Garlic Swirl Rolls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These rolls are a garlic lover’s dream—warm, fluffy, and bursting with flavor. The swirled design makes them beautiful and easy to pull apart, and they can be made from scratch or with shortcut dough. They freeze well, reheat beautifully, and are endlessly customizable. Serve them fresh from the oven and watch them disappear.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Warm water or milk
• Active dry yeast
• Sugar
• Salt
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Garlic (minced)
• Fresh parsley or dried Italian herbs
• Olive oil (optional, for brushing)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm water or milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Add flour and salt, and mix until a dough forms. Knead until smooth and elastic (about 8–10 minutes).
3. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
4. Meanwhile, mix softened butter, minced garlic, herbs, and Parmesan (if using) to create the garlic filling.
5. Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a large rectangle (about ¼-inch thick).
6. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the dough.
7. Roll the dough tightly from one long side to the other to form a log.
8. Slice the log into even pieces (about 1½ inches thick) and place in a greased baking dish or muffin tin.
9. Cover and let rise again for 20–30 minutes.
10. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
11. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
12. Brush with olive oil or melted butter after baking for extra shine and flavor. Serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 rolls.
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour 30 minutes total
Bake time: 20 minutes
Total time: approximately 2 hours 15 minutes

Variations

• Cheesy Garlic Rolls: Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar inside the swirl.
• Herb Upgrade: Use rosemary, thyme, or basil in the garlic butter mix.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling.
• Shortcut Dough: Use store-bought pizza dough or crescent roll dough.
• Vegan Version: Substitute plant-based butter and milk.
• Mini Rolls: Slice smaller pieces for bite-sized party appetizers.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To reheat, warm in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 5–7 minutes, or microwave individual rolls for 20–30 seconds.
To freeze, wrap cooled rolls tightly and store for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough overnight after the first rise and assemble the rolls the next day.

Do I need to use fresh garlic?

Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.

Can I use pre-made dough?

Yes, store-bought pizza or crescent dough works well for a quicker version.

Why didn’t my dough rise?

Make sure your yeast is active and your water or milk is warm (not hot). Also, allow enough time and a warm environment.

Can I add cheese to the filling?

Absolutely. Parmesan, mozzarella, or cheddar are all great options to mix with the garlic butter.

How do I make them extra soft?

Use whole milk in the dough, don’t overbake, and brush with butter after baking.

Can I freeze the rolls before baking?

Yes. After shaping, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Thaw and allow to rise before baking.

Are these rolls spicy?

Not unless you add chili flakes or spicy herbs. They are mild by default.

Can I bake them in a muffin tin?

Yes, baking in a muffin tin creates evenly shaped individual rolls with crispy edges.

What can I serve with these rolls?

They pair well with pasta dishes, soups, stews, grilled meats, or salads.

Conclusion

Garlic Swirl Rolls are a deliciously soft, buttery, and flavorful addition to any meal. With their garlicky herb filling and fluffy texture, they offer homemade comfort in every bite. Whether you serve them as a side, snack, or centerpiece, these rolls are sure to become a favorite in your baking rotation.

Garlic Swirl Rolls

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Soft, buttery rolls swirled with a flavorful garlic and herb filling. These Garlic Swirl Rolls are fluffy, aromatic, and perfect as a side dish for pasta, soups, or served on their own as a snack or appetizer.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including rising)
• Yield: 12 rolls
• Category: Bread, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1. 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2. 1 cup warm water or milk
3. 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
4. 1 tbsp sugar
5. 1 tsp salt
6. 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
7. 3 cloves garlic, minced
8. 2 tbsp fresh parsley or 1 tbsp dried Italian herbs
9. 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
10. 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)

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Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine warm water or milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

1. Add flour and salt. Mix until a dough forms, then knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
2. Cover dough and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
3. Meanwhile, mix softened butter, minced garlic, herbs, and Parmesan (if using) to make the garlic filling.
4. Roll out risen dough into a large rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick.
5. Spread garlic butter filling evenly over the dough.
6. Roll dough tightly from the long edge into a log and slice into 12 even pieces.
7. Place rolls into a greased baking dish or muffin tin. Cover and let rise 20–30 minutes.
8. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
9. Bake for 18–22 minutes, until golden brown.
10. Brush with olive oil or melted butter after baking. Serve warm.

Notes

• For extra softness, use warm milk instead of water.
• Add mozzarella or cheddar inside the swirl for a cheesy version.
• Sprinkle chili flakes in the filling for a spicy variation.
• Store-bought pizza dough can be used for convenience.
• Freeze shaped rolls before baking, thaw, and let rise before baking.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 roll
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 10mg