Learn how to make easy garlic butter rolls with refrigerated biscuit dough. Perfect as a side dish, snack, or appetizer, these soft and flavorful rolls are topped with garlic butter and parmesan cheese for a quick and delicious treat!
The other night, my husband and I ordered pizza from our favorite takeout spot and he made the brilliant move of adding garlic knots to the order. I’m not usually a big bread person, but these were phenomenal—soft, buttery, and loaded with flavor. I couldn’t stop thinking about them and realized they’d be so easy to recreate at home.
This recipe for Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls is a simplified version of classic garlic bread. It uses refrigerated biscuit dough, so there’s no need to worry about waiting for dough to rise. Plus, they’re easy to customize with toppings like parmesan cheese for even more flavor. Whether you’re dipping them in marinara sauce, serving them alongside your favorite Italian dishes, or enjoying them as a snack, these rolls are bound to be a hit!
Easy Garlic Butter Rolls
Just a few ingredients and steps between you (and me!) and these garlic-y buttery dinner rolls.
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (or your preferred dough)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
- Optional: grated Parmesan for extra flavor
Suggested Baking Tools for Garlic Butter Rolls
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Having the right tools on hand makes this recipe even easier. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish or similar size is perfect for evenly baking the rolls. If you’d prefer a round pan, a 9″ or 10″ would work.***
- Pastry Brush: Ideal for brushing the garlic butter onto the warm rolls. A silicone pastry brush is easy to clean and lasts longer.
- Garlic Press: Makes mincing fresh garlic quick and effortless.
- Mixing Bowl: For preparing the garlic butter mixture.
- Measuring Spoons: To measure out butter, garlic, and parsley accurately.
- Parchment Paper: For easy cleanup and to prevent sticking, especially if you’re using a baking sheet instead of a dish.
Optional but helpful:
- Cheese Grater: For freshly grated parmesan cheese, which adds extra flavor.
- Serving Tongs: To easily serve the rolls straight from the dish.
Follow the easy step-by-step instructions for this easy take on “homemade” dinner rolls! If you’d like to print, just click on the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Shape the Rolls: Separate the biscuit dough and shape into small balls, placing them close together in the baking dish.***
- Bake the Rolls: Bake according to package instructions, typically 10-12 minutes, until golden brown.
- Make the Garlic Herb Butter: While rolls are baking, mix melted butter with minced garlic and chopped parsley in a small bowl.
- Brush with Butter: Remove rolls from the oven and immediately brush the top of the rolls generously with garlic butter. Sprinkle Parmesan on tops of the rolls if desired.
- Serve Warm: Let the rolls cool slightly, then serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container.
***
Baking Dish Option:
- For a 9×13-inch baking dish, use 1 standard can of refrigerated biscuit dough (usually 8 biscuits). Cut each biscuit into halves or thirds to create 16-24 smaller balls. Arrange the equal pieces in the dish, leaving a bit of space for even baking. This setup works well for soft, pull-apart rolls.
Round Pan Option:
- For a 9-inch round baking pan, use 6-8 biscuits (depending on the brand and size). Cut them into halves or thirds to form 12-18 smaller balls. Arrange them in a circular pattern with a little space between each ball. This creates a visually appealing, round arrangement that’s perfect for serving at the table.
Muffin Tins Option:
- For a standard muffin tin, lightly grease each cup with butter or cooking spray. Cut the refrigerated biscuit dough into halves or quarters and roll into smaller balls. Place 1-2 dough balls into each muffin cup, depending on the size of the rolls you want. Bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown. Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then carefully lift them out with a spoon or knife. This method creates perfectly portioned rolls with crisp edges and is ideal for individual servings at a Sunday dinner or a holiday meal.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Garlic Rolls
- Fresh is Best: For the best results, use fresh garlic and fresh herbs like parsley. They bring out vibrant flavors, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder is a great substitute. Use 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of garlic in the recipe.
- Customize the Flavor: Add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes for an extra kick. A dusting of parmesan cheese before baking adds another layer of deliciousness.
- Perfect Baking Environment: Keep the dough in a warm place to rise (if using homemade bread dough) for soft, fluffy rolls.
- Homemade Option: Prefer to skip store-bought dough? Swap in your favorite basic dinner roll recipe for a fully homemade experience.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these garlic rolls with marinara sauce, alongside your favorite Italian dishes, or as a snack.
Reheating Instructions:
Room temperature rolls are tasty, but warm rolls are perfection! If you happen to have any leftover the next day, try reheating them in one of these ways:
- Oven: Wrap leftover rolls in foil and reheat at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. This keeps them soft and prevents them from drying out.
- Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 300°F. Place the rolls in a single layer in the basket and heat for 3-4 minutes, or until warm and slightly crispy. Be sure to check frequently to avoid over-browning.
- Microwave: Wrap rolls in a damp paper towel and heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds per roll. While this is the quickest option, the rolls won’t be as crisp as with the oven or air fryer.
There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked garlic dinner rolls wafting through the kitchen. These easy, buttery rolls are a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for everything from a casual weeknight dinner to a special occasion. They’re quick to prepare and versatile enough to complement a variety of meals. I’ve got the buttery garlic flavor I love, without the takeout price!
Whether you’re hosting a big Sunday dinner with family, planning a cozy meal with friends, or putting together a last-minute perfect side dish for a holiday meal, these garlic butter rolls are always a good choice. They pair beautifully with hearty dishes like lasagna, spaghetti, or roast chicken, but they’re just as satisfying served with a bowl of soup or a simple salad.
What makes these rolls even better is how customizable they are. Add extra parmesan cheese for a rich, savory kick, or swap the parsley for other fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to match the flavors of your main dish. For a cheesy surprise, try stuffing each roll with mozzarella or cheddar before baking.
If you’re a fan of baking from scratch, these rolls are an excellent way to experiment with your favorite bread recipe. Let the dough rise in a warm environment, shape it into balls, and follow the steps for brushing with garlic butter. You’ll love the combination of soft bread and buttery garlic flavor.
These rolls aren’t just for dinner—they make a great snack, appetizer, or even a potluck contribution. Want to elevate them further? Serve them alongside warm marinara sauce or herb-infused olive oil for dipping.
So, the next time you’re planning your menu, whether it’s for a casual meal or an elaborate gathering, remember these garlic dinner rolls. They’re simple to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to impress everyone at the table. Give them a try, and let us know how they turned out in the comments below!