The moment you pull these golden garlic buns from the oven, their irresistible aroma fills the kitchen, making it nearly impossible to wait for them to cool. The soft, pillowy texture of the dough is the perfect contrast to the rich garlic butter that soaks into every crevice, infusing each bite with a burst of savory flavor. Brushing the buns with garlic butter not just before, but also after baking, ensures that every bun is beautifully glossy and packed with flavor. The subtle crunch of Parmesan, if you choose to add it, makes these buns a show-stopping side for any meal.
Ingredients:
- For the Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk (around 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
- For the Garlic Butter:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3-4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This means the yeast is activated and ready.
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Add the melted butter and the egg to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture, stirring until it forms a rough dough.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Buns:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
- Divide the dough into 10-12 equal portions, rolling each portion into a smooth ball.
- Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Cover the buns with a kitchen towel and allow them to rise for another 30-40 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven:
- While the buns are rising, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Make the Garlic Butter:
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and Italian seasoning (if using).
- Once the buns have finished their second rise, brush the tops generously with the garlic butter.
- Bake the Buns:
- Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on top.
- If you like, halfway through baking, you can brush them with more garlic butter.
- Remove the buns from the oven, and while still hot, brush them with the remaining garlic butter. If you’re using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the hot buns at this stage.
- Serve:
- Let the garlic buns cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm, with an extra brushing of garlic butter for even more flavor.
