Irresistible Herby Garlic Dinner Rolls with Rosemary and Thyme

If you’re searching for a bread recipe that’s soft, fluffy, and packed with aromatic herbs, you’re in for a treat with these Herby Garlic Dinner Rolls with Rosemary and Thyme. Bursting with fresh rosemary, fragrant thyme, and savory garlic, these rolls elevate any meal with their irresistible flavor and tender crumb. Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner or a holiday feast, these dinner rolls bring warmth and joy that’s sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Aromatic: Fresh rosemary, thyme, and garlic create a mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen with comfort.
• Soft and Fluffy Texture: Perfectly risen dough yields rolls that are tender and airy, making each bite a delight.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weekday dinner or a festive gathering, these rolls pair beautifully with countless dishes.
• Simple Ingredients: Using pantry staples enhanced by fresh herbs keeps the recipe approachable and affordable.
• Easy to Customize: You can add your own twist with variations to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that work in harmony to produce the perfect texture and flavor. Each component plays a crucial role in making these Herby Garlic Dinner Rolls with Rosemary and Thyme both soft and richly flavored.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure needed for soft, fluffy rolls.
• Warm water: Essential for activating the yeast and developing the dough.
• Active dry yeast: Makes the dough rise beautifully and creates a light texture.
• Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that helps balance the savory herbs and garlic.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and controls yeast activity.
• Butter: Gives richness and tenderness to each roll.
• Fresh rosemary: Adds a woodsy, fragrant note that highlights the herbiness.
• Fresh thyme: Complements rosemary with a bright, earthy flavor.
• Garlic cloves: Infuses the dough with savory depth and aroma.
• Egg (optional): Helps with dough binding and adds a slight gloss to the rolls when brushed on top.

Variations for Herby Garlic Dinner Rolls with Rosemary and Thyme

The beauty of this recipe is in its flexibility. Feel free to experiment by adding your favorite herbs or tweaking ingredients based on what you have on hand or dietary preferences. Customizing your Herby Garlic Dinner Rolls with Rosemary and Thyme keeps things exciting and personalized.

• Cheesy Twist: Fold in shredded parmesan or cheddar for a rich, gooey surprise.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for yeast breads to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Herb Swap: Substitute rosemary and thyme with basil, oregano, or sage for different flavor profiles.
• Vegan Adaptation: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine and use flax egg in place of a regular egg.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the dough for a subtle heat element.

How to Make Herby Garlic Dinner Rolls with Rosemary and Thyme

Step 1: Prepare the Herb-Garlic Infused Butter

Start by melting the butter gently in a small pan. Add finely minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and thyme leaves to the melted butter. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for a couple of minutes to infuse the butter with herb and garlic flavor, then set aside to cool.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

Combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast in a mixing bowl. Stir gently and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the yeast is foamy and bubbly, signaling that it’s ready.

Step 3: Make the Dough

Add the flour, salt, herb-garlic butter (reserve some for brushing later), and egg (if using) to the yeast mixture. Mix until a rough dough forms, then knead either by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.

Step 4: First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

Punch down the risen dough gently to release air. Divide it into equal portions and shape each into a smooth ball. Arrange the rolls on a greased or parchment-lined baking tray, leaving some space between each for expansion.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover the shaped rolls loosely and let them rise again for about 30 to 45 minutes, until puffy and nearly doubled.

Step 7: Bake the Rolls

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Before baking, brush the tops with the reserved herb-garlic butter for a beautiful golden shine. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until the rolls turn golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the rolls to cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before serving warm to enjoy the best texture and flavor.

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

• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh rosemary and thyme bring a more vibrant flavor than dried versions.
• Don’t Over-Knead: Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, but avoid overworking it to prevent tough rolls.
• Proper Yeast Activation: Use water that’s warm but not hot to activate yeast effectively without killing it.
• Rest Dough Thoroughly: Allow full rising for fluffier and softer rolls.
• Brush Before and After Baking: Use herb-garlic butter both before baking for crust color and after baking for extra flavor and sheen.

How to Serve Herby Garlic Dinner Rolls with Rosemary and Thyme

Garnishes

Sprinkle some fresh chopped rosemary or thyme and a pinch of flaky sea salt on top just before serving to add a fresh, aromatic touch and an appealing look.

Side Dishes

These rolls pair wonderfully with hearty soups like creamy tomato bisque, roasted chicken, or a vibrant salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. They make a lovely accompaniment to any savory main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the rolls in a braided wreath shape for festive occasions or serve warm with small bowls of herb-infused olive oil and softened garlic butter for dipping to elevate the dining experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover rolls in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and softness.

Freezing

Wrap cooled rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before reheating.

Reheating

Warm rolls in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes or microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for 15-20 seconds to refresh their softness.

FAQs

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

Yes, dried herbs can be used, but use about one-third the amount of fresh herbs and add them during the dough mixing to allow flavor infusion.

Do I have to use garlic in the recipe?

Garlic is a key flavor in this recipe, but if you prefer, you can omit or reduce it, replacing with extra herbs or garlic powder for a milder taste.

How can I make these rolls vegan?

Replace butter with plant-based margarine or coconut oil and substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg or omit it entirely for a vegan version.

Is it possible to make these rolls whole wheat?

Yes, substitute half or all the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but expect a slightly denser texture and nuttier flavor.

Can I prepare the dough the night before?

Absolutely! After the first rise, punch down the dough, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temperature before shaping and the second rise.

Final Thoughts

Herby Garlic Dinner Rolls with Rosemary and Thyme are a delightful kitchen triumph that will quickly become your go-to bread recipe. Their heavenly aroma, tender crumb, and fresh herb flavor create an unforgettable experience at the table. Give these a try and watch them disappear at your next meal — they’re that good!

Related Posts

• Why Turkey Mashed Potato Pot Pie Is Perfect Comfort Food
• Easy Garlic Chicken with Veggies for Dinner
• Easy Sheet Pan Steak and Veggies Dinner Ideas

Print