Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls Clara quick dinners

Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and coated in a rich, savory garlic butter with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Baked to golden perfection, these rolls are the ideal companion to any meal—from pasta night to holiday dinners. With their irresistible aroma and flavor, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These rolls are the perfect blend of soft, pillowy bread and bold, garlicky flavor. They’re easy to make at home with simple ingredients and deliver that warm, comforting bakery-quality taste. Whether you’re serving them as a side, dipping them in marinara, or enjoying them on their own, Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls will elevate any table.

ingredients

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

For the dough:

• All-purpose flour
• Active dry yeast
• Warm milk
• Sugar
• Salt
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Egg

For the garlic butter topping:

• Unsalted butter (melted)
• Garlic (minced)
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Salt (to taste)

directions

1. In a bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm milk. Let sit for 510 minutes until frothy.
2. Add flour, salt, softened butter, and egg to the yeast mixture. Mix and knead until smooth and elastic (about 810 minutes by hand or mixer).
3. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each into a ball and place in a greased baking dish.
5. Cover and let rise again for 3045 minutes.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F.
7. In a small bowl, mix melted butter with minced garlic and a pinch of salt.
8. Brush rolls generously with garlic butter and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
9. Bake for 1822 minutes or until golden brown.
10. Optional: Brush with more garlic butter after baking and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm.

Servings and timing

Prep time: 20 minutes
Rise time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls

Variations

• Cheesy center: Stuff each roll with a cube of mozzarella or cheddar before baking.
• Herb twist: Add Italian seasoning or rosemary to the dough or topping.
• Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for heat.
• Whole wheat: Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
• No yeast version: Use biscuit dough for a quicker alternative.

storage/reheating

Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

To reheat, warm in a 325°F oven for 810 minutes, or microwave for 1015 seconds per roll. Brush with extra garlic butter if desired.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?

Yes, skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, freeze after shaping. Let thaw and rise before baking as directed.

Can I use pre-made dough?

Absolutely—store-bought dough like pizza or crescent roll dough can be used for a shortcut.

What kind of Parmesan works best?

Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor and texture, but pre-shredded will also work.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Use plant-based butter and omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Why didn’t my dough rise?

Check that your yeast is fresh and that your milk wasn’t too hot (should be warm, not scalding).

Can I make mini rolls?

Yes, divide into 1820 smaller pieces and reduce the bake time by a few minutes.

What’s the best pan to use?

A 9×13 baking dish or round cake pan works well for even baking and soft edges.

Do these pair well with soup?

Perfectly! These rolls go great with tomato soup, creamy chowders, or stews.

Can I prepare these ahead?

Yes, shape and refrigerate the rolls overnight, then let them rise at room temp before baking.

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls are soft, flavorful, and wonderfully buttery—everything a dinner roll should be. Whether you serve them as a holiday side, a weeknight staple, or a party appetizer, their combination of garlic, cheese, and fluffy bread makes them irresistible. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these rolls are sure to become a favorite at your table.

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