Imagine pulling apart warm, golden rolls that are infused with the rich, caramelized flavor of roasted garlic and the aromatic essence of fresh rosemary. These aren't just any dinner rolls - they're a culinary experience that will transform your ordinary meal into an extraordinary feast. With a crispy exterior, soft interior, and an intoxicating aroma that will have everyone gathered around the table, these Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Cloverleaf Rolls are about to become your new favorite bread recipe!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 rolls
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 cloves garlic, roasted
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your rolls bake evenly and develop a nice golden color.
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk (around 110°F or 43°C) and the packet of active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step activates the yeast and is crucial for the dough to rise properly.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
- Add the melted butter, the frothy yeast mixture, and the roasted garlic (mashed into a paste) into the well of the dry ingredients. The roasted garlic can be made by wrapping whole garlic cloves in foil and roasting them in the oven until soft and caramelized, about 30-35 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
- Mix the ingredients together until a sticky dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it is manageable.
- Once the dough comes together, knead it on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Kneading helps develop the gluten, which gives the rolls their structure.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 10-15 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Incorporate the chopped fresh rosemary into the dough, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
- Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then shape them into cloverleaf rolls by placing three balls together in each cup of a greased muffin tin.
- Cover the muffin tin with a kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for another 10 minutes while the oven finishes preheating.
- Once the rolls have puffed up slightly, place the muffin tin in the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the rolls sound hollow when tapped.
- Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm, and enjoy the delightful aroma of roasted garlic and rosemary!
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure your milk is precisely warm (around 110°F) when activating the yeast. Too hot, and you'll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won't activate properly.
- Roasting Garlic Perfection: Take the time to roast your garlic beforehand. The caramelization adds depth and sweetness that raw garlic can't match.
- Kneading Technique: Don't rush the kneading process. A full 5-7 minutes develops the gluten, giving your rolls that perfect, pillowy texture.
- Rising Environment: Choose a warm, draft-free spot for your dough to rise. A turned-off oven with the light on works wonderfully.
- Even Sizing Matters: Use a kitchen scale or divide the dough carefully to ensure all rolls are uniform in size for consistent baking.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh rosemary if possible. The difference in flavor is remarkable compared to dried herbs.
- Serve Warm: These rolls are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, so time your baking to coincide with your meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
