Garlic Herb Rolls Recipe – Easy Homemade Bread with Butter & Cilantro

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Garlic Herb Rolls Recipe – Easy Homemade Bread with Butter & Cilantro

Hey everyone! There’s just something so comforting about the smell of freshly baked bread, isn’t there? Especially when it’s infused with fragrant garlic and herbs. These Garlic Herb Rolls are a family favourite – I first made them when my niece came to visit, and she insisted I share the recipe! They’re surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re not a seasoned baker, and they’re perfect for a weekend brunch, a side with your favourite Indian curry, or just a cozy night in. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t your average rolls. They’re incredibly soft, wonderfully flavorful, and packed with that delicious garlic-cilantro goodness. Plus, they’re ready in under 2 hours (with some rising time, of course!), making them perfect for when you want a homemade treat without spending all day in the kitchen. They’re also super versatile – I’ll share some fun variations later on!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these beauties:

• 1.5 cups (192g) Plain Flour (All-Purpose Flour)
• 0.5 tbsp (2.5g) Yeast (Instant or Active Dry)
• 0.5 cup (120ml) Warm Water (around 105-115°F / 40-46°C)
• 1 tsp (6g) Salt
• 1 tbsp (12g) Sugar
• 1 tbsp (15ml) Olive Oil
• 6 tbsp (85g) Salted Butter, softened
• 2 tbsp (30ml) Minced Garlic
• 2 tbsp (10g) Chopped Coriander Leaves (Cilantro)
• 1 tsp (5ml) Olive Oil, for greasing
• Milk, for brushing

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! Getting these right makes all the difference.

• Yeast: This is what gives our rolls that lovely, soft texture. Make sure your yeast is fresh! If using active dry yeast, you’ll want to “proof” it by dissolving it in the warm water with a pinch of sugar for about 5-10 minutes. It should get foamy. Instant yeast can be added directly to the flour.
• Flour: I usually use all-purpose flour for these rolls, but you can experiment with bread flour for a chewier texture. Just be aware that bread flour absorbs more liquid, so you might need to add a little extra water.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is key here. It adds such a bright, vibrant flavour. Don’t skimp! If you’re not a cilantro fan (I know some people aren’t!), you can substitute with parsley, but it won’t be quite the same.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to business!

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, warm water, salt, and sugar. Mix everything together until a smooth, slightly sticky dough forms. Don’t overmix!
2. Lightly oil your hands with a little olive oil. Knead the dough in the bowl for about 4-5 minutes until it becomes elastic and pulls away from the sides.
3. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
4. While the dough is rising, let’s make the garlic spread! In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro. Set aside.
5. Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into two equal portions.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll one portion of the dough into a rectangle about 8-9 inches long and ¼-inch thick.
7. Spread 2 tablespoons of the garlic spread evenly over the dough rectangle. Starting from one end, roll the dough tightly into a log.
8. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 4 equal pieces. Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased loaf pan. Repeat with the remaining dough.
9. Brush the tops of the rolls with a little milk and spread the remaining garlic spread over them. Cover the pan and let the rolls rise for another 20 minutes.
10. Preheat your oven to 375°F (180°C). Bake the rolls for 30-35 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
11. Let the rolls cool slightly in the pan before serving them warm. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

Want to make sure your rolls turn out perfectly? Here are a few tips:

• Perfect Rise: A warm, draft-free spot is essential for a good rise. I like to turn on my oven to the lowest setting for a few minutes, then turn it off and place the dough inside.
• Kneading: Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty! Kneading develops the gluten, which gives the rolls their structure. If the dough is too sticky, add a little flour, one tablespoon at a time.
• Preventing Dryness: Brushing the rolls with milk before baking helps keep them soft and prevents them from drying out.

Variations

Feeling creative? Here are a few ways to customize these rolls:

• Vegan Garlic Rolls: Simply substitute the butter with a good quality plant-based butter. My friend, Priya, swears by this version!
• Gluten-Free Garlic Rolls: Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for bread making. You might need to adjust the amount of liquid slightly.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Add a pinch of red chili flakes to the garlic butter for a little kick.
• Festival Adaptations: These rolls are amazing during Diwali or Christmas! Serve them alongside your festive spread.

Serving Suggestions

These rolls are incredibly versatile. They’re delicious with:

• A hearty bowl of dal or curry
• A simple salad
• Your favourite soup
• Just on their own with a cup of chai!

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze these rolls for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

• What type of flour is best for these rolls? All-purpose flour works great, but bread flour will give you a chewier texture.
• Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make the dough up to a day in advance. Let it rise once, then punch it down and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Bring it to room temperature before rolling and baking.
• How do I know when the rolls are fully baked? They should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
• Can I freeze these rolls? Yes, you can! See storage instructions above.
• What’s the best way to reheat the rolls? Wrap them in foil and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes.