I love how quick and hands-off this recipe is. I use frozen yeast rolls as a base, which makes prep easy, and the flavor payoff is huge. These rolls rise beautifully with barely any effort, and once baked with the garlic butter and parmesan, they turn into the perfect dinner companion—soft on the inside, golden on top, and full of garlicky, cheesy goodness. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any meal.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
I start by arranging 16 frozen yeast dinner rolls in a greased baking pan or dish, leaving a bit of space between each one so they have room to rise.
I lightly spray a sheet of plastic wrap and place it over the rolls to keep them from sticking during the rise.
I let the rolls sit at room temperature for about 3 to 5 hours, or until they’ve puffed up and nearly doubled in size. The exact time depends on the temperature of the room.
Once they’ve risen, I mix the melted butter with the minced garlic, chopped parsley, and parmesan cheese, then brush it generously over the tops of the rolls.
I bake the rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and fully baked through.
I serve them warm, straight from the oven—though they’re just as delicious at room temperature.
I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter for a spicy kick.
For extra cheesiness, I sprinkle a little extra parmesan or mozzarella on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
I’ve used Italian seasoning in place of fresh parsley when I want a more herbaceous flavor.
A touch of lemon zest added to the garlic butter gives a fresh twist.
For a pull-apart version, I arrange the rolls in a circular baking dish so they bake together and pull apart easily.
Storage/Reheating
If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. I avoid microwaving if I want to keep the exterior crisp and the inside soft.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, I let them rise ahead of time and keep them covered in the fridge until ready to bake. I let them come to room temperature before putting them in the oven.
Can I use homemade dough instead?
Absolutely. I’ve made my own yeast roll dough and followed the same garlic butter and cheese topping with great results.
What kind of parmesan is best?
I use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and melt. Pre-shredded works in a pinch, but it won’t melt quite as smoothly.
Do I have to use parsley?
No, but I love the fresh touch it adds. You can swap it for basil, oregano, or even chives if that’s what you have on hand.
Can I freeze the baked rolls?
Yes. Once baked and cooled, I wrap them in foil and freeze. When I want to reheat, I thaw them in the fridge overnight and warm them in the oven wrapped in foil until heated through.
Conclusion
These Easy Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls are everything I want in a quick, flavorful side dish. I love how they combine convenience with homemade flavor, and they never fail to impress. Whether I’m making them for a holiday dinner, a weeknight meal, or just to snack on, they’re always a warm, garlicky, cheesy hit.
Warm, fluffy rolls brushed with melted butter, fresh garlic, parmesan, and parsley—these easy dinner rolls are the perfect side for any meal.
Author:Sarah
Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:18 minutes
Total Time:3 hours 23 minutes
Yield:16 rolls
Category:Side Dish
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
16 Rhodes frozen yeast dinner rolls
4 tablespoons melted butter
2 tablespoons minced garlic
¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
Prepare Rolls: Arrange 16 frozen rolls in a greased baking pan or dish, leaving space between each.
Cover and Rise: Lightly spray plastic wrap and place over the rolls to prevent sticking. Let sit at room temperature for 3 to 5 hours until doubled in size.
Preheat Oven: Once risen, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix Topping: In a bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley.
Brush and Bake: Brush the rolls with the garlic parmesan butter mixture.
Bake: Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Serve Warm: Enjoy as a side with pasta, soups, or holiday meals.
Notes
For a crispier bottom, bake in a metal pan instead of glass or ceramic.
Add extra cheese on top before baking for a more golden crust.
You can use Italian seasoning in place of fresh parsley if needed.
