Get ready to transform your dinner table with these incredibly easy and delicious Rosemary Garlic Dinner Rolls! Perfect for any meal, from festive holiday gatherings to casual weeknight dinners, these rolls are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. What makes them so simple? We’re using a fantastic shortcut: frozen dough! This means you can enjoy the warmth and aroma of freshly baked bread with minimal effort, saving you precious time without sacrificing flavor or quality.
The holiday season, with Thanksgiving just around the corner, often means bustling kitchens and cherished family meals. Freshly baked dinner rolls are a highly anticipated side dish in many homes, and ours is no exception. Imagine serving up soft, fluffy rolls, infused with the aromatic flavors of garlic and rosemary, all made possible with the convenience of frozen bread dough. It’s a game-changer for busy hosts and home cooks!
This post is brought to you in partnership with Bridgford Foods. All thoughts and opinions expressed regarding their products are entirely our own.
Why You Will Love These Easy Garlic Rolls
These super soft, buttery rolls are more than just a side dish; they’re a main event on their own! They consistently disappear first from the dinner table, eagerly snatched up by kids and adults alike. What makes them so irresistible? A generous brushing of rosemary, garlic, and butter creates a rich, savory, and deeply aromatic bread roll that complements any meal. The best part? This recipe is incredibly simple, requiring no stand mixer, no tedious kneading, and no need for a long list of ingredients like all-purpose flour, eggs, or instant yeast. The secret lies in using high-quality frozen dough, which makes homemade bread accessible to everyone.
Your guests will be amazed by these flavorful dinner rolls, perfect for holiday feasts or any ordinary weeknight. Their simplicity means you don’t have to wait for a special occasion to enjoy them. Pair these savory rosemary garlic rolls with hearty main courses like buttermilk-brined pork chops, or serve them alongside a steaming bowl of our comforting clam chowder soup for an extraordinary and satisfying meal. These rolls elevate simple dishes to gourmet experiences.
Key Ingredients for Fluffy Garlic Bread Rolls
Crafting perfect garlic bread rolls doesn’t require a lengthy ingredient list, especially when you start with a quality frozen dough. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some tips for best results:
- Frozen Parkerhouse Style Rolls: This is your ultimate shortcut! Parkerhouse style rolls are known for their soft, buttery texture and classic shape. You’ll find these convenient dough balls in the freezer section of most grocery stores. Their pre-portioned nature makes preparation a breeze. Alternatively, you can use Bridgford’s Ready-Dough for a slightly different shape but equally delicious result.
- Butter: Whether you choose salted or unsalted butter, both will work beautifully. If opting for salted butter, you might want to slightly reduce the amount of additional salt you add to the garlic-rosemary mixture to prevent over-seasoning. Butter is crucial here, not just for moisture and tenderness, but as the carrier for our amazing herb and garlic flavors. Melted butter will ensure an even distribution and a golden-brown crust.
- Fresh Garlic and Rosemary: This is where the magic happens! We highly recommend using fresh garlic and fresh rosemary whenever possible. Fresh herbs deliver a vibrant, intense flavor and an incredible aroma that dried herbs simply cannot replicate. The pungent, sweet notes of fresh garlic combined with the piney, earthy essence of fresh rosemary create an irresistible profile for these rolls. If fresh isn’t available, you can substitute with dried herbs, but be sure to adjust quantities (typically, use one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh).
Recipe Tip:
For a truly stress-free holiday season, or simply to ensure you always have fresh bread on hand, stock your freezer with Bridgford’s frozen dough products! Their Ready-Dough and Parkerhouse style rolls are incredibly versatile and easy to use. Just thaw, allow to rise, bake, and serve. It’s truly that effortless. Having them readily available means you’re always prepared for last-minute guests or an impromptu craving for warm, homemade bread.
