Description of this recipe: These 30-Minute Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and bursting with savory flavors. Perfectly golden brown and topped with a rich garlic-Parmesan butter, they’re an irresistible addition to any meal or a delightful snack on their own.
Why you will love this recipe: You’ll adore these rolls because they’re incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and only a handful of simple ingredients. The quick preparation time means you can enjoy freshly baked, homemade dinner rolls in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and buttery goodness creates an addictive flavor that everyone will love. Plus, the satisfaction of making your own bread from scratch is simply unmatched!
Introduction
Is there anything more comforting than the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen? These 30-Minute Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls bring that comforting experience to your table with a delightful twist. Forget about store-bought rolls that often lack flavor and freshness; these homemade rolls are soft, tender, and infused with the irresistible combination of garlic and Parmesan cheese.
This recipe is designed for simplicity and speed, making it accessible even to novice bakers. We start with a basic dough made from flour, yeast, sugar, salt, warm water, and olive oil. The yeast is activated with warm water and sugar, creating a frothy mixture that ensures a light and airy texture. Once the dough comes together, a quick knead develops its gluten structure, resulting in a smooth and elastic ball.
The magic happens when the rolls are shaped and allowed to rise briefly before baking. This short rising period gives them just enough lift to create a soft, pillowy interior. While the rolls bake to a golden brown perfection, a simple yet flavorful garlic-Parmesan butter is prepared. This mixture is generously brushed over the warm rolls, creating a savory crust that complements the soft interior perfectly.
Whether you’re serving them alongside a hearty pasta dish, a comforting bowl of soup, or simply enjoying them as a snack, these Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls are sure to impress. The recipe is easily customizable – you can add herbs like rosemary or thyme for an extra layer of flavor, or sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. The possibilities are endless!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup warm water (about 105-115°F or 40-46°C)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast:
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Ensure the water is warm but not too hot, as excessively hot water can kill the yeast. The ideal temperature is between 105-115°F (40-46°C). Stir gently to dissolve the sugar and yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes. During this time, the yeast should become frothy, indicating that it is active and ready to use. If the yeast does not foam, it may be old or inactive, and you’ll need to start with fresh yeast.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough:
Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add the all-purpose flour and salt to the bowl. Mix the ingredients together using a wooden spoon or a dough hook attachment on a stand mixer. Initially, the mixture will appear shaggy, but as you continue to mix, the dough will start to come together. Add the olive oil to the bowl. The olive oil adds moisture and richness to the dough, resulting in a softer and more flavorful roll.
Step 3: Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Kneading develops the gluten in the flour, which gives the rolls their structure and chewy texture. If using a stand mixer, knead the dough with the dough hook attachment for the same amount of time. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. If it sticks excessively to your hands or the surface, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough is manageable.
Step 4: Shape the Rolls:
Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a small, round ball. Place the rolls on a greased baking sheet, leaving a little space between each roll to allow for expansion during baking. You can use cooking spray or line the baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the rolls from sticking.
Step 5: Let the Rolls Rise:
Cover the baking sheet with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the rolls rise for 10-15 minutes in a warm place. This short rising period allows the rolls to puff up slightly, resulting in a lighter and fluffier texture. While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 6: Bake the Rolls:
Place the baking sheet with the rolls in the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown on top. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven. If the rolls start to brown too quickly, you can tent them with aluminum foil to prevent them from burning.
Step 7: Prepare the Garlic-Parmesan Butter:
While the rolls are baking, prepare the garlic-Parmesan butter. In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. The heat from the butter will melt the Parmesan, creating a rich and cheesy sauce.
Step 8: Brush with Garlic-Parmesan Butter:
Once the rolls are baked and still warm, brush them generously with the garlic-Parmesan butter. Use a pastry brush to ensure that each roll is evenly coated with the flavorful mixture. The butter will soak into the warm rolls, adding moisture and enhancing the savory flavors.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve:
If desired, garnish the rolls with fresh parsley, chopped. The parsley adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness to the rolls. Serve the Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls warm and enjoy!
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve alongside pasta dishes like spaghetti, lasagna, or fettuccine Alfredo.
- Pair with soups such as tomato soup, minestrone, or cream of mushroom soup.
- Enjoy with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked salmon.
- Serve as a side dish at barbecues or potlucks.
- Enjoy as a snack on their own.
Tips:
- Make sure your yeast is fresh for the best results. If it doesn’t foam when mixed with warm water and sugar, it’s likely inactive.
- Don’t overheat the water when activating the yeast. Water that is too hot can kill the yeast.
- Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic for the best texture.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it becomes manageable.
- Let the rolls rise in a warm place for optimal results.
- Keep a close eye on the rolls while they are baking to prevent them from burning.
- Brush the rolls with garlic-Parmesan butter while they are still warm so the butter soaks in.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
15 minutes
Total Time:
30 minutes
Nutritional Information:
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Calories: Approximately 180-220 per roll Protein: 5-7 grams per roll Sodium: 200-300 mg per roll
Conclusion
These 30-Minute Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls are a testament to the fact that delicious, homemade bread doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create soft, fluffy, and flavorful rolls that are sure to impress. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish or enjoying them as a snack, these rolls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the irresistible aroma and taste of freshly baked Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?
A: While all-purpose flour is recommended for its versatility and consistent results, you can experiment with other types of flour. Bread flour will create a slightly chewier roll due to its higher gluten content. If you’re looking for a whole-wheat option, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Keep in mind that whole wheat flour may result in a denser texture, so you might need to add a bit more water to the dough to achieve the desired consistency.
Q2: What if I don’t have active dry yeast? Can I use instant yeast instead?
A: Yes, you can use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast. The main difference is that instant yeast doesn’t need to be activated in water before being added to the dry ingredients. Simply mix the instant yeast directly with the flour, sugar, and salt, then add the warm water and olive oil. Follow the rest of the recipe as instructed.
Q3: Can I make the dough ahead of time and bake the rolls later?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. After kneading the dough, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake the rolls, remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour to warm up slightly. Then, shape the rolls, let them rise for 10-15 minutes, and bake as directed.
Q4: Can I add herbs to the dough or the garlic-Parmesan butter for extra flavor?
A: Definitely! Adding herbs is a great way to customize these rolls to your liking. You can knead dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano into the dough for a subtle herbaceous flavor. Alternatively, you can add fresh herbs like chopped parsley, chives, or basil to the garlic-Parmesan butter for a burst of freshness. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite flavor profile.
Q5: How should I store leftover Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls?
A: To store leftover Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Store them at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, wrap the rolls in aluminum foil and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them for a few seconds, but be careful not to overheat them, as they can become tough.
