These fluffy Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls come together with less than 10 minutes of hands-on prep! Start with frozen Rhodes rolls that can rise at room temperature, in the fridge overnight, or with one of our quick thaw methods (we’ve got detailed instructions for every scenario!). Then add a delicious, cheesy garlic butter before baking them to a beautiful golden brown.
Check out the full post for expert tips on achieving the perfect texture, preventing over-proofed dough, and baking them perfectly. Plus you can explore our complete collection of homemade bread recipes to satisfy your every craving!
We started making our original Rhodes Rolls Recipe many years ago for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. It's quickly become a fan favorite with our readers and for good reason!
This recipe is the perfect variation when you want a savory twist without any fresh herbs!
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Why this recipe is great
- You only need 4 ingredients!
- They're perfectly golden brown on the edges and fluffy inside!
- No fresh garlic needed (we use garlic powder instead, but there are instructions for fresh garlic as well).
- No need to make from-scratch dough.
Ingredients for Rhodes garlic parmesan rolls
Although the ingredients are very simple, we've listed a few tips below so you can be confident of getting great results.
- Rhodes dinner rolls: I typically use 12 that are 57 grams each, but you can substitute with 15 that are 38 grams instead.
- Salted butter: This is where a lot of flavor comes from, along with that pretty brown color. If you use unsalted butter, I suggest sprinkling the top with flaky sea salt after baking for an extra boost of flavor.
- Parmesan cheese: I usually use a Microplane to grate mine for a really fine texture. You can also use a larger grate size, it will just melt differently.
- Garlic powder: You can substitute with granulated garlic, which has a larger texture. We also include tips for fresh garlic below. Don't substitute with garlic salt or they will be very salty.
Helpful tools
How to make garlic parmesan dinner rolls
These Rhodes rolls instructions are simple as can be! Start by pulling out a 12 inch cast iron skillet. Cast iron skillets are the best option because they really help the outside get that golden, crisp edge. Spray the pan with non-stick spray.
Place 12 frozen rolls in the pan, spacing them evenly so that they are not touching.
Cover the skillet loosely with plastic wrap, then spray the wrap with non-stick spray. Flip the plastic over so that the greased side is facing the dough. This will keep the plastic from sticking to them later.
Set the pan aside at room temperature for 3-5 hours, or until they are doubled in size. The timing really depends on how warm your space is. The warmer it is, the faster they will rise.
Preheat the oven to 350°F when they look soft and fluffy. Then gently remove the plastic wrap, being careful not to tug or deflate the dough.
Next you will melt the butter in the microwave. Set aside two tablespoons, then stir the garlic powder and parmesan cheese into the remaining butter.
Pour or spoon the melted butter mixture over the top of the risen dough making sure to include the outside edge of the pan. Avoid using a brush because if too much pressure is applied the bread dough will deflate.
Bake the parmesan garlic rolls for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. My test for knowing if they are done is to peak in between a couple. If the middle still looks gummy, they aren't quite done.
When you pull the pan out of the oven, brush the remaining two tablespoons of butter on the top of the bread. Sprinkle with fresh parmesan cheese and serve warm!
Alternative thawing options
Overnight: Allow the dough to rise covered with greased plastic wrap for at least 8-10 hours in the fridge, or overnight. Before baking, pull them out and leave them at a warm-ish room temperature for at least an hour. Once they are about double their original size, continue with the baking instructions.
Quick thaw method: Preheat the oven to 175°F. Once hot, turn the oven off and place the covered skillet inside for an hour. After the first hour, check them every 30 minutes until they are about double the original size. Then proceed with the baking instructions.
Main dishes to serve with garlic dinner rolls
Can I make this recipe with fresh garlic?
Yes! If you prefer fresh garlic, the best option is to infuse the butter with fresh garlic cloves. Gently crush 3-4 cloves of garlic, then add them to the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
Simmer for 1-2 minutes, then remove from the heat and allow to steep for 5-8 more minutes. Use this butter and skip the garlic powder for a fresh flavor.
FAQs
Absolutely! Check the bag for suggested rise time and baking time, but it will likely be very similar to these as long as they are about the same size.
I use cast iron whenever possible because of how it helps the crust bake up. However, a 9x13 can be used as well following the same instructions.
You will know if these have risen for too long if they are more than double their original size, or if they start to overfill the pan. They should be doubled in size and still look sturdy (not fragile or wonky shaped) when they are ready to bake. Keep in mind that they will continue to puff as they bake.
Wrap the leftovers in foil, then place them in the oven preheated to 350ºF for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively you can use the microwave for 20-30 seconds, but be sure to leave them uncovered in this case.
Tips & Tricks
- Watch them carefully after the first three hours to ensure they don't over-rise. Once you've made these once or twice, you will start to get a feel for how long they take to perfectly rise in your specific house/temperature.
- Use real parmesan cheese! The pre-grated powdered cheese is truly not the same.
- Serve them immediately after adding the last two tablespoons of butter and parmesan on the top so that they don't get soggy.
More bread recipes
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Recipe
Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls (w/ frozen Rhodes Rolls)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 Rhodes rolls 57 grams (see notes)
- 8 tablespoon butter melted
- 2 tablespoon grated parmesan plus extra for the top
- 2 tablespoon garlic powder or granulated garlic
Instructions
- Spray a 12 inch cast iron skillet with nonstick spray or lightly grease with oil. Place 12 Rhodes frozen dinner rolls evenly around the pan leaving equal space in between them.12 Rhodes rolls
- Cover the skillet loosely with plastic wrap, then spray the wrap with non-stick spray. Flip the plastic over so that the greased side is facing the dough. Set aside to rise for 3-5 hours at room temperature, or until they are doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F when they look the right size (they should look soft and fluffy). Gently remove the plastic wrap, being careful not to tug or deflate the dough.
- Melt the butter in the microwave. Set aside two tablespoons, then stir the garlic powder and parmesan cheese into the remaining butter. Pour or spoon the butter mixture over the tops of the dinner rolls making sure to include the outside edge of the pan (don't use a brush).8 tablespoon butter, 2 tablespoon grated parmesan, 2 tablespoon garlic powder or granulated garlic
- Bake the parmesan garlic rolls for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. When you pull the pan out of the oven, brush the remaining two tablespoons of butter on the top. Sprinkle with fresh parmesan cheese and a little dried parsley if you want a pop of green. Serve warm!
Notes
- Watch them carefully after the first three hours to ensure they don't over-rise. Once you've made these once or twice, you will start to get a feel for how long they take to perfectly rise in your specific house/temperature.
- Use real parmesan cheese! The pre-grated powdered cheese is truly not the same.
- Serve them immediately after adding the last two tablespoons of butter and parmesan on the top so that they don't get soggy.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
All nutrition information is provided by a third party and is an estimate only. Use your own nutritional calculator for more specific measurements.
Danielle says
These dinner rolls are perfect alongside any meal!