How to Make Rosemary Garlic Dinner Rolls with Frozen Dough
Making these fast and easy dinner rolls with Bridgford’s frozen dough is remarkably straightforward. As a home cook, I’m always on the lookout for time-saving strategies, especially when preparing for holiday gatherings or family dinners. These rosemary garlic dinner rolls certainly deliver on that front! Not only are they incredibly simple to prepare, but they also offer convenient make-ahead options and can even be baked in an air fryer. But first, let’s begin with the essential step of thawing your frozen dough properly.
Defrosting Frozen Dough: Your Guide to Perfect Rising
Properly defrosting your frozen dough is key to achieving light, airy, and fluffy dinner rolls. There are two simple and effective methods to thaw frozen dough, ensuring it’s ready for baking:
- Overnight in the Refrigerator: This method is ideal for planning ahead. Arrange the frozen dough pieces on an oil-sprayed casserole dish or sheet pan, making sure to leave some space between each roll as they will expand. Crucially, cover the dough with plastic wrap that has been lightly sprayed with cooking oil on the side facing the dough. This simple step prevents the dough from sticking to the plastic wrap as it rises, avoiding a messy situation. Allow the dough to defrost in the refrigerator overnight, typically for 8-10 hours. It will slowly thaw and begin to rise, resulting in a perfectly pliable dough by morning.
- At Room Temperature (Quicker Method): For a faster approach, you can defrost the frozen rolls on your kitchen counter at room temperature. Similar to the refrigerator method, place the dough on an oil-sprayed casserole dish or sheet pan, ensuring adequate spacing. Cover the dough with oil-sprayed plastic wrap to prevent sticking. Let the dough defrost for 1-2 hours. The rolls should still feel cold to the touch but will have softened significantly and started to expand. This method is great when you need fresh rolls in a few hours.
Regardless of the method you choose, ensuring the dough is well-covered with oil-sprayed plastic wrap is paramount. This prevents the dough from drying out and sticking, which can impede its ability to rise beautifully.
Make-Ahead Garlic Butter Rolls for Stress-Free Entertaining
One of the greatest advantages of this recipe, particularly during busy times like Thanksgiving or other holidays, is the ability to prepare these delectable garlic butter rolls in advance! Who doesn’t appreciate fewer tasks on a hectic cooking day? With these make-ahead instructions, you can have warm, freshly baked rolls ready to serve with minimal last-minute effort:
- After thawing your frozen dough and preparing it with the luscious butter, rosemary, garlic, and salt mixture (as detailed in the recipe instructions), arrange the rolls on a baking sheet or in a casserole dish. Once prepped, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This pause allows the flavors to meld beautifully and gives you a head start on your meal preparation.
- When you’re ready to bake, remove the prepped rolls from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for one to two hours. This crucial step allows the dough to warm up and complete its final rise, ensuring they are light and airy when baked. The rolls should visibly increase in size before they are ready for the oven.
This make-ahead option is a lifesaver, allowing you to focus on other dishes while still providing your family and guests with irresistible, homemade dinner rolls.
Air Fryer Rosemary Rolls: The Ultimate Holiday Hack
Do you own an air fryer? If so, you’re in for a treat! Your air fryer is the perfect appliance for “baking” these rosemary garlic dinner rolls, especially when oven space is a precious commodity. During holidays, the oven is often monopolized by the star dishes – turkey, ham, duck, or a prime rib roast – leaving little room for side dishes like rolls. This is where your air fryer truly shines as a handy kitchen hero.
By opting to bake your dinner rolls in the air fryer instead of the conventional oven, you free up valuable oven space for larger roasts and casseroles. After thoroughly testing the “baking” process for frozen dinner rolls in the air fryer, I’ve incorporated detailed directions into the recipe below. You’ll be amazed at how convenient and efficient it is to achieve perfectly golden-brown, fluffy rolls using this method. Plus, the air fryer often cooks things faster and can give a wonderfully crisp exterior, adding another delightful texture dimension to these already fantastic rolls.
