If you have been searching for the perfect irresistible bread to complement any meal or gather friends around the table, then you’ve got to try this Herb-Butter Rolls Recipe. These golden, fluffy rolls are bathed in a fragrant blend of rosemary, oregano, thyme, and garlic butter that elevates every bite. With tender crumb interiors and a buttery, herbaceous crust, these rolls bring rich flavor and comforting warmth that makes them impossible to resist. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual dinner, this recipe is sure to become your go-to for impressing guests and satisfying family alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple and straightforward, but each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture, aroma, and flavor for your Herb-Butter Rolls Recipe. From the creamy butter that envelops every roll to the fragrant herbs that infuse each bite, these components come together to make magic happen.
- Salted butter (1 cup / 2 sticks): The rich base that melts into every roll, adding luscious moisture and flavor.
- Dried rosemary (1 tablespoon, crushed): Provides a woodsy, pine-like aroma that feels fresh and inviting.
- Dried oregano (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle earthiness that complements the other herbs beautifully.
- Dried thyme (1 tablespoon): Brings a gentle, lemony note that brightens the herb mixture.
- Garlic cloves (6, minced): Gives a punch of savory, aromatic depth that partners perfectly with the butter.
- Frozen dinner rolls (20): Using thaw and rise type makes this an accessible recipe anyone can make with ease.
- Flaky salt (for serving): Sprinkled on top to add subtle crunch and enhance the buttery-herbal flavors.
How to Make Herb-Butter Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Make the Herb Butter
Start by melting the salted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted, add the crushed rosemary, oregano, thyme, and minced garlic. Allow the herbs and garlic to gently infuse the butter until fragrant, which usually takes just a few minutes. This step builds the foundation of flavor that will soak deep into the rolls.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
While the butter mixture is warming, prepare your 9×13-inch baking dish by generously greasing it with butter or spraying it with cooking spray. This ensures the rolls won’t stick and helps them develop a golden crust during baking. A well-prepared pan is key to achieving those picture-perfect rolls.
Step 3: Roll the Frozen Rolls in Herb Butter
Taking one frozen roll at a time, roll it thoroughly in the warm herb butter, ensuring every crevice is coated. Place the buttered rolls in your prepared baking dish, leaving about 1½ inches between each so they have room to rise and expand. This coating gives the rolls their signature herbaceous richness.
Step 4: Let the Rolls Rise
Allow the rolls to rise at room temperature for 4 to 5 hours. This gentle, slow rise is essential for developing the light, airy texture that makes Rhodes Rolls so beloved. You’ll notice them doubling in size, softening, and becoming fluffy as they rest.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F, then bake the rolls for roughly 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are gorgeously golden brown. The butter and herbs create a crust that’s both visually inviting and bursting with flavor with every bite.
Step 6: Final Touches Before Serving
Remove the rolls from the oven and warm any remaining herb butter again. Using a pastry brush, glaze the warm rolls with this butter to heighten the shine and infuse even more flavor. Finish by sprinkling flaky salt over the top to add a delightful contrast and crunch.
How to Serve Herb-Butter Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
To complement the deep herbal notes, some fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil sprinkled lightly over the rolls just before serving add a burst of color and fresh flavor. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also add a fruity brightness that plays well with the butter.
Side Dishes
Herb-Butter Rolls pair wonderfully with soups, stews, and hearty salads. Try serving them alongside a creamy tomato soup, a vibrant Greek salad, or even a rustic pot roast. Their buttery texture makes them perfect for sopping up sauces and gravies too.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, arrange the rolls in a circular pattern on a platter with small bowls of flavored butters or dipping oils. You can also pull the rolls apart individually for a fun, interactive serving style that invites everyone to grab a warm piece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Herb-Butter Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them soft and fresh, place a slightly damp paper towel inside the container to maintain moisture.
Freezing
These rolls freeze wonderfully. Let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them inside a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, wrap the rolls in foil and warm them in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. For an extra touch, brush with a little melted herb butter before serving to revive their buttery, fragrant goodness.
FAQs
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh herbs can add an extra vibrant flavor. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried to keep the balance just right in your Herb-Butter Rolls Recipe.
What if I don’t have frozen rolls?
If you don’t have frozen rolls, you can use fresh dinner rolls, but you’ll need to adjust the rising time accordingly. The key is ensuring the dough has enough time to double in size before baking.
Can I make the herb butter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the herb butter a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Rewarm gently before rolling the rolls to make butter pliable again and prevent solid lumps.
Is there a way to make the rolls less buttery?
If you prefer less butter, you can reduce the butter amount by about 25 percent. However, keep in mind that the butter is crucial for the soft texture and rich flavor characteristic of this Herb-Butter Rolls Recipe.
Can I add cheese to the recipe?
Definitely! Adding grated Parmesan or mozzarella between the rolls before baking adds a wonderful melty surprise. It’s a delicious twist that many people love to pair with the herb-butter flavors.
Final Thoughts
Getting the perfect Herb-Butter Rolls Recipe onto your table is easier than you might think, and the reward is simply delightful. These warm, fragrant rolls bring comfort and elegance to any occasion, making them an absolute must-try for bread lovers. So grab your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready for your new favorite recipe that folks will be asking for again and again.
PrintHerb-Butter Rolls Recipe
Rhodes Rolls are soft, buttery dinner rolls enhanced with a fragrant herb butter made from rosemary, oregano, thyme, and garlic. These rolls start from frozen, rise slowly over several hours to achieve a fluffy texture, and then bake to a golden perfection. Finished with a brush of melted herb butter and flaky salt, they make a delicious, aromatic accompaniment to any meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Herb Butter
- 1 cup salted butter (2 sticks)
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary, crushed
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
Rolls
- 20 frozen dinner rolls (thaw, rise, and bake type)
- Flaky salt, for serving
- Additional butter, for greasing the pan
Instructions
- Make the herb butter: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter with the rosemary, oregano, thyme, and minced garlic until fragrant. This infuses the butter with herbal aromas. Transfer the flavored butter mixture into a bowl and set aside.
- Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with additional butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and help the rolls bake evenly.
- Coat the rolls: One at a time, roll each frozen dinner roll thoroughly in the herb butter mixture, ensuring they are well-coated with the aromatic butter.
- Arrange and rise: Place the buttered rolls in the prepared baking dish spaced about 1½ inches apart. Allow them to rise at room temperature for 4 to 5 hours, until they have doubled in size, developing a light and fluffy texture.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- Bake the rolls: Bake the risen rolls in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they have turned golden brown and cooked through.
- Finish with herb butter and serve: Remove the rolls from the oven. Melt any remaining herb butter either in the microwave or over low heat on the stove. Brush the warm rolls with this butter and sprinkle generously with flaky salt. Serve the rolls warm to enjoy their full flavor and softness.
Notes
- Use a 9×13 inch baking dish to allow enough room for the rolls to expand.
- The long rising time at room temperature is crucial for the rolls to achieve the best texture and volume.
- Be sure to use frozen dinner rolls intended for thawing, rising, and baking for best results.
- If you prefer, you can substitute fresh herbs for dried, but adjust quantities accordingly.
