Name: Garlic Swirl Rolls: The Ultimate Comfort Bread
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-483880H13M34S
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet); 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C); 1/4 cup sugar; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for garlic butter); 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

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If there’s one thing that can make any meal feel extra special, it’s fresh, warm garlic rolls straight from the oven. These Garlic Swirl Rolls are just what you need to take your dinner to the next level. With soft, pillowy dough, a rich garlic butter filling, and a golden-brown crust, they’ll have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!). Whether you’re serving them alongside pasta, soup, or just enjoying them on their own, these rolls are a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Garlic lovers, get ready to fall in love with these rolls! The dough is incredibly soft and buttery, while the garlic filling creates a fragrant, savory swirl that’s impossible to resist. The best part? You get the garlic goodness in every bite, making these rolls the perfect accompaniment to nearly any meal. And, as if the flavor wasn’t enough, the smell of them baking in the oven is enough to drive you wild!

Ingredients

You’ll find the full list of ingredients below, but here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need:

Active dry yeast
Warm water
Sugar
All-purpose flour
Salt
Butter (for the dough)
Milk
Garlic (fresh, minced)
Olive oil
Parmesan cheese
Parsley (for garnish)

For the exact measurements and details, check the full list below.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by dissolving the sugar and yeast in warm water (about 110°F) and letting it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it’s frothy. While you’re waiting, melt the butter and warm the milk in a small saucepan. Once the yeast mixture is ready, add the milk and melted butter to it, followed by the flour and salt. Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. The warm environment will help the dough become light and fluffy, which is key to getting those soft, pillowy rolls.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Filling

While the dough is rising, it’s time to prepare the garlic butter filling. In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. This mixture will give your rolls that irresistible garlic flavor. Set it aside for later.

Step 4: Shape the Rolls

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air, then roll it out into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the dough, making sure to cover the entire surface. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top, then carefully roll the dough into a tight log, starting from one of the shorter sides. Slice the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces.

Step 5: Arrange and Rise Again

Place the sliced rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or round pan, arranging them close together so they’ll bake into each other. Cover the dish with a towel and let the rolls rise again for about 30-45 minutes. They should puff up and fit snugly together.

Step 6: Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, pop them in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. The garlic swirls should be soft and slightly crispy on the edges, while the inside remains tender and fluffy.

Step 7: Finish with a Touch of Garlic Butter

For that extra burst of garlic flavor, melt a little more butter and brush it over the hot rolls as soon as they come out of the oven. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately. The rolls will be soft, garlicky, and absolutely irresistible.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Don’t rush the rising time: Letting the dough rise properly is crucial to getting light and fluffy rolls, so be patient and don’t skip this step.
Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives a stronger, more vibrant flavor than pre-minced or garlic powder.
Add a cheesy twist: For even more flavor, try adding shredded mozzarella or more Parmesan to the filling!
Make them ahead: You can prepare the dough and shape the rolls a day ahead. Just place them in the fridge after the second rise, then let them come to room temperature before baking.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Garlic herb rolls: Add a teaspoon of dried oregano or Italian seasoning to the garlic butter for an herby twist.
Dairy-free version: Swap the butter and milk for dairy-free alternatives, like coconut oil and almond milk, and you’ll still get that savory, garlicky goodness.
Gluten-free option: If you need a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend, but keep in mind the texture might be a little different.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These rolls are the perfect side for nearly any meal, but especially pasta dishes like spaghetti or lasagna. They’re also great with creamy soups (think tomato basil or potato leek) or as a starter to a festive dinner. You can even serve them on their own as a snack with a side of marinara sauce for dipping!

Storage and Reheating Tips

These garlic swirl rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. To reheat, simply wrap them in foil and bake at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes. You can also microwave them for about 20-30 seconds, though the texture won’t be as perfect as fresh.

4 FAQs

Can I make these rolls without yeast?
Unfortunately, yeast is key to getting the soft, fluffy texture in these rolls. You can try a quick bread recipe, but it won’t have the same taste and texture.

Can I freeze garlic swirl rolls?
Yes, you can freeze the rolls either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, shape the rolls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, let them rise and bake as directed. If freezing after baking, just store them in a sealed container for up to 2 months.

Can I use store-bought dough for this recipe?
If you’re short on time, you can definitely use store-bought dough, like pizza or biscuit dough, but the flavor won’t be quite as rich and buttery as homemade.

How can I make the garlic flavor stronger?
If you love garlic, try adding extra minced garlic to the butter mixture. You could also sprinkle a bit of garlic powder over the rolls before baking for a more intense flavor.

Conclusion

These Garlic Swirl Rolls are everything you’ve ever wanted in a bread: soft, buttery, garlicky, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re serving them with dinner or enjoying them as a snack, they’re sure to be a hit every time. The only problem? You might not be able to stop at just one!

Garlic Swirl Rolls: The Ultimate Comfort Bread

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Author: Emily
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus rising time)
Cook Time: 20-22 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours (including rising time)
Yield: 12 rolls 1x
Category: Bread, Side Dish, Comfort Food
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Garlic Swirl Rolls are soft, fluffy, and packed with savory garlic butter flavor. These homemade rolls are a perfect side dish for any meal or a delicious addition to your bread basket. The garlic butter swirls inside the rolls create a beautiful, flavorful pattern that melts in your mouth with each bite!

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Stir to dissolve, then sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes foamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, eggs, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
Gradually add 3 1/2 cups of flour, one cup at a time, stirring after each addition until a dough begins to form. If needed, add the remaining flour, a little at a time, until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and forms a soft, slightly sticky dough.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
While the dough is rising, prepare the garlic butter by combining the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches).
Spread the garlic butter evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Roll the dough up tightly into a log, starting from the long edge. Slice the dough into 12 equal pieces and place the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake the rolls for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
If desired, sprinkle the baked rolls with Parmesan cheese while they are still warm.
Serve warm, and enjoy the fluffy, garlicky goodness!

Notes

For extra garlic flavor, you can brush the rolls with more garlic butter after baking.
You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Simply punch it down after the first rise and cover it with plastic wrap before refrigerating. Let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
These rolls also freeze well! Once cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.