Nothing beats the smell of freshly baked rolls, and these 30-Minute Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls prove you don’t need hours to achieve bakery-level perfection.
They’re soft, buttery, and brushed with garlicky parmesan goodness—ideal for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without the wait.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls
You don’t have to be a bread baker to nail these rolls. This quick recipe gives you soft, flavorful dinner rolls in under half an hour.
- Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Simple ingredients with rich, homemade taste.
- Buttery garlic parmesan topping adds flavor and shine.
- Versatile—perfect with soups, pastas, or roasted dishes.
- Freezer-friendly for meal prep or holidays.
- Foolproof for beginners—no kneading machine needed!
I came up with this recipe after a long day when dinner was ready, but the bread wasn’t. My mom used to say, “No meal’s complete without something warm to scoop the gravy.” I pulled out flour, yeast, and faith—and 30 minutes later, we had soft, buttery rolls that tasted like they took all afternoon.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These rolls use pantry staples for a quick dough and a bold, garlicky finish.
Main Ingredients
- 1¼ cups warm water (110°F) – activates the yeast.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar – feeds the yeast and adds light sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons yeast – for quick rise.
- ⅓ cup canola oil – keeps rolls tender and moist.
- 1 teaspoon salt – balances flavor.
- 1 large egg – adds richness and structure.
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour – forms the soft, pillowy dough.
Flavor Topping
- 4 tablespoons melted butter – brushed for shine and flavor.
- 2 tablespoons granulated garlic – adds depth.
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated – the savory star.
- 2 teaspoons parsley – for garnish and color.
Optional Add-Ons or Substitutes
- Use olive oil instead of canola for extra flavor.
- Add mozzarella or asiago cheese for a richer crust.
- Swap parsley for Italian seasoning or rosemary.
- Use half whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Drizzle with garlic butter again before serving for extra indulgence.
Instructions For The Best Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls
This quick-rise dough bakes up fluffy and golden in a fraction of the time.
- Activate yeast: In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand 5 minutes until foamy. (If it bubbles, your yeast is alive and ready.)
- Add wet ingredients: Stir in oil, salt, and egg until blended.
- Add flour: Gradually mix in flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. (It should pull from the sides but still feel slightly tacky.)
- Shape rolls: Divide dough into 12–14 equal portions. Roll into smooth balls and place on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Rest briefly: Let rise for 10 minutes while preheating oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden brown on top.
- Add topping: While warm, brush generously with melted butter mixed with garlic, parmesan, and parsley.
Quick Reminders:
- Warm water, not hot, or it’ll kill the yeast.
- Don’t skip the 10-minute rise—it gives fluff.
- For softer rolls, brush with butter again right before serving.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for best flavor.
Expert Tips for Success
If you’re new to bread baking, this is the perfect recipe to build confidence.
- Always use fresh yeast for proper rise.
- Don’t over-flour—soft dough makes soft rolls.
- To make them ahead, shape and refrigerate up to 6 hours before baking.
- Reheat baked rolls in the oven for 5 minutes to refresh.
- Double the batch—they freeze perfectly!
- Want pull-apart rolls? Bake them touching in a round pan.
These rolls turn out golden, soft, and aromatic every time—proof that homemade bread doesn’t have to take all day.
Serving Suggestions
These garlicky rolls fit seamlessly beside any savory dish or comfort meal.
- Serve with Garlic Parmesan Beef Pasta for a full garlic-lover’s dinner.
- Pair with Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne for cozy pasta nights.
- Enjoy with Zuppa Toscana Casserole for an Italian-inspired meal.
- Try them with Hearty Cabbage Beef Bake for comfort food bliss.
- Add them to your holiday bread basket beside soups or roasts.
They’re soft enough for soaking up sauces but flavorful enough to stand alone—just add butter and happiness.
Storing and Reheating
These rolls store beautifully and reheat like fresh-baked bread.
How to Store It
- Store at room temperature up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate up to 5 days for longer freshness.
- Freeze in zip-top bags for up to 2 months.
- Separate layers with parchment to prevent sticking.
- Thaw at room temperature or overnight in the fridge.
How to Reheat It
- Reheat in a 325°F oven for 5–6 minutes for crisp edges.
- Microwave for 8 seconds for soft rolls.
- Brush with butter before reheating for extra flavor.
- Avoid over-microwaving—it can toughen the dough.
These rolls taste just as fluffy and buttery on day two—perfect for leftover sandwiches.
Nutrition (per roll – estimated)
Calories: 150 | Carbohydrates: 20 g | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 6 g | Saturated Fat: 2 g | Fiber: 0.5 g | Sugar: 1 g | Sodium: 200 mg | Calcium: 100 mg | Iron: 0.5 mg | Cholesterol: 45 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! Just skip the proofing step and mix it directly into the dry ingredients. The rise time stays the same, making this recipe even faster.
What’s the secret to fluffy dinner rolls?
The key is not over-flouring the dough. It should feel soft and slightly sticky before baking—this gives you that cloud-like texture.
Can I make them ahead for parties or holidays?
Absolutely. Shape and refrigerate the dough balls up to 6 hours ahead. Bake fresh before serving, or reheat lightly for that fresh-baked aroma.
Final Thoughts
These 30-Minute Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls are proof that homemade bread doesn’t have to take all day. With their buttery flavor, cheesy crust, and soft interior, they’re a side dish worth making anytime.
- Keep the dough soft and simple.
- Serve them warm with real butter.
- Always make a few extra—trust me, they disappear fast.
30-Minute Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Stir in oil, salt, and egg until combined.
- Gradually mix in flour, one cup at a time, until a soft, tacky dough forms.
- Divide dough into 12–14 portions. Roll into balls and place on a greased or lined baking sheet.
- Let rise for 10 minutes while preheating oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden brown.
- While warm, brush with melted butter mixed with garlic, parmesan, and parsley.
Nutrition
Notes
- For a richer topping, add mozzarella or asiago cheese.
- Use olive oil instead of canola for extra flavor.
- Rolls can be made ahead or frozen.
- Substitute yogurt or applesauce for egg if needed.
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