Ultimate Vegan Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls: Fluffy, Cheesy, and Irresistibly Buttery
These incredibly soft, fluffy, and optionally cheese-stuffed Vegan Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls are the perfect accompaniment to any holiday meal, or simply a delightful treat for any weeknight. The savory, buttery garlic rub on the top is truly out of this world and makes these rolls utterly irresistible!
The anticipation of a warm, fluffy dinner roll fresh from the oven is a universal delight, and these Vegan Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls elevate that experience to an entirely new level. While some recipes speak for themselves through their sheer deliciousness, as food bloggers, we still strive to capture that magic in words. Just take a moment to look at these photographs—they truly tell a story of culinary perfection!
You can almost taste the rich, buttery topping, see the fragrant bits of fresh garlic and vibrant herbs, and appreciate the inviting golden-brown exterior. From the moment you lay eyes on them, you instinctively know that these homemade rolls are going to be nothing short of fantastic. And indeed, fantastic they are!
But wait, there’s more! As if these pillowy rolls weren’t mouthwatering enough on their own, we’ve included the option to stuff them with your favorite melty vegan cheese, transforming them into an even more irresistible treat. While this step is entirely optional, we wholeheartedly recommend it! The only thing better than a soft, garlicky dinner roll is one with a warm, gooey, plant-based cheese center that stretches beautifully as you pull it apart. Yes, modern vegan cheeses melt wonderfully, creating that ooey-gooey texture everyone loves!
Although this recipe for fluffy vegan rolls was developed with festive holiday dinners in mind, their versatility knows no bounds. You can easily make a batch ahead of time and freeze them, ensuring you have homemade deliciousness ready for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impromptu gathering. Honestly, these rolls are so incredibly good, you might even find yourself wanting to make a meal out of them alone. No judgment here—they are truly that addictive!
Why These Vegan Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls Are a Must-Try
Prepare to fall in love with these extraordinary vegan dinner rolls for countless reasons. Here’s what makes them an absolute standout:
- Unmatched Pillowy Texture: These rolls boast an incredible softness that practically melts in your mouth, perfectly balanced with a slightly crisp, golden-brown exterior. They are truly the definition of pillowy perfection.
- Explosive Garlic & Herb Flavor: Infused with generous amounts of fresh garlic and aromatic parsley, then finished with a savory vegan Parmesan topping and a luscious buttery rub, every single bite is a flavor sensation that will leave you craving more.
- Optional Gooey Cheese Stuffing: For the ultimate indulgence, we guide you through stuffing each roll with your favorite melty plant-based cheese. This creates an ooey-gooey, savory center that takes these rolls from great to absolutely divine.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: While they shine brightly as a festive accompaniment to holiday feasts, their comforting appeal makes them perfect for everyday family dinners, potlucks, brunches, or even as a satisfying standalone snack.
- Completely Plant-Based: These rolls are entirely dairy-free and egg-free, making them accessible for anyone following a vegan diet or those with specific allergies, without compromising on flavor or texture.
- Easier Than You Think: Don’t be intimidated by yeast baking! Our detailed, step-by-step instructions and helpful tips ensure a successful and delicious batch, even for novice bakers.
- Convenient Freezer-Friendly Option: Make a larger batch and freeze them for later, ensuring you always have warm, delicious homemade rolls on hand for spontaneous cravings, busy evenings, or unexpected guests.
Essential Notes on Ingredients for Perfect Rolls
Before you dive into the kitchen, please take a moment to review this important information regarding the ingredients and instructions. The FULL recipe with precise amounts and detailed steps can be found further DOWN BELOW in the comprehensive recipe card.
For the rolls:
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of our fluffy rolls. Ensure you have extra for dusting and light kneading if needed.
- Granulated sugar or liquid sweetener (maple syrup or agave): This isn’t just for sweetness; it’s crucial for activating and feeding the yeast, allowing our dough to rise beautifully. Don’t worry, it won’t make your rolls overtly sweet.
- Instant yeast: A key ingredient for achieving that soft, airy texture. If you’re unsure about your yeast’s viability, here’s how to test yeast to make sure it’s still good and active.
- Sea salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the rolls, balancing the richness.
- Vegan milk: Any unsweetened plant-based milk will work wonders here, whether it’s almond, soy, oat, or cashew milk. Just ensure it’s warmed to the right temperature.
- Vegan butter, olive oil, or any neutral oil: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough. If you’re feeling ambitious, here’s how to make your own delicious vegan butter.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a beautiful pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous flavor that complements the garlic.
- Vegan Parmesan cheese: Provides that distinct tangy, savory “Parmesan” flavor without any dairy. I highly recommend my own quick and easy 5-minute recipe, but a good quality store-bought option works too.
- Minced garlic: The star of the show! Freshly minced garlic delivers the best, most aromatic flavor.
- Shredded vegan cheese: For those optional, irresistible cheese-stuffed rolls. The key is to choose a brand known for its excellent melting capabilities. Some tried-and-true favorites that melt beautifully include Nurishh, Miyoko’s, Violife, Follow Your Heart, and Daiya. These will give you that wonderful stretch and ooze when you pull the rolls apart. Yum!
For the heavenly garlic rub:
- Vegan butter: Creates the rich, luscious base for our signature topping.
- Fresh parsley: Adds brightness and another layer of fresh herb flavor.
- Minced garlic: Doubles down on the delicious garlic punch, ensuring every roll is infused with savory goodness.
- Vegan Parmesan cheese: A final sprinkle of plant-based Parmesan takes the topping to the next level of savory deliciousness.
How to Make Delicious Vegan Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls: A Step-by-Step Guide
I promise, making these homemade dinner rolls is much easier than you might think, though they do require a little patience due to the yeast needing time to rise. The results, however, are absolutely worth every minute! Here’s a clear, step-by-step breakdown of how to create these incredible garlic parmesan dinner rolls:
1. Combine the dry ingredients: In the large bowl of a stand mixer, measure out your all-purpose flour, granulated sugar (or liquid sweetener), instant yeast, and sea salt. Using a whisk, thoroughly combine these dry ingredients, ensuring they are evenly distributed. This step prepares the foundation for our dough.
2. Incorporate wet ingredients and flavorings: Create a small well in the center of your dry ingredients. Gradually pour in the warm vