These Garlic Swirl Rolls are soft, fluffy, and bursting with rich garlic flavor and herby goodness. Whether served alongside pasta, soup, or as part of a holiday spread, they’re a show-stopping side that’s easy to make and hard to resist. Made with buttery garlic filling and rolled like cinnamon buns, these savory spirals are the perfect blend of comfort and flavor.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 cups warm milk (110°F)

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp salt

• 4–5 cups all-purpose flour

For the Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Topping:

• Grated Parmesan cheese

• Extra fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

Prepare the Dough:

1. In a large bowl, mix warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit 5–10 minutes until frothy.

2. Stir in melted butter, eggs, and salt. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms.

3. Knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Make the Filling:
4. In a small bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Shape the Rolls:
5. Punch down the dough and roll out into a 12×18 inch rectangle.
6. Spread garlic butter mixture evenly over dough.
7. Roll up tightly from the long side and slice into 12 equal pieces.

Second Rise:
8. Place rolls cut-side up in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise 30–45 minutes until puffy.

Bake:
9. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
10. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with Parmesan and parsley if desired.

Nutrients (Per Roll – Approximate)

• Calories: 180 kcal

• Fat: 8 g

• Carbohydrates: 25 g

• Fiber: 1 g

• Protein: 3 g

The Irresistible Allure of Garlic Bread, Reimagined

Garlic bread is already a beloved staple—but transforming it into swirled rolls takes the experience to another level. By layering garlic butter inside rolled dough, each bite delivers a spiral of flavor: from the golden edges down to the tender, aromatic center. The rolls are beautifully golden on top, soft in the middle, and lightly crisp at the base—thanks to the melted butter and slow baking process. With the herbaceous lift of parsley and the option to top with Parmesan, these rolls are as impressive in taste as they are in appearance.

A Foolproof, Enriched Dough

The dough for these rolls is an enriched bread dough, meaning it contains fat (from butter and eggs) and sugar for softness and flavor. Warm milk helps activate the yeast and gives the dough its light texture. Once kneaded and left to rise, it becomes elastic, airy, and easy to work with. The combination of milk, butter, and eggs makes this dough exceptionally tender, ensuring that the rolls bake up soft and fluffy every time.

The Star of the Show: Garlic Butter Filling

The filling is what gives these swirl rolls their signature flavor. Made with softened butter, freshly minced garlic, and chopped parsley, the mixture is spread generously across the rolled-out dough before being shaped. As the rolls bake, the garlic infuses the surrounding dough with its savory aroma, while the butter melts into the layers, creating pockets of flavor and moisture. A pinch of salt and pepper rounds out the filling, making every swirl deliciously well-seasoned.

Rolled Like Cinnamon Buns, Baked Like a Dream

After the dough is filled and rolled into a tight log, it’s sliced into 12 equal pieces, revealing beautiful spirals of garlic and herb butter. The rolls are then placed in a baking dish for their second rise. This step ensures they expand fully and bake evenly, creating soft, puffy rolls with delicate, buttery layers. The spiral design not only looks stunning but also guarantees flavor in every bite—no dry edges or bland centers here.

Versatility That Works for Every Meal

These garlic swirl rolls are as versatile as they are tasty. Serve them alongside:

• Pasta dishes like lasagna or fettuccine Alfredo

• Tomato-based soups or creamy bisques

• Holiday mains like turkey, ham, or roast beef

• Vegetarian meals such as risotto, baked zucchini, or eggplant Parmesan

They also make a satisfying snack on their own, especially when reheated and served with a dipping sauce like marinara or garlic-herb olive oil. For a brunch twist, pair them with a light salad or eggs and let their savory richness shine.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Friendly

One of the best parts about this recipe is how easily it fits into a busy cooking schedule. You can prepare the dough and even shape the rolls in advance, storing them in the refrigerator overnight before the second rise and baking. They also freeze well—after baking and cooling, store in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to eat, warm in the oven until heated through and refreshed. This make-ahead option is perfect for holidays or meal prepping your week.

Garnishes and Flavor Enhancements

To add an extra level of indulgence, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the rolls just before baking, or add it post-bake for a gooey, savory topping. A finishing touch of fresh parsley or a light brush of melted butter out of the oven makes the presentation even more inviting. If you love cheese, consider folding a little shredded mozzarella or sharp cheddar into the filling for a creamy melt inside each swirl.

Nutritional Overview

Each roll is approximately 180 calories, with moderate amounts of fat and carbohydrates. The fat comes mainly from the butter and eggs in the dough and filling, while the carbohydrates are sourced from the flour. The addition of parsley adds antioxidants and flavor with minimal calories. Overall, the rolls strike a good balance of indulgence and portion control, especially when served as part of a larger meal.

Tips for Best Results

• Use room temperature ingredients to help the dough rise evenly and the butter spread easily.

• Let the dough rise until doubled in volume—it ensures the rolls bake light and fluffy.

• Do not overstuff with filling, as too much butter can leak out during baking.

• Slice evenly to ensure all rolls cook at the same rate.

• Cover with foil if browning too fast during baking to prevent the tops from overcooking before the centers are done.

Why You’ll Love These Garlic Swirl Rolls

These rolls are the perfect fusion of comforting, homemade bread and the crave-worthy flavor of garlic butter. They’re simple enough to make on a weeknight but beautiful enough to serve at a dinner party or holiday table. The swirled presentation adds elegance, while the flavor delivers all the satisfaction of garlic bread in a softer, fluffier form. If you’re a fan of savory bakes that look as good as they taste, this is a recipe you’ll return to time and again.

Conclusion

Garlic Swirl Rolls bring together everything you love about fresh bread and rich garlic flavor, rolled into elegant spirals that look bakery-worthy and taste like warm comfort. From the soft, enriched dough to the savory, buttery filling, these rolls are pure indulgence in every bite. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or enjoying them with a weeknight pasta dish, they’re sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen—easy to make, stunning to present, and impossible to resist.