– **Title**: Garlic Bread Rolls
– **Ingredients**:
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
– 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
– 2 tbsp sugar
– 1 tsp salt
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar; stir until dissolved. Sprinkle yeast over water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and black pepper.
5. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place them on a greased baking sheet.
6. Brush each roll generously with the garlic butter mixture. If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
7. Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
8. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Remove from the oven and brush with any remaining garlic butter. Serve warm.
Enjoy your delicious garlic bread rolls!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for the rolls, providing structure. You can also use bread flour for a chewier texture. Make sure to measure it correctly to avoid dense rolls.
Warm Milk: The warmth activates the yeast. If you’re dairy-free, almond or oat milk work well, just ensure they’re warmed to a similar temperature.
Active Dry Yeast: Essential for the rolls to rise. You can replace it with instant yeast; just mix it directly with the dry ingredients. If you use fresh yeast, you’ll need about 20 grams.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives amazing flavor! If fresh isn’t available, garlic powder can be a substitute (about 1 teaspoon), though fresh is always better in this case.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best to control the salt level. You can use olive oil for a dairy-free option or for a different flavor!
Parmesan Cheese: This is optional, but it adds a nice richness. For a non-dairy version, nutritional yeast works well for flavor.
Why Is Kneading Important for the Dough?
Kneading is a crucial step in developing the dough’s texture. It strengthens the gluten, which helps the rolls rise well and gives them that lovely fluffy interior.
- Begin kneading once your dough comes together; aim for about 5-7 minutes.
- Check if it’s ready by stretching a small piece – it should form a thin, elastic window without breaking.
- If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a little flour, but avoid adding too much.
How Should I Let My Dough Rise for Best Results?
Rising, or proofing, is key for fluffy rolls. You want to put the dough in a warm, draft-free spot. A common trick is to place it in the oven (turned off) with the light on.
- Cover the bowl with a clean cloth so it doesn’t dry out.
- After the first rise, gently punch down the dough. This releases excess gas and redistributes the yeast.
- Let it rise again in your baking dish after shaping, to get that perfect fluffy texture.
How to Make Garlic Bread Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F or 45°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
For the Garlic Topping:
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You will need about 2 hours in total: 1 hour for the first rise and 30 minutes for the second rise, plus about 20-30 minutes for preparation and baking. It’s a perfect recipe for a cozy evening or a fun dinner with friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, pour the warm milk (make sure it’s not too hot!) and add the sugar and yeast. Give it a little stir and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it gets foamy. This shows that your yeast is alive and ready to go!
2. Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center (like a little volcano!) and add the foamy yeast mixture, melted butter, and half of the minced garlic. Mix everything together until a dough starts to form.
3. Knead the Dough:
Sprinkle some flour on a clean surface and turn out your dough. Knead it for about 5-7 minutes, or until it feels smooth and elastic. This is a great way to work out any stress!
4. First Rise:
Place your dough in a greased bowl (to prevent sticking) and cover it with a clean cloth. Let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. It’s like giving your dough a little nap!
5. Shape the Rolls:
After the dough has risen, punch it down (gently) to release the air. Divide it into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball. Place these balls into a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between them.
6. Prepare Garlic Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the remaining minced garlic, parsley, olive oil, and parmesan cheese (if you’re using it). Brush this tasty mixture over the tops of the rolls for that extra garlic flavor!
7. Second Rise:
Cover the baking dish again with a clean cloth and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes. This will help them puff up even more before baking!
8. Bake the Rolls:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops of the rolls with the beaten egg. This will give them a lovely golden color when they bake. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re done baking, remove them from the oven and, if you like, brush them with a bit of melted butter for extra flavor. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious garlic bread rolls!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that it will create denser rolls. You might want to reduce the amount slightly (about 1.5 cups) or add a bit more liquid to keep the dough soft. Be sure to knead well to develop gluten!
How Do I Store Leftover Garlic Bread Rolls?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw and warm them in the oven before enjoying!
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance. After kneading, let it rise as usual, then punch it down and refrigerate it instead of leaving it out. On the day you plan to bake, let the dough come to room temperature and rise for about an hour before shaping and following the remaining steps.
Can I Add Extra Herbs or Cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with additional herbs like oregano or thyme, or use different types of cheese like mozzarella or cheddar for a unique flavor. Just make sure that any added ingredients don’t overpower the garlic or alter the dough’s consistency significantly.
