These Rosemary Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and bursting with herby, buttery goodness. Infused with fresh rosemary and topped with garlic butter and flaky sea salt, they’re the perfect addition to any meal—whether you’re serving roast, stew, or pasta. The dough comes together with just a few basic ingredients, and while there’s some rise time involved, the end result is totally worth it. Warm, aromatic, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, these rolls will be the star of your dinner table.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Rolls

• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast

• 1 cup whole milk (100–110°F)

• 3 tbsp granulated sugar, divided

• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped

• 1½ tsp salt

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more as needed)

• Oil or melted butter, for brushing

For the Garlic Butter

• ¼ cup butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

• Flaky sea salt, for garnish

Directions

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine yeast, warm milk, and 1 tbsp sugar. Whisk and let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Add remaining sugar, eggs, butter, rosemary, salt, and flour. Knead with dough hook on low for 2–3 minutes, then on medium for 3–5 minutes until soft and smooth.

3. Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead a few times. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–2 hours or until doubled.

4. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Punch down the dough, roll into a log, and divide into 12 equal portions. Shape into balls and arrange in the dish. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.

5. Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush rolls with melted butter or oil. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.

6. While baking, make garlic butter: warm butter and garlic in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir in parsley.

7. Brush baked rolls with garlic butter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrients (Per Roll – Approximate)

• Calories: 230

• Carbohydrates: 30g

• Protein: 6g

• Fat: 10g

• Saturated Fat: 5g

• Cholesterol: 45mg

• Sodium: 270mg

• Sugar: 4g

• Fiber: 1g

• Calcium: 40mg

• Iron: 2mg

Aromatic Appeal from Fresh Rosemary

The star of these dinner rolls is undeniably the rosemary. This woody herb brings an earthy, pine-like aroma that pairs beautifully with the buttery dough and enhances the bread without overwhelming it. Fresh rosemary, chopped finely and folded into the dough, releases its essential oils during baking, infusing every bite with flavor.

Rosemary also lends a lovely visual element, with green flecks dotting the golden brown rolls, giving them a rustic, artisan appearance. The flavor is warm and savory, making these rolls a particularly great pairing for roasted meats, herbaceous poultry dishes, and hearty vegetable entrees.

Soft, Fluffy Texture from Enriched Dough

What makes these rolls stand out from other breads is the texture. The dough is enriched with milk, eggs, butter, and a touch of sugar, which gives it a tender crumb and a lightly sweet flavor that balances the savory herb. The result is a roll that’s soft on the inside, with a golden, slightly crisped exterior that glistens under a coating of garlic butter.

This enriched dough is also forgiving and pleasant to work with, making it a wonderful option for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. While the rising process does take time, most of it is hands-off, and the reward is well worth the wait—a dozen warm, fluffy rolls that taste and smell like heaven.

Garlic Butter Brings It All Together

As if the aroma of baking rosemary rolls weren’t enough, brushing them with warm garlic butter fresh from the oven elevates them to a whole new level. The garlic infuses each bite with savory depth, while the melted butter adds richness and a glossy finish. Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and brightness, making these rolls look as good as they taste.

The final touch—a sprinkle of flaky sea salt—brings crunch and a hit of salinity that wakes up the palate and enhances the bread’s natural flavors. It’s the kind of detail that makes these rolls feel gourmet, even though they’re made with simple ingredients at home.

Perfect for Every Occasion

Rosemary Dinner Rolls are as versatile as they are delicious. Their herby flavor and soft texture make them suitable for everyday dinners, but their elegant presentation also earns them a place at the most festive occasions. They’re right at home on holiday tables alongside turkey, prime rib, or baked ham. They add warmth and a handmade touch to dinner parties. And they’re just as lovely served with a bowl of soup on a quiet night in.

Because they hold up well when made in advance and can be gently reheated without drying out, they’re ideal for meal planning. You can even freeze them, making them perfect for prepping ahead for events or enjoying throughout the week.

A Family Favorite Worth Repeating

Homemade dinner rolls have a way of bringing people together. There’s something universally comforting about the smell of rising dough and the anticipation of warm, buttery bread straight from the oven. These rosemary rolls quickly become a family favorite, with everyone reaching for seconds—or thirds—before the meal is even over.

Kids love the soft texture and buttery flavor. Adults appreciate the depth added by rosemary and garlic. And anyone who’s ever baked bread before knows how deeply satisfying it is to create something so nourishing and crowd-pleasing from scratch.

A Beautiful Addition to the Table

Beyond their taste and texture, these rolls are simply beautiful to look at. Lightly golden, glistening with butter, speckled with herbs, and dusted with sea salt—they’re the kind of side that makes a table look thoughtfully curated and inviting. Serve them in a basket lined with a linen cloth, or arrange them on a wooden board for a rustic touch.

If you’re making them for a special dinner, try garnishing with an extra sprig of rosemary for decoration, or shape the rolls into knots or cloverleaf styles for added visual interest. Their soft, shiny tops and herb-infused interiors make them a showstopper, no matter how you serve them.

Beginner-Friendly with Impressive Results

While homemade bread may seem intimidating, these Rosemary Dinner Rolls are a great starting point. The dough comes together easily in a stand mixer or by hand, and it requires just a couple of simple rises. There’s no need for advanced techniques or specialty tools—just time, patience, and quality ingredients.

The recipe is also forgiving, making it easy to adapt or scale. You can shape the rolls smaller for sliders or larger for sandwich buns. You can swap out the rosemary for other herbs like thyme or sage. And if you’re short on time, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight for baking the next day.

Nutritional Notes and Indulgent Comfort

Each roll is modestly portioned, offering about 230 calories and 6 grams of protein—enough to satisfy without overindulging. The inclusion of whole milk, eggs, and butter makes them rich and flavorful, while the fresh herbs provide antioxidant benefits. Of course, these rolls are meant to be a treat—a complement to your meal rather than the main event—so they strike a nice balance between indulgence and nourishment.

Pair them with lean proteins and vegetables, or enjoy them as the centerpiece of a bread basket with soup or salad. However you serve them, they bring warmth and comfort with every bite.

Conclusion: A Roll You’ll Bake Again and Again

These Rosemary Dinner Rolls aren’t just another side dish—they’re the heart of a comforting meal and a reflection of the joy that comes from baking something from scratch. With their soft texture, herby aroma, and garlicky butter finish, they capture the essence of homemade comfort in every bite.

Perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or a weeknight meal that needs a little something extra, these rolls are as reliable as they are delicious. They fill your kitchen with warmth, your table with beauty, and your home with the smell of fresh-baked bread—a sensory experience that never gets old.

Bake them once, and they’ll become a staple. Serve them warm, and watch them disappear. These rolls aren’t just good—they’re unforgettable.