Secret to the best 12 Herb & Garlic Swirl Rolls
Bake fluffy Herb & Garlic Swirl Rolls from scratch! This easy savory bread recipe is perfect for any meal. Discover how to make them today
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
- 2.25 tsp active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted, for dough
- 1 large egg
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter softened, for filling
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh chives finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh oregano finely chopped
- ½ tsp dried thyme or 1 tsp fresh
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted, for brushing
- ½ tsp garlic powder for brushing
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This indicates the yeast is active.
- Prepare the Dough: To the foamy yeast mixture, add the 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 4 tablespoons of melted butter, and the large egg. Mix with a spoon or a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment until a shaggy dough forms. If using a stand mixer, knead on medium-low speed for 5-7 minutes. If kneading by hand, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should spring back when lightly poked.
- First Rise: Lightly grease a clean large bowl with a little oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Herb & Garlic Filling: While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, combine the 6 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter, minced garlic, finely chopped fresh parsley, fresh chives, fresh oregano, dried thyme, grated Parmesan cheese, and black pepper. Mix until well combined and creamy.
- Shape the Rolls: Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, approximately 18x12 inches (45x30 cm).
- Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the herb and garlic butter filling over the entire surface of the dough rectangle, leaving a small border (about 1/2 inch) on one of the long edges.
- Roll and Slice: Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam gently to seal. Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal slices (about 1.5 inches thick each).
- Second Rise: Arrange the sliced rolls cut-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch of space between each roll. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let them rise in a warm place for another 30-45 minutes, or until visibly puffy.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during the last 15 minutes of the second rise. Once the oven is preheated, remove the cover from the rolls and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the rolls are cooked through.
- Garlic Butter Glaze: While the rolls are baking, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and stir in the 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. Once the rolls are out of the oven, immediately brush the tops with this garlic butter glaze. Optionally, sprinkle with a little extra fresh parsley.
Notes
Storage: Store leftover Herb & Garlic Swirl Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked rolls in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat gently.
Reheating: To reheat, warm in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. Microwaving is also an option for a quicker reheat, but the rolls may be slightly softer.
Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, or marjoram to customize the flavor profile to your liking. Ensure herbs are finely chopped for best distribution.
Serving Suggestion: These rolls are fantastic served warm alongside pasta dishes, soups, stews, roasted chicken, or as a delightful snack on their own.