Serving Suggestions for Your Savory Dinner Rolls
These garlic herb butter rolls are incredibly versatile and can enhance a wide variety of meals. For those who adore cheesy goodness, consider sprinkling some grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving – the warmth of the rolls will perfectly melt the cheese, adding another layer of savory flavor. You can also elevate the herb profile by adding a touch of fresh minced parsley to the garlic butter mixture. Parsley adds a bright, fresh note that complements both garlic and rosemary beautifully. These rolls are particularly popular and well-received during festive occasions such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, where hearty and comforting side dishes are always appreciated.
Beyond holiday feasts, garlic bread in any form is a classic and reliable accompaniment to almost any kind of soup or stew. While traditionally paired with rich, tomato-based soups like minestrone or bisque, these rolls are equally delightful alongside robust bean chilis, hearty vegetable stews, creamy chicken noodle soup, comforting beef stew, or even delicate seafood bisques. The buttery, garlicky goodness provides a perfect counterpoint to the liquids, making it ideal for dipping and soaking up every last drop. Don’t limit yourself to just soups; these rolls are also fantastic with pasta dishes, roasted meats, or simply as a satisfying snack with a sprinkle of sea salt.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Bread and Rolls
While the name “garlic bread” might suggest a bread made entirely from garlic, it actually refers to bread that is flavored with garlic. There are numerous methods and creative twists for making garlic bread. The simplest approach involves lightly rubbing a freshly cut clove of garlic over toasted slices of Italian or French bread, then spreading the toast with olive oil or butter. More elaborate recipes, like our rosemary garlic rolls, incorporate minced fresh garlic or garlic powder directly into a butter mixture that is then brushed over the bread before or during baking, infusing it with deep, savory flavor.
The nutritional benefits of garlic bread can vary significantly depending on the type of bread used. If made with whole wheat or brown bread, it can be a good source of fiber and other essential nutrients. Beyond the bread itself, garlic is renowned for its numerous health benefits. It is known to actively stimulate the immune system, help regulate blood sugar levels, and may contribute to preventing heart disease. So, while indulging in the deliciousness, you might also be getting a small boost of wellness!
It’s rare to have leftover rolls because they’re so delicious, but if you do, reheating them properly ensures they taste just as good as freshly baked. One of my favorite ways to use up leftovers is to transform them into delicious sliders by adding leftover turkey, ham, salami, or mini hamburger patties for an easy and satisfying meal. Here’s how to reheat your rolls for optimal flavor and texture:
- In the Microwave: Arrange the garlic rosemary rolls in a microwave-safe container. Lightly cover them with a damp, clean paper towel to add moisture and prevent drying. Microwave in 15-second increments until just warmed through, typically no more than 45 seconds total. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can cause them to become tough and chewy as they cool.
- In the Oven: For a crisper exterior, reheat dinner rolls in the oven. Place them in an oven-safe container and cover tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 7 to 10 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed.
- In the Air Fryer: The air fryer is also excellent for reheating. Brush the rolls with a little melted butter, then wrap them loosely in aluminum foil, crimping the edges to seal. If your air fryer has a specific “bake” mode, select that and bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 7 minutes. Alternatively, using the standard “air fryer” mode, set it to 300°F (150°C) and cook for 7-10 minutes. The foil helps keep them moist while the air circulation ensures even heating.
While fresh rosemary offers a more potent aroma and vibrant flavor, you can certainly substitute dried rosemary if fresh is unavailable. A good rule of thumb is to use one-third of the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh. For this recipe, if using 2 tablespoons of fresh rosemary, substitute with approximately 2 teaspoons of dried rosemary. Be aware that the flavor will be slightly less intense, but still delicious!
More Delicious Holiday and Family Recipes
If you loved these easy rosemary garlic rolls and are looking for more inspiring recipes to make your holiday meals or everyday dinners special, check out these other favorites:
- Juicy Bone-In Rib Steak
- Festive Christmas Tree Charcuterie Tower
- Holiday Chex Mix Muddy Buddies Recipe
- Elegant Fluffy Vanilla Mousse Parfaits
If you tried this rosemary garlic roll recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Your feedback means the world to me! Thanks for visiting!
