thyme, Rosemary, Oregano, Sage): Fresh is key here. Dried won’t deliver the same vibrant aroma and taste.
Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch to add a subtle heat – optional but delicious.
Warm Water: Temperature matters! It should feel like a warm bath (110ºF-115ºF) to activate the yeast properly.
Instant Dry Yeast: Makes kneading and rising so much easier—no need to proof it first.
Granulated Sugar: Feeds the yeast, helping the dough rise and adding a touch of sweetness.
Bread Flour: Provides the right gluten structure for that perfect chew.
Kosher Salt: Enhances the flavor without overpowering the buttery herbs.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated gives a sharp, nutty contrast to the soft rolls.
Flaky Sea Salt: For a finishing touch – it adds crunch and bursts of saltiness on top.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Garlic Herb Butter Rolls Recipe is—once you master the basics, you can tailor it to what your family loves or what’s in season. It’s so satisfying to make it your own.

Cheesy Garlic Herb Rolls: Adding mozzarella inside the dough before knotting makes for a gooey surprise my kids adore.
Spicy Kick: If you love heat, bump up the red pepper flakes or even add some smoked paprika to the butter mixture.
Gluten-Free Option: I’ve experimented with gluten-free flour blends, but you’ll want to add a little xanthan gum for structure.
Seasonal Herb Swap: In summer, fresh basil and parsley work wonders if you don’t have sage and oregano on hand.

How to Make Garlic Herb Butter Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Infuse the Garlic Herb Butter

Start by melting your butter and olive oil together in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Toss in your minced garlic, fresh herbs, and red pepper flakes. Keep the heat gentle—do not let the butter brown! You want those herbs and garlic to slowly release their flavor, so let it infuse quietly for about 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and set it aside to cool. This step is my secret weapon for intensely flavored butter rolls every time.

Step 2: Knead the Perfect Dough

Combine your warm water, yeast, sugar, olive oil, sifted bread flour, and kosher salt in the bowl of a stand mixer with a dough hook. Knead on medium-high speed for 6 to 7 minutes. You’ll know the dough is ready once it pulls away cleanly from the bowl and feels just slightly tacky to the touch. If you gently stretch it, it shouldn’t tear—that’s a good gluten sign. I’ve learned that this step takes patience, but don’t rush it or your rolls won’t rise properly.

Step 3: Let Your Dough Rise and Shape Your Rolls

Oil a large bowl and place your dough inside, then cover and leave it somewhere warm for about an hour. While it’s rising, the magic happens—your dough will double in size and become airy. After it’s risen, punch it down gently and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Cut into 12 equal pieces, roll each into a log, then tie them into knots. This shaping makes your rolls not only beautiful but also perfect for soaking up all the buttery goodness.

Step 4: Combine Rolls with Garlic Butter and Bake

Pour the cooled garlic herb butter over the rolls along with ¼ cup of parmesan cheese in a bowl, and gently toss everything to coat them evenly—be careful not to tear the rolls. Spray your baking dish, arrange the rolls snugly inside, and cover with the remaining parmesan. Bake at 450ºF (230ºC) for 12 to 15 minutes until golden and puffed. Once out of the oven, brush with any remaining garlic butter and sprinkle flaky sea salt on top. I always love this finishing touch—it adds texture and a hit of flavor that truly makes them irresistible.

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Pro Tips for Making Garlic Herb Butter Rolls Recipe

Perfect Water Temperature: I learned the hard way—too hot and the yeast dies, too cold and it won’t activate. Aim for 110ºF-115ºF for best rise.
Don’t Skip Cooling the Butter: Pouring warm butter on the dough can kill the yeast and ruin the texture, so let it come down to room temp.
Gentle Tossing: Use your hands to mix the rolls gently with the butter and cheese to keep the shape intact and evenly coat every bite.
Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on them in the oven; overbaking makes rolls dry instead of tender and fluffy.

How to Serve Garlic Herb Butter Rolls Recipe

The image shows a round black baking pan filled with golden brown pull-apart rolls arranged closely together in one layer. Each roll is round and has a slightly uneven puffy surface with bits of herbs and melted cheese sprinkled on top, giving a textured look with green, white, and light brown colors spread all over. The pan sits on a round wooden board placed on a white marbled surface. The rolls appear soft and freshly baked with a slightly shiny top from butter or oil photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually finish these rolls with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for crunch, and a tiny bit of fresh parsley if I have it on hand—just for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes I’ll add an extra drizzle of herb butter before serving to keep them warm and glossy. It’s a simple touch that everyone notices and loves.

Side Dishes

These Garlic Herb Butter Rolls go perfectly with hearty soups, stews, or my family’s favorite roasted chicken dinner. They’re also great beside crispy salads or a creamy pasta dish if you want to keep it simple. Honestly, they’re so flavorful they can almost be the star of the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love arranging the garlic herb rolls in a circular pattern on a platter, then placing a small bowl of herb-infused olive oil or marinara sauce in the center for dipping. It turns these rolls into an interactive appetizer that guests can’t stop nibbling on. I once took them to a holiday potluck like this and got asked for the recipe on the spot!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for no more than two days. Wrapping them in a clean kitchen towel before sealing helps preserve softness. I’ve found that garlic butter flavor mellows beautifully over time, so the next day they taste like little flavor bombs.

Freezing

These rolls freeze wonderfully! After shaping and tossing in the garlic butter and cheese, pop them into the freezer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When you want fresh rolls, just thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. Freezing is a lifesaver for busy weeks or unexpected guests.

Reheating

To reheat, I preheat the oven to 350ºF, cover the rolls with foil to prevent drying, and warm them for about 10 minutes. If you have some leftover garlic butter, brush a little on the rolls before reheating to refresh that rich flavor and moisture. Microwave works in a pinch, but the oven’s much better for keeping texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh in this recipe?

You can, but fresh herbs deliver a much brighter and more vibrant flavor in the garlic herb butter. If you must use dried, use about one-third of the amount and add it while melting the butter so they have time to rehydrate and infuse.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! The dough is straightforward to knead with a stand mixer, and the shaping technique is forgiving. Plus, the infusion of butter and herbs masks any tiny imperfections in shaping—perfect to build your bread-making confidence.
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and shape the rolls a day ahead, refrigerating them covered overnight. Just bring them to room temperature before baking. You can also freeze them as explained above for longer storage.
What can I serve with Garlic Herb Butter Rolls?

They’re great with soups, roasted meats, pasta dishes, or even as an appetizer with dipping oils or spreads. Their rich flavor helps complement many meals, making them incredibly versatile.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Garlic Herb Butter Rolls Recipe turns out every single time—warm, buttery, and packed full of fresh herb goodness. It’s been a favorite in my family for special dinners and casual weeknights alike. Once you try making these rolls from scratch, you’ll find it’s easier than you thought, and the taste is unbeatable. Seriously, start with this recipe today and you might just be the neighborhood bread hero tomorrow!