Name: Homemade Garlic Herb Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups whole milk; 1 stick unsalted butter (cut into pieces); 1/3 cup sugar; 1 package active dry yeast; 1/2 cup warm water; 4 cloves garlic (finely chopped); 3 large eggs (lightly beaten); 2 teaspoons salt; 6 cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup butter; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; Finely grated parmesan cheese (to taste)

If you’ve ever wished for soft, perfectly fluffy rolls that fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of garlic and fresh herbs, then this Homemade Garlic Herb Rolls Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how this recipe comes together—it’s comforting, flavorful, and a true crowd-pleaser. Stick with me because I’m about to share all the tips and tricks that will help you bake these gorgeous rolls to golden perfection every time!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistible Flavor Boost: The combination of garlic, Italian seasoning, and parmesan takes these rolls from ordinary to unforgettable.
Soft, Fluffy Texture: Thanks to the milk and butter infusion, these rolls stay tender and moist even the next day.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or holiday feast, these rolls always impress.
Beginner Friendly: With step-by-step tips, you’ll feel confident even if you’re new to baking bread.

A black bowl filled with nine golden brown round bread rolls, each roll having a textured top with visible bits of seasoning or garlic. The bowl rests on a white cloth draped over a wooden surface, with part of a bread roll torn and placed nearby. Around the bowl, there are green seed pods and a dark red and green floral arrangement visible. The scene is set on a white marbled texture background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple pantry staples that work harmoniously to create soft, flavorful rolls. I’ve found that using fresh garlic and real butter really brings out the best in these rolls, so don’t skip the good stuff!

Whole milk: Adds richness and helps the dough stay tender and soft.
Unsalted butter: Using unsalted helps control the saltiness; butter adds moisture and flavor.
Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle touch of sweetness to balance the garlic.
Active dry yeast: The magic behind the rise; make sure it’s fresh and foamy for the best results.
Warm water: Activates the yeast—warm but not hot is key to avoid killing it.
Garlic cloves: Freshly chopped garlic gives these rolls their signature punch.
Large eggs: Adds structure and richness; lightly beaten so they mix in smoothly.
Salt: Brings all the flavors together and controls yeast activity.
All-purpose flour: Provides the body of the rolls; sifted and added gradually to build the perfect dough consistency.
Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix of herbs that complements the garlic beautifully.
Parmesan cheese: Finely grated, it adds a savory finish when mixed with melted herb butter.

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

One of my favorite things about this Homemade Garlic Herb Rolls Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you love or what’s on hand. I often switch up the herbs or add a bit more cheese just to keep things interesting and personal.

Herb Variations: I’ve swapped Italian seasoning for fresh rosemary or thyme — both add a lovely, fragrant twist that really shines.
Cheese Variations: Sometimes, I sprinkle mozzarella or asiago into the butter brush for gooey, melty goodness on top.
Garlic Intensity: If you adore garlic like I do, increase the amount or try roasted garlic for a sweeter, mellower flavor.
Dietary Tweaks: For a dairy-free version, coconut or almond milk and a vegan butter substitute work surprisingly well here.

How to Make Homemade Garlic Herb Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Warm Up Your Ingredients to Activate the Yeast

Begin by heating the milk in a small saucepan until it just starts to simmer—that subtle warmth helps soften the butter later without cooking it. While the milk cools slightly, dissolve the yeast in warm water and wait—this is one of those moments where patience really pays off! You’ll know it’s ready when the yeast mixture becomes foamy and smells yeasty but pleasant, which means it’s alive and ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Mix the Garlic, Eggs, and Flour for That Perfect Dough

Stir the softened butter and sugar into the warm milk, then combine this with your yeast, chopped garlic, lightly beaten eggs, salt, and half of your flour. Use a mixer with a dough hook if you have one—trust me, it makes things easier—but you can start mixing by hand if needed. The dough will be soft but not sticky. Gradually add the remaining flour, half a cup at a time, until a smooth ball forms that pulls away from the sides of your bowl.

Step 3: Knead and Let It Rise to Get That Fluffy Texture

Take the dough out and knead it on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes. This step is key — it helps develop the gluten, giving your rolls that perfect chewiness. Then, place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot. It’ll take about an hour to double in size. I usually put mine near the oven or on top of the fridge where it’s cozy and draft-free.

Step 4: Shape, Rise Again, and Bake

Punch down the dough gently to release the air, then divide it into balls just smaller than tennis balls—I find about 2.5 ounces each works well. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise again until puffy and doubled in size, roughly 30 to 40 minutes. This second rise is what makes them so airy and light!

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and pop those beauties in for around 20 minutes, until golden brown on top. While they’re baking, melt butter and mix in Italian seasoning and freshly grated parmesan—this finishing touch is what sends these rolls over the top.

When your rolls come out warm and smelling heavenly, brush them generously with the herby parmesan butter. You’ll notice how it seeps right into the soft crust, adding lots of flavor and a little shine.

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Pro Tips for Making Homemade Garlic Herb Rolls Recipe

Proof Your Yeast: Always proof your yeast first—if it doesn’t foam, your rolls won’t rise properly.
Don’t Rush the Rise: I learned the hard way that skipping or shortening the rise makes rolls dense; let that dough double fully!
Use Room Temperature Eggs: Cold eggs can slow down the yeast activity slightly; I always crack mine out and let them warm for a bit.
Brush Immediately After Baking: Brushing butter straight out of the oven ensures it soaks into the crust instead of just sitting on top.

How to Serve Homemade Garlic Herb Rolls Recipe

A tray of 16 round golden brown bread rolls is neatly arranged in four rows and four columns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Each roll has a shiny, smooth top sprinkled with a mix of chopped garlic and herbs that add texture with small bits spread unevenly. The rolls are close together, showing soft, fluffy sides where they touch. The baking sheet is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to add a sprinkle of extra parmesan or fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives right before serving. It adds color and a fresh pop that makes the rolls look as amazing as they taste.

Side Dishes

These rolls are a perfect companion to hearty stews, creamy soups, or classic holiday mains like roast chicken or turkey. My family absolutely goes crazy for them alongside garlic mashed potatoes and green beans almondine.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve these rolls in a woven basket lined with a rustic linen cloth and garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs. Another fun idea is arranging the rolls in a circular pattern on a baking sheet, then pulling them apart like a fluffy pull-apart bread—it’s always a hit at parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (and trust me, you might!), store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and fresh, although they’re best enjoyed the same day if possible.

Freezing

I love to freeze any extra rolls uncooked after the first rise. Just shape them into balls, freeze on a sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, thaw, let rise again, and bake. This way, fresh homemade garlic herb rolls are always just a short wait away.

Reheating

To reheat rolls, I pop them in a preheated 350°F oven wrapped in foil for 10-15 minutes. If you want to revive that buttery, garlicky finish, brush with a little melted garlic butter again after reheating—just trust me on this one.

FAQs

Can I make this Homemade Garlic Herb Rolls Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! You can substitute the milk with a plant-based milk like almond or oat, use a vegan butter, and replace eggs with flaxseed or chia egg alternatives. Just keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Yes, but fresh garlic really elevates the flavor. If you’re in a pinch, use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, but adjust based on your taste. Fresh is always best when possible!
How do I know if my dough has risen enough?

It should roughly double in size and look puffed up. You can do the poke test: gently press your finger into the dough, and if the indentation slowly springs back, it’s ready!
Can I make the dough by hand without a mixer?

Definitely! Mixing and kneading by hand works well. It takes a bit more elbow grease, but kneading the dough for about 8-10 minutes will develop the gluten perfectly for soft rolls.

Final Thoughts

I honestly can’t recommend this Homemade Garlic Herb Rolls Recipe enough — these rolls have become my go-to for everything from simple family dinners to festive holidays. There’s something so comforting about pulling a warm, buttery roll from the oven and sharing it with the people you love. Give this recipe a try — you’ll thank me when your kitchen smells like heaven and everyone’s asking for seconds.