Make-Ahead Garlic & Herb Rolls for Thanksgiving

Introduction

Nothing completes a Thanksgiving feast quite like homemade rolls, and these Make-Ahead Garlic & Herb Rolls truly elevate your holiday table. Soft, fluffy, and infused with aromatic garlic and fresh herbs, they complement any Thanksgiving spread—while the make-ahead feature means less stress on the big day. Impress your family and guests with irresistibly fragrant rolls that offer bakery-quality taste and the ultimate in convenience.

Deliciously Unique Make-Ahead Garlic & Herb Rolls

These rolls stand out thanks to a buttery, garlicky topping and a perfect blend of fresh and dried herbs. Each bite delivers a warm, savory flavor and a pillowy texture that will have everyone reaching for seconds. The make-ahead process ensures you get all the homemade charm without last-minute hassle—just prep, chill, and bake when needed.

Preparing the Garlic & Herb Dough

Begin with a simple dough enriched with milk and butter for extra tenderness. Enhance the base with minced fresh garlic, chopped parsley, and a hint of rosemary or thyme—these herbs impart festive, comforting classic flavors. For best results, let the dough rise until doubled, ensuring the rolls bake up beautifully light and airy.

Shaping and Prepping Ahead

Shape the dough into balls and nestle them in a buttered baking dish. Brush with a mixture of melted butter, garlic, and chopped herbs before chilling overnight (or up to 24 hours). This make-ahead step lets you focus on other holiday dishes, with the dough developing more flavor as it rests.

Serving Suggestions for Show-Stopping Garlic & Herb Rolls

Serve these rolls hot from the oven, brushed with a little more garlic herb butter for added shine and aroma. Pair them with Thanksgiving classics like roast turkey, gravy, and cranberry sauce, or use them to mop up every last bit of side dish. They’re also perfect for sandwiches with leftover turkey the next day.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe makes about 12 rolls. Each roll contains approximately 160 calories, depending on the size and the amount of butter used. Packed with comforting flavor, these rolls are a satisfying addition to any holiday meal.

Make-Ahead Garlic & Herb Rolls for Thanksgiving (Recap)

Combining the indulgent appeal of freshly baked bread with the savory punch of garlic and herbs, these make-ahead rolls are perfect for stress-free entertaining. They deliver holiday flavor and freshness with minimal effort on Thanksgiving day.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section – perfect for efficient grocery trips and stress-free holiday planning.

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let sit for 5-10 minutes, until foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the melted butter and egg, mixing until just combined.
3. Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture. Stir to form a rough dough, then knead on a floured surface for 6-8 minutes (or use a stand mixer with a dough hook) until soft and slightly tacky.
4. Transfer dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 pieces. Shape each into a ball and arrange in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, rosemary (or thyme), and salt. Brush half the mixture over the rolls.
7. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or up to 24 hours.
8. On Thanksgiving Day, remove the rolls from the fridge and let them come to room temperature (about 45-60 minutes). Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F.
9. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
10. Brush with the remaining garlic herb butter and sprinkle with extra herbs before serving.

Weekly Meal Planning

These Make-Ahead Garlic & Herb Rolls are the ideal candidate for stress-free holiday or weekly meal prep. Save and schedule this recipe to plan ahead for feasts or batch cooking, and instantly generate a smart, consolidated shopping list with all your weekly recipes.

**Planning Benefits:**
– Calculates total ingredient quantities across multiple planned meals
– Organizes your grocery list by store section
– Prevents duplicate purchases and forgotten essentials
– Makes your holiday and weekly meal prep far more efficient

**Pro Tip:** When making multiple dishes (like stuffing and these rolls), schedule them together so your shopping list combines shared ingredients, such as butter and herbs. This saves time, trims food waste, and streamlines your Thanksgiving prep!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus rise and chill time)
Bake Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour active, overnight chilling, 25-minute bake (on serving day)