Rosemary Garlic Dinner Rolls
By Renae Gerhardstein
Pin Recipe
Equipment
- Skillet (9-inch round or square casserole dish)
- Basting brush
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Plastic wrap
Ingredients
- 12 frozen dinner rolls (approx. 1/2 bag, Parkerhouse style recommended)
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, minced (can substitute with 2 tsp dried rosemary)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder or paste (or 2 cloves fresh minced garlic)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
- Lightly spray a 9-inch round oven-safe skillet, a 9-inch square casserole dish, or a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray. Arrange the frozen Parkerhouse rolls evenly, leaving approximately 1 inch of space between each roll, as they will expand significantly during thawing and rising. Follow the thawing directions provided on your Bridgford Parkerhouse rolls package, or refer to our detailed “Defrosting Frozen Dough” section above for methods.
- Cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap that has been lightly sprayed with non-stick cooking oil on the side facing the dough. This prevents sticking and drying. Allow the rolls to rise in a warm place until they have doubled in size, which typically takes about an hour.
- While the rolls are rising or just before they finish, preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced fresh rosemary, garlic powder (or paste/minced fresh garlic), and sea salt. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
- Once the rolls have doubled in size, gently brush the tops of each roll with the prepared garlic-rosemary butter mixture, ensuring they are well coated. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the tops of the rolls are beautifully golden brown and cooked through. Let them cool for 10 minutes before serving warm.
Air Fryer Rolls
- Preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer’s specific directions. Select a baking pan that fits comfortably inside your air fryer basket, allowing about 2 inches of space on all sides for proper hot air circulation. If your air fryer has a dedicated “bake” mode, set it to 350ºF (175ºC) and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown on top. If using the standard “air fryer” mode, set the temperature to 325ºF (160ºC) and bake for 12-15 minutes, monitoring closely until the rolls achieve a golden crust.
Notes
- For a stress-free holiday or weeknight, always keep plenty of Bridgford’s frozen dough on hand! Their Ready-Dough and Parkerhouse style rolls dough are incredibly easy and versatile. Just thaw, allow to rise, bake, and serve. It’s truly effortless, ensuring fresh rolls are ready whenever you need them.
Defrost Frozen Dough:
There are two easy ways to thaw frozen dough:
- Defrost frozen dough rolls effortlessly in the refrigerator overnight. Place the frozen rolls on an oil-sprayed casserole dish or sheet pan. Cover with plastic wrap that has been sprayed with cooking oil on the side facing the dough to prevent sticking. Let defrost in the refrigerator overnight, or for 8–10 hours.
- For a quicker, but equally effective method, defrost the frozen rolls on your counter at room temperature. Place the frozen rolls in an oil-sprayed casserole dish or sheet pan. Cover with plastic wrap that has been sprayed with cooking oil on the side facing the dough. Let defrost for 1-2 hours. The rolls should still be cold but pliable.
Storing Instructions:
- It’s rare to have leftover rolls, but if you do, they are perfect for making sliders!
- Simply reheat dinner rolls, then add leftover turkey, ham, salami, or hamburgers for a quick and easy meal.
With these simple directions, your reheated rolls will taste just like freshly baked:
1. Reheat in the microwave: Arrange rolls in a microwave-safe container. Cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave in 15-second increments, up to 45 seconds, until warmed through. Do not overheat to avoid toughness.
2. Reheat in the oven: Cover an oven-safe container tightly with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 7 to 10 minutes.
3. Reheat in the air fryer: Brush rolls with melted butter. Wrap loosely in foil and crimp edges. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 7 minutes on “bake” mode, or 7-10 minutes on “air fryer” mode.
Make-Ahead Instructions:
We all know how hectic Thanksgiving Day can be. These garlic butter rolls are perfect for making ahead!
- After thawing and preparing the dough with butter, rosemary, garlic, and salt (as shown in the recipe), place them on a baking sheet or in a casserole dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- Before baking, remove from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for one to two hours (until warmed and visibly risen) before baking as directed.