Short Description

Soft, buttery rolls filled with garlic and parsley swirl—golden on the outside and tender inside, perfect for snacking or as a flavorful side to any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Aromatic swirl of garlic and butter in every bite
Fluffy, homemade yeast dough—comforting and fresh
Makes a batch of 12 rolls—shareable and satisfying
Ideal alongside soup, salad, pasta, or roasted meats

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Dough:

2 cups warm milk (about 110 °F / 43 °C)
2 tablespoons sugar
2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon salt
4–5 cups all‑purpose flour

For the Filling:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, stir warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy. Add melted butter, eggs, and salt. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms.
Knead and First Rise
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly blended.
Shape the Rolls
Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a 12×18‑inch rectangle. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the dough. Roll tightly from the long edge into a log, then slice into 12 equal pieces.
Second Rise
Arrange the cut rolls, swirl‑side up, in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffed.
Bake
Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Let cool slightly before serving.

Servings And Timing

Makes: 12 rolls
Prep Time: ~20 minutes (includes mixing, rolling, shaping)
First Rise: 60–90 minutes
Second Rise: 30–45 minutes
Bake Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 2¼ to 2½ hours

Variations

Add ¼ cup grated Parmesan or mozzarella between the swirl for cheesy garlic rolls.
Swap parsley for chopped chives or basil for different herb flavor.
Include red pepper flakes or a pinch of smoked paprika in the filling for a spicy twist.
Brush tops with garlic‑herb butter after baking for extra shine and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

To Store: Keep leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To Reheat: Warm individually in a 300 °F (150 °C) oven for 5–7 minutes until heated through, or microwave intermittently (10–15 seconds) wrapped in a damp paper towel to preserve moisture.

FAQs

What temperature should the milk be for activating yeast?

Warm milk should be around 110 °F (about 43 °C). Too hot can kill the yeast; too cool slows activation.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can—simply mix instant yeast directly with the flour and reduce proofing time slightly.

Can I make this dough in a stand mixer?

Absolutely. Use the dough hook, mixing on low speed to combine, then knead for about 5 minutes on medium speed.

Can I make fewer rolls by slicing thicker?

Yes. For thicker rolls, slice into fewer pieces (e.g. 8) and adjust bake time slightly (possibly a few minutes longer).

Do I need to let the rolls cool before eating?

It’s best to let them sit for about 5 minutes so the garlic butter sets and prevents burning your mouth.

Can I freeze these rolls?

Yes. After cooling, freeze individually or as a batch in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in oven.

Can I use garlic powder if fresh garlic isn’t available?

You can substitute 1 teaspoon garlic powder for the minced garlic, though fresh garlic delivers deeper flavor.

Are these rolls vegan-friendly?

Not as written. You can make a vegan version by substituting milk with plant-based milk, butter with vegan butter, and using an egg replacer.

How do I keep rolls soft on day two?

Store sealed at room temperature with a slice of bread to help retain moisture. Reheat lightly to restore freshness.

Conclusion

Garlic Swirl Rolls are an irresistible combination of soft, fluffy dough and rich garlic‑parsley butter swirls—baked to golden perfection. Their warm, aromatic appeal makes them perfect alongside soups or salads, or as a standalone treat. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these homemade rolls bring bakery-quality charm to your kitchen.

Ezabella

Garlic Swirl Rolls