What Is the Purpose of Garlic Bread?

Garlic bread is a flavorful and aromatic side dish that enhances the overall experience of any meal. It's commonly paired with pasta, soups, and salads. The buttery, garlicky goodness of the bread complements the savory flavors of these dishes, making it an ideal addition to your dinner table. Whether served as a side or snack, garlic bread adds a comforting and satisfying element to your meal. Pro Tip: Garlic bread is especially popular with Italian dishes, like pasta or lasagna. For more delicious side dishes to pair with your meals, check out our BBQ Calamari Recipe for another easy-to-make side.

Is It Better to Butter Rolls Before or After Baking?

It’s generally better to butter your garlic bread rolls after baking . When butter is applied before baking, it can sometimes cause the bread to dry out or become too crispy, depending on how much butter is used. On the other hand, adding butter immediately after baking ensures that the rolls stay soft, moist, and full of flavor. If you prefer a crispier texture, you can butter the rolls before baking. However, for maximum softness and moisture retention, buttering them after baking is your best bet. Want to learn more about making soft, fluffy bread? Check out our Shokupan Recipe .

How Do You Keep Garlic Bread Soft After Baking?

Garlic bread rolls can sometimes become dry and hard if not stored correctly. To keep them soft after baking, wrap the rolls in a clean kitchen towel. The towel traps moisture, ensuring that your rolls remain soft and tender. After wrapping, store the rolls in an airtight container to prevent them from losing moisture. For those who enjoy freshly baked bread but struggle to keep it soft, this method is a simple yet effective solution. If you're also interested in bread storage tips, our Swiss Gipfeli Recipe offers some great bread-baking advice.

Why Are My Bread Rolls Tough?

Tough bread rolls can be the result of several factors, most commonly over-kneading the dough or not allowing it to rise long enough. Kneading the dough too much can lead to dense, tough bread, while insufficient rising time prevents the dough from reaching its optimal fluffiness. Make sure you follow the instructions carefully, allowing the dough to rest and rise properly. If you're looking for more tips to improve your baking techniques, consider checking out our Vegan Banana Nut Blondies Recipe for some helpful insights.

Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe: 5 Irresistible Delights

Ingredients

Scale

For the dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 ¼ teaspoons)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
For the garlic butter:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (or more for a stronger flavor)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, mix the warm water with sugar and sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture. Add the softened butter and egg into the well. Mix everything together until a dough forms. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First Rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Shape the Rolls:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape them into rolls. Place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving some space between each roll.

Shaping soft garlic bread rolls for baking.
Prepare the Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Second Rise:
Cover the shaped rolls with a towel and let them rise for 30-45 minutes, until puffy.
Bake the Rolls:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the rolls with an egg wash (1 beaten egg) and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Apply Garlic Butter:
As soon as the rolls are out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter. Serve warm!

Notes

You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before baking.
If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, feel free to add more garlic to the butter mixture.
For a variation, try adding a bit of grated Parmesan cheese to the garlic butter for a cheesy twist.

Author: chef Nada
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Bread, Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American, Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 roll
Calories: 180 kcal
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: garlic bread rolls, soft rolls, garlic butter, homemade bread