Garlic-Swirl Rolls – Soft, Buttery, and Irresistibly Garlicky
Few things can compete with the heavenly aroma of freshly baked bread — unless, of course, that bread happens to be brushed with golden butter and infused with garlic. These Garlic-Swirl Rolls are the perfect blend of pillowy-soft dinner rolls and rich, garlicky flavor, beautifully rolled up like cinnamon buns but in savory form.
Imagine pulling apart a warm roll, steam curling from the soft layers, the scent of garlic butter filling the kitchen. Whether you’re serving them beside a bowl of pasta, a hearty stew, or a roast chicken dinner, these rolls always steal the spotlight. They’re indulgent yet simple to make — the kind of homemade touch that makes any meal feel special.
Baking these rolls reminds me of family dinners on Sunday evenings, when the kitchen would be filled with laughter and the smell of fresh bread. It’s the sort of recipe that instantly brings warmth and nostalgia to the table — and a guaranteed second helping for everyone.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
For the Garlic Filling:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Topping (after baking):
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 1 teaspoon parsley
Instructions:
- Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until slightly foamy.
- Make the dough: Add flour, salt, softened butter, and egg. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead by hand (8–10 minutes) or with a stand mixer (5–6 minutes) until smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare garlic filling: Mix melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, and salt in a small bowl.
- Shape the rolls: Punch down the dough and roll it out into a 12×16-inch rectangle. Brush evenly with the garlic butter filling.
- Roll and slice: Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice into 12 even pieces and place them cut-side up in a greased baking pan.
- Second rise: Cover loosely and let rise again for 20–25 minutes while preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes, until golden brown on top.
- Brush with topping: While still warm, brush the rolls with the melted butter and garlic topping.
- Serve warm: Sprinkle with extra parsley if desired, and serve straight from the pan or plate them up in a bread basket.
Tips & Tricks
- Make sure your milk is warm, not hot, so you don’t kill the yeast.
- You can use bread flour for an even fluffier texture.
- Add shredded mozzarella or Parmesan to the filling for cheesy garlic rolls.
- Want a shortcut? Use store-bought pizza dough and skip straight to the rolling step!
Garlic-Swirl Rolls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit until foamy.
- Add flour, salt, butter, and egg; knead until smooth and elastic.
- Let dough rise 1 hour until doubled.
- Prepare garlic filling with melted butter, garlic, parsley, and salt.
- Roll dough into rectangle, brush with filling, and roll into log.
- Slice into 12 pieces; arrange in greased pan and rise 20 minutes.
- Bake at 375°F for 18–22 minutes until golden.
- Brush warm rolls with garlic butter topping and serve.
Notes
Variations
- Cheesy Garlic Swirls: Add ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar inside the swirl before rolling.
- Herb Lovers’ Rolls: Mix in oregano, basil, or rosemary for extra aroma.
- Spicy Garlic Rolls: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a mild kick.
Serving Suggestions
These rolls are perfect alongside spaghetti, lasagna, or any soup or stew. They also make a lovely base for mini sandwiches — just slice one open and fill it with roasted veggies or deli meats. For brunch, serve them with herb-infused olive oil or marinara dipping sauce.
Storage Information
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in a warm oven for a few minutes to restore their softness. You can also freeze unbaked rolls after shaping — just thaw and bake as directed when ready to serve.
FAQ
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, but you’ll need to activate it first in warm milk with sugar for 10 minutes until foamy before adding the remaining ingredients.
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Definitely. Shape the rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise for 30–40 minutes before baking.
Can I make them vegan?
Yes — use plant-based butter, almond milk, and skip the egg. The rolls will still be soft and flavorful.
History / Fun Facts
Garlic bread has roots in ancient Rome, where soldiers and farmers rubbed raw garlic on toasted bread for flavor and preservation. Over centuries, that evolved into the buttery, herb-infused garlic breads we know today. These Garlic-Swirl Rolls take inspiration from Italian and American comfort food traditions — soft dinner rolls and garlic knots — combining them into a tender, pull-apart experience that’s equal parts rustic and refined.
