What the heck is this?
If garlic bread and a cinnamon roll had a love child, it would be these Garlic Swirl Rolls. We’re talking soft, buttery dough spiraled with a garlicky, herby filling and baked until golden and fluffy, then brushed with even more garlic butter (because restraint is not the vibe here). These rolls are perfect for soaking up pasta sauces, serving alongside soup, or—let’s be honest—eating straight off the baking sheet with zero regrets. Basically, if you like carbs and garlic, welcome to your new obsession.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Warm, fluffy rolls with a garlicky punch? Yes please.
They look fancy but are secretly easy to make.
Perfect for dinner parties, holiday spreads, or weeknight flexes.
Freezer-friendly, so you can bake a batch now and stash some for later.
Customizable with cheese, herbs, or even a little chili flake if you’re spicy like that.
The Good Stuff You’ll Need
For the Dough:
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp sugar
2 1/4 tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
1 tsp salt
1 cup warm milk (around 110°F)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 egg
For the Garlic Filling:
1/4 cup unsalted butter, very soft
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp chopped parsley
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
Optional: 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or parmesan for extra decadence
For Brushing After Baking:
2 tbsp melted butter
1 clove garlic, grated
Pinch of salt + parsley for garnish
Let’s Do This
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add melted butter, egg, flour, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 6–8 minutes (or use the dough hook if you’re fancy) until smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled.
Step 2: Garlic Butter Magic
While the dough rises, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, and salt. Set aside. If adding cheese, keep it handy for the next step.
Step 3: Roll + Fill
Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle (about 12×18 inches). Spread the garlic butter evenly across the surface. Sprinkle cheese on top if using. Roll it up tightly, jelly-roll style, starting from the long side. Slice into 12 even rolls and place them in a greased 9×13 baking dish.
Step 4: Rise Again + Bake
Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
Step 5: Finish Like a Pro
Right after baking, brush the tops with the melted butter and grated garlic. Sprinkle with a bit more parsley if you want that visual flair. Let cool slightly before serving (or don’t—we’re not judging).
Serving Suggestions
Serve with marinara or garlic aioli for dipping.
Perfect sidekick for spaghetti, lasagna, or tomato soup.
Add to a brunch spread with eggs and roasted veggies.
Tear-and-share at parties, or hoard them for yourself — both are valid.
Switch It Up
Make them cheesy: Add shredded mozzarella, fontina, or gouda to the filling.
Add spice: A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes gives them a subtle kick.
Make it herby: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or chives to the butter mix.
Go sweet-savory: A little honey or brown sugar in the butter makes these pop.
Make-Ahead Tips
Make the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight.
Roll, slice, and refrigerate the unbaked rolls for up to 24 hours. Let them come to room temp before baking.
Baked rolls freeze well—just reheat in the oven wrapped in foil at 350°F until warm.
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Can I use store-bought dough?
A: Totally. Pizza dough or crescent roll dough works in a pinch—just adjust the baking time.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Keep them in an airtight container at room temp for 2 days, or in the fridge for 4–5. Reheat in the oven to bring back the magic.
Q: Can I make them vegan?
A: Yep! Use plant-based butter and milk, and skip the egg or replace it with 2 tbsp plant milk + 1 tsp oil. They’ll still be dreamy.
Q: Can I freeze the dough?
A: Yes! After the first rise, freeze the dough tightly wrapped. Thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling and baking.
Garlic Swirl Rolls: A Flavorful Delight (That’ll Make Your Kitchen Smell Like Heaven)
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
Description
If garlic bread and a cinnamon roll had a love child, it would be these Garlic Swirl Rolls. We’re talking soft, buttery dough spiraled with a garlicky, herby filling and baked until golden and fluffy, then brushed with even more garlic butter (because restraint is not the vibe here). These rolls are perfect for soaking up pasta sauces, serving alongside soup, or—let’s be honest—eating straight off the baking sheet with zero regrets. Basically, if you like carbs and garlic, welcome to your new obsession.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp sugar
2 1/4 tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
1 tsp salt
1 cup warm milk (around 110°F)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 egg
For the Garlic Filling:
1/4 cup unsalted butter, very soft
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp chopped parsley
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
Optional: 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or parmesan for extra decadence
For Brushing After Baking:
2 tbsp melted butter
1 clove garlic, grated
Pinch of salt + parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add melted butter, egg, flour, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 6–8 minutes (or use the dough hook if you’re fancy) until smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled.
Step 2: Garlic Butter Magic
While the dough rises, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, and salt. Set aside. If adding cheese, keep it handy for the next step.
Step 3: Roll + Fill
Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle (about 12×18 inches). Spread the garlic butter evenly across the surface. Sprinkle cheese on top if using. Roll it up tightly, jelly-roll style, starting from the long side. Slice into 12 even rolls and place them in a greased 9×13 baking dish.
Step 4: Rise Again + Bake
Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
Step 5: Finish Like a Pro
Right after baking, brush the tops with the melted butter and grated garlic. Sprinkle with a bit more parsley if you want that visual flair. Let cool slightly before serving (or don’t—we’re not judging).
Notes
Serve with marinara or garlic aioli for dipping.
Perfect sidekick for spaghetti, lasagna, or tomato soup.
Add to a brunch spread with eggs and roasted veggies.
Tear-and-share at parties, or hoard them for yourself — both are valid.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~220 per serving
- Fat: ~20g
- Carbohydrates: ~12g
- Protein: ~4g