Soft Garlic Butter Parmesan Rolls with Fresh Herbs
Tender yeast rolls infused with aromatic garlic butter and fresh parsley, topped with parmesan cheese for a golden, savory finish. These soft, pillowy rolls make an excellent side dish for family dinners, holiday meals, or any occasion that calls for warm, comforting bread. The garlic butter filling creates beautiful swirls throughout each roll, while the parmesan adds a delicious umami note that sets this version apart from standard dinner rolls.
Ingredients
- ¼ oz dry active yeast, packet
- ½ c warm water, not hot
- ¼ c granulated sugar, divided
- 4 c all-purpose flour, dividedbread flour1:1gluten-free
use for chewier texture
- 6 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 c milk
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 8 tbsp butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ c fresh parsley, chopped
- salt and pepper, to taste(optional)
- ¼ c parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- 1
Mix yeast, warm water, and 1 tablespoon sugar in small bowl and let rest until frothy
- 2
Stir in 1 cup flour until well combined and set mixture aside
- 3
Mix 2 cups flour with remaining sugar, melted butter, milk, and salt in large bowl
- 4
Gradually fold yeast mixture into flour mixture until shaggy dough forms, adding more flour if too sticky
- 5
Cover bowl and let dough rise in warm spot for about 60 minutes
- 6
Combine softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper
- 7
Dust work surface with flour and knead risen dough for about 2 minutes
- 8
Roll dough into 12x16 inch rectangle
- 9
Spread garlic butter mixture evenly across surface
- 10
Cut dough into 1-inch strips and tightly roll each one
- 11
Place rolls cut-side down in greased baking dish
- 12
Cover and let rise for another 45 minutes
- 13
Sprinkle rolls with parmesan cheese
- 14
Preheat oven to 375°F and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown
- 15
Let rolls cool for at least 15 minutes before serving
Tips
Use the oven's proofing setting or stovetop on lowest heat to create ideal rising conditions for the dough.
Test water temperature with your wrist - it should feel barely warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
Roll the strips tightly to create distinct garlic butter swirls throughout each roll.
Good to Know
Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Prepare through first rise, then refrigerate overnight and continue with shaping the next day.
Serve warm from the oven or reheat briefly before serving for best texture.
Common Mistakes
Use warm, not hot water to avoid killing the yeast and preventing proper rise.
Don't skip the resting time between rises to ensure proper texture and flavor development.
Roll strips tightly to prevent garlic butter from leaking out during baking.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes, prepare through the first rise, then refrigerate overnight. Shape and complete second rise the next day before baking.
What if my dough doesn't rise properly?
Check that your yeast is fresh and the water wasn't too hot. Place dough in a warmer location and allow extra time if needed.
How long will these rolls keep fresh?
Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat briefly before serving.