Easy Garlic Bread Rolls (Perfect for Thanksgiving)

Easy Garlic Bread Rolls bring buttery flavor and fluffy texture to your holiday table. Golden on the outside and soft inside, these rolls are perfect for Thanksgiving or any family dinner

Warm, fluffy, and brushed with savory garlic butter, these garlic bread rolls are a Thanksgiving favorite. They’re soft inside, golden on top, and easy to make ahead for busy holiday meals.

Why You’ll Love Easy Garlic Bread Rolls

Homemade garlic bread rolls are comforting, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing. They bake up with a soft, pillowy inside and a slightly chewy bite, making every roll irresistible. The garlic butter brushed on top adds a rich, savory finish that pairs perfectly with any holiday dish.

These rolls are also make-ahead and freezer-friendly, so you can prep them in advance and reheat before serving. That means less stress in the kitchen on the big day. Whether you’re planning a full Thanksgiving spread or a simple family dinner, these rolls complete the table and leave everyone asking for seconds.

Soft and fluffy texture

Each roll has a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. The warm milk and bread flour create a dough that rises beautifully and bakes into perfect little clouds.

Irresistible garlic butter topping

Melted butter, garlic, parsley, and parmesan combine to make a savory glaze. Brushing it on while the rolls are warm infuses them with bold flavor.

Make-ahead and freezer-friendly

You can freeze the rolls before or after baking. Thaw and reheat for fresh-from-the-oven taste without last-minute fuss.

Perfect for holiday gatherings

From Thanksgiving to Christmas, these rolls bring comfort and joy to the table. They pair with turkey, stuffing, and even a bowl of hearty soup.

Ingredients for Easy Garlic Bread Rolls

Baking Easy Garlic Bread Rolls doesn’t require fancy ingredients, just simple pantry staples and fresh garlic.

Dough ingredients

• Warm milk: Activates the yeast and creates a soft dough.
• Active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise. Make sure it foams before mixing.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a hint of sweetness.
• Butter: Softened butter adds richness and tender crumb.
• Kosher salt: Balances flavors.
• Egg: Provides structure and softness.
• Bread flour: Creates chewy, fluffy rolls. All-purpose flour works too, but texture may be slightly different.

Garlic butter topping

• Melted butter: The base of the topping.
• Garlic cloves: Freshly minced for bold flavor.
• Parsley: Adds freshness and color.
• Parmesan: A nutty, savory finish.

Substitutions and variations

If you don’t have bread flour, all-purpose flour can be swapped in. Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella for cheesy rolls. You can also mix in dried herbs like rosemary or thyme for a fragrant twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps for bakery-worthy rolls every time.

Activate the yeast

Mix warm milk, yeast, and sugar in a bowl. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. This means the yeast is alive and ready to work.

Mix the dough

Add softened butter, salt, egg, and flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until it comes together into a shaggy dough.

Knead until smooth

Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead 8–10 minutes until elastic. The dough should feel soft but not sticky.

First rise

Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour. It should double in size.

Shape into rolls

Punch down the dough and divide into 12 even pieces. Shape each into a ball and place in a greased baking pan.

Second rise

Cover again and let rest for 30–45 minutes until puffy. This step gives rolls their fluffy texture.

Bake to golden perfection

Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden brown. The tops should sound hollow when tapped.

Brush with garlic butter

While still warm, brush the rolls generously with garlic butter. Let it soak in for maximum flavor.

Tips for the Best Garlic Bread Rolls

Use room-temperature butter in the dough for easy mixing. Knead until the dough passes the “windowpane test” where it stretches thin without tearing. For the rise, keep the bowl in a slightly warm spot, such as near the oven with the light on.

If making ahead, bake and freeze the rolls, then reheat in foil at 325°F until warm. For unbaked dough, freeze shaped rolls on a tray, then bake straight from frozen, adding extra minutes. Brushing with garlic butter while rolls are hot ensures the flavor soaks in deeply.

Recipe Notes and Variations

Make-ahead instructions

Prepare the rolls a day ahead and refrigerate overnight after shaping. Bake the next day, letting them warm slightly before putting in the oven.

Freezing and storage tips

Store baked rolls in an airtight container for 2 days or freeze up to a month. Thaw and reheat before serving for that fresh-baked taste.

Flavor variations

Mix shredded cheese into the dough or sprinkle on top before baking. Add dried Italian herbs or a pinch of chili flakes for extra zest. For a holiday twist, try rosemary and parmesan.

Serving Suggestions

These Easy Garlic Bread Rolls are perfect for Thanksgiving alongside Juicy Turkey Breast for Thanksgiving and Buttery Herb Stuffing for Thanksgiving. They also pair beautifully with Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows for a comforting spread.

Outside the holidays, serve them with soup, pasta, or a simple roasted chicken. They’re versatile, flavorful, and always a hit.

Other recipes you may enjoy

• Buttery Herb Stuffing for Thanksgiving
• Juicy Turkey Breast for Thanksgiving
• Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
• Apple Cheesecake Bars for the Holidays

Conclusion

Soft, buttery, and brushed with garlic goodness, these rolls bring warmth and flavor to any Thanksgiving table. They’re simple to prepare, freeze well, and taste even better fresh from the oven.

Make them part of your family’s holiday traditions and enjoy how easily they pair with your favorite festive dishes. Share a batch with loved ones, and don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest for your holiday meal planning.