Herby Garlic Dinner Rolls with Rosemary and Thyme

Soft, fluffy Herby Garlic Dinner Rolls with Rosemary and Thyme are the ultimate comfort food companion for any meal. Bursting with fragrant herbs and rich garlic flavor, these rolls elevate your dining experience with their perfect balance of warmth, texture, and aroma. Whether served alongside soups, salads, or main courses, these dinner rolls bring a homemade touch that everyone will love. This recipe makes it easy to create bakery-quality rolls right in your own kitchen, capturing the timeless essence of rosemary and thyme to delight your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh Herb Infusion: Rosemary and thyme blend naturally with garlic for an irresistible flavor explosion in every bite.
• Soft and Fluffy Texture: Achieved through a well-balanced dough and careful rising, resulting in rolls that are tender and airy.
• Versatile Side: Perfect accompaniment for meats, soups, and salads, making every meal feel elevated and complete.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples with fresh herbs to keep preparation straightforward yet delicious.
• Kid-Friendly: The gentle garlic and herb flavors are subtle enough for the whole family to enjoy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Keeping the ingredient list simple yet essential ensures your Herby Garlic Dinner Rolls with Rosemary and Thyme come out perfectly every time. Each component plays a critical role—from the yeast for fluffiness to the fresh herbs that infuse incredible aroma and flavor.

• All-purpose flour: The base for your dough, providing structure and chew.
• Active dry yeast: Helps the rolls rise and become light and airy.
• Warm water: Activates the yeast and hydrates the flour for dough consistency.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness balancing the savory herbs.
• Salt: Enhances flavor, balancing the garlic and herbs perfectly.
• Fresh rosemary: Adds a fragrant pine-like flavor that complements garlic beautifully.
• Fresh thyme: Brings a gentle earthiness, rounding out the herb profile.
• Garlic cloves: Minced finely to infuse rich, warm garlicky depth.
• Butter: Adds richness, tenderness, and helps with browning.
• Milk: Contributes to the soft crumb and a slight creaminess.

Variations for Herby Garlic Dinner Rolls with Rosemary and Thyme

This recipe is wonderfully flexible—feel free to tweak it based on what you have or the flavors you love. Customizing your Herby Garlic Dinner Rolls with Rosemary and Thyme is an easy way to keep things exciting without losing the cozy spirit of this dish.

• Cheesy rolls: Add shredded mozzarella or parmesan to the dough or sprinkle on top before baking for extra indulgence.
• Gluten-free version: Substitute with a trusted gluten-free flour blend and adjust liquid amounts for texture.
• Vegan-friendly: Replace butter and milk with plant-based alternatives without sacrificing softness.
• Herb swap: Experiment with thyme alone, oregano, or parsley to vary herb flavors.
• Spicy touch: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for gentle heat paired with garlic.

How to Make Herby Garlic Dinner Rolls with Rosemary and Thyme

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast

Begin by dissolving active dry yeast and a pinch of sugar in warm water. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and thyme. Stir these together so the herbs and garlic are evenly distributed throughout the base.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry

Pour the frothy yeast mixture, along with melted butter and warm milk, into the dry ingredients. Mix until a sticky dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 4: First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and leave it in a warm spot for 1 to 1½ hours until it doubles in size.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

Punch down the risen dough gently and divide it into equal pieces. Shape each ball and place them in a greased baking dish or sheet, leaving a little space for expansion.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover the shaped rolls and allow them to rise again for about 30-45 minutes until puffy, which is key for that soft texture.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops lightly with melted butter and bake for 18 to 22 minutes until golden brown and aromatic. Let them cool slightly before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Herby Garlic Dinner Rolls with Rosemary and Thyme

• Fresh herbs are key: Always use fresh rosemary and thyme for the brightest flavor; dried herbs won’t be as vibrant.
• Do not overflour: Add flour carefully during kneading to keep the rolls tender and avoid a dense texture.
• Temperature matters: Use warm (not hot) liquids to activate yeast properly without killing it.
• Check dough elasticity: Well-kneaded dough stretches without tearing easily—this ensures a light crumb.
• Butter brush post-bake: Brushing warm rolls with butter right after baking keeps the crust soft and adds shine.

How to Serve Herby Garlic Dinner Rolls with Rosemary and Thyme

Garnishes

Finish your rolls with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a light dusting of freshly chopped parsley for extra color and crunch. A light brush of herb-infused olive oil right after baking also complements the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

Herby Garlic Dinner Rolls with Rosemary and Thyme pair wonderfully with hearty soups like tomato basil or creamy potato leek, fresh green salads with tangy vinaigrettes, or alongside roasted meats and grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these rolls in a rustic basket lined with a linen napkin for a charming look, or create pull-apart rolls in a cast-iron skillet for a fun, shareable presentation. They also make fantastic bases for small sandwiches or sliders with your favorite fillings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover rolls fresh by storing them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving to bring back softness.

Freezing

Allow rolls to cool completely, then freeze them in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave them overnight in the fridge or reheat directly from frozen in a warm oven.

Reheating

Wrap rolls in foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or microwave covered with a damp paper towel for 15-20 seconds to retain moisture and softness.

FAQs

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh rosemary and thyme?

Yes, you can substitute dried herbs but reduce the amount to about one-third since dried herbs are more concentrated. Fresh herbs provide a fresher, brighter flavor.

What if I don’t have milk on hand?

You can replace milk with water or a dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk. The rolls may be slightly less tender but will still turn out delicious.

How long can I let the dough rise?

The dough should be allowed to rise until doubled in size, typically 1 to 1½ hours for the first rise and 30-45 minutes for the second. Rising too long can cause the dough to overproof and collapse.

Can I add cheese to the dough?

Absolutely! Adding shredded cheese like parmesan or cheddar either mixed into the dough or sprinkled on top before baking adds a delicious cheesy twist.

Are these rolls suitable for freezing?

Yes, these rolls freeze very well. Ensure they are wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn and thaw gently before reheating.

Final Thoughts

These Herby Garlic Dinner Rolls with Rosemary and Thyme are a joyful, aromatic addition to any meal that brings warmth and homemade charm to your table. Once you try this recipe, you’ll love how easy it is to bake bakery-quality rolls filled with fresh herbs and garlic that everyone will beg for more. So, grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the satisfying process of making these delicious rolls your new go-to side dish!

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