Warm, buttery rolls perfect for holiday feasts
These mini garlic-butter dinner rolls are a holiday staple that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Perfect for pairing with roasted meats or as a cozy side, they're easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Whether you're hosting a Christmas dinner or a Thanksgiving feast, these rolls offer a familiar, comforting touch that guests of all ages will love. The recipe takes under an hour to complete and yields a batch of perfectly golden rolls.
The garlic-infused butter topping adds a rich, savory note that complements both meat and vegetarian dishes. These rolls are also kid-friendly, making them an ideal choice for family gatherings.
With a soft, fluffy interior and a golden, crispy crust, these rolls are guaranteed to become a holiday tradition in your home. The recipe is beginner-friendly, requiring only basic baking tools and ingredients.
Save this recipe for your next holiday meal and discover why these rolls are a perfect addition to any festive table.
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Quick & Easy
Ready in under an hour with simple ingredients and minimal steps.
💰 Affordable
Uses pantry staples like flour, butter, and garlic for budget-friendly baking.
👥 Family-Friendly
Soft, buttery texture appeals to both kids and adults.
🌟 Holiday-Perfect
Golden crust and aromatic garlic butter add festive flair.
Mini Garlic-Butter Dinner Rolls
Perfect for holiday feasts
🛒 Ingredients
- - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- - 1/2 cup warm milk
- - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- - 1 1/2 tsp sugar
- - 1 1/2 tsp active dry yeast
- - 1/2 tsp salt
- - 2 tbsp fresh garlic, minced
- - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
👨🍳 Instructions
Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit until foamy (5-10 minutes).
💡 Use milk at 110°F (43°C) for best yeast activation.
Mix Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and softened butter. Add yeast mixture and mix until a dough forms.
💡 Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First Rise: Cover dough and let rise in a warm place for 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
💡 Place near a warm oven or on top of a water-heated pot.
Shape Rolls: Punch down dough. Roll into 12 equal portions. Shape into balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
💡 For mini rolls, use 12 portions; for larger rolls, use 8.
Second Rise: Cover and let rise for 20 minutes.
💡 Brush with melted butter and sprinkle garlic.
Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
💡 Serve warm with extra garlic butter.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour
Provides structure and softness to the rolls.
Substitutions: Bread flour for chewier texture; whole wheat flour for heartier flavor.
Butter
Adds richness and helps create a golden crust.
Substitutions: Olive oil for a Mediterranean twist; vegan butter for dairy-free version.
Fresh Garlic
Infuses the butter with aromatic, savory flavor.
Substitutions: Garlic powder (use 1 tsp); roasted garlic for milder taste.
Active Dry Yeast
Leavens the dough for soft, fluffy rolls.
Substitutions: Instant yeast (use same amount); sourdough starter for fermented flavor.
Pro Tips for Perfect Rolls
🔥 Baking
For extra golden crust, brush with melted butter and sprinkle garlic before baking.
🧂 Flavor
Add 1/2 tsp of Italian seasoning or rosemary for a herby twist.
❄️ Storage
Cool completely before storing in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
🔄 Make-Ahead
Bake rolls, cool, and freeze in airtight bags for up to 2 months.
Variations & Customizations
Herbed Rolls
Mix 1 tbsp fresh parsley or dill into the dough for a fragrant variation.
Cheese Rolls
Fold 1/2 cup shredded cheddar into the dough for a savory twist.
Cinnamon Rolls
Replace garlic with 1 tsp cinnamon and 1 tbsp sugar for sweet rolls.
Gluten-Free Version
Use gluten-free flour blend and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Roast turkey with gravy - The buttery rolls soak up the juices perfectly.
- Ham with pineapple - Sweet and savory combination with the garlic butter.
- Vegetarian lentil loaf - Adds protein without meat.
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with a glass of white wine like Chardonnay or a light beer to complement the buttery flavor.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare dough and shape rolls up to 24 hours in advance. Refrigerate until ready to bake.
Refrigerator Storage
Store cooled rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer Storage
Freeze baked rolls in a single layer for up to 2 months. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
Reheating Instructions
Microwave for 15-20 seconds or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes for best texture.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Why are my rolls dense?
A: Underproofing is common. Let dough rise in a warm place (80-85°F) for optimal results.
Q: How to prevent rolls from burning?
A: Cover with aluminum foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Q: Can I use instant yeast?
A: Yes, skip the milk-warm step and mix directly into dry ingredients.
Q: How to store leftover rolls?
A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Final Thoughts
These mini garlic-butter dinner rolls are more than just a side dish—they're a holiday tradition that brings warmth and joy to any table. With their soft, buttery texture and aromatic garlic flavor, they're sure to become a favorite among your guests.
Whether you're serving them alongside a roasted turkey or a vegetarian main, these rolls add a comforting touch to any holiday meal. The recipe is simple enough for beginners but special enough to impress even the most discerning palates.
