Pin it The aroma of garlic and butter wafting through the house has this uncanny ability to pull everyone into the kitchen. I first made these pull-apart rolls on a rainy Sunday when comfort food was the only thing on the menu. My roommate wandered in, sleepy-eyed, and ended up hovering over the oven for the last ten minutes of baking time.
I brought these to a friend's potluck last winter, and honestly, they vanished before anything else touched the table. People were reaching across platters, breaking off piece after piece, butter glistening on their fingers. Sometimes the simplest dishes create the biggest moments.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of soft, pillowy bread that holds together beautifully when pulled apart
- Instant yeast: Skip the proofing step and let this workhorse do its magic directly in the dough
- Warm milk: Keep it around 110°F—too hot kills the yeast, too cold slows everything down
- Unsalted butter: You want control over the saltiness in both the dough and that generous garlic coating
- Fresh garlic: Jarred minced garlic will work in a pinch, but fresh brings that aromatic intensity
- Fresh parsley: Adds color and a bright herbal note that cuts through all that richness
Instructions
- Mix the dough:
- Combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Pour in warm milk and melted butter, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead until smooth:
- Work the dough on a floured surface for 7 to 8 minutes until it feels elastic and springs back when poked.
- Let it rise:
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it double in size—about an hour in a warm, draft-free spot.
- Make the garlic butter:
- Whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper until fragrant and well combined.
- Shape the rolls:
- Punch down dough, divide into 12 equal pieces, and roll each into a smooth ball.
- Coat and arrange:
- Dip each ball generously in garlic butter, then nestle them into a greased 9-inch round pan or skillet.
- Second rise:
- Cover loosely and let them puff up for 20 to 30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Bake until golden:
- Sprinkle with Parmesan if using, then bake for 22 to 25 minutes until deeply golden on top.
Pin it My niece now asks for these every time she visits, calling them 'the rip-apart bread' with such enthusiasm I can't say no. Watching her face light up when that first steamy piece pulls away is better than any compliment.
Making Ahead
You can prepare the dough through the first rise, then refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking—the garlic butter can be made a day ahead too.
Serving Suggestions
These rolls shine alongside a steaming bowl of tomato soup or tucked next to your favorite pasta dish. They're also substantial enough to stand alone as a party appetizer with nothing more than a small bowl of marinara for dipping.
Customization Ideas
Tuck a cube of mozzarella inside each dough ball before rolling for a gooey, cheesy surprise center. A pinch of red pepper flakes in the garlic butter adds gentle warmth that builds beautifully. Swap parsley for chopped fresh rosemary or thyme to shift the flavor profile.
- Brush the tops with extra garlic butter right after baking for maximum flavor
- Add 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan directly into the garlic butter mixture
- Sprinkle coarse flaky salt over the rolls before baking for texture contrast
Pin it There's something deeply satisfying about tearing into warm, buttery bread with people you love. These rolls turn ordinary meals into memories.
Common Questions
- → Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dough and let it complete its first rise. After shaping and coating in garlic butter, you can refrigerate the arranged rolls overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise slightly before baking as directed.
- → What can I serve with these garlic butter rolls?
These savory pull-apart rolls pair wonderfully with tomato soup, pasta dishes, or as part of a dinner spread. They're also perfect for sharing at parties, game days, or family gatherings as an appetizer.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store cooled rolls in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore softness.
- → Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
Yes, substitute dried parsley using about 1 teaspoon instead of 2 tablespoons fresh. However, fresh parsley provides brighter flavor and vibrant color. If using dried, add it directly to the melted butter mixture.
- → How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
The rolls are ready when they're golden brown on top and cooked through. You can check by gently lifting one roll with a knife—the bottom should be lightly browned, not pale or doughy. An instant thermometer inserted into the center should read 190-200°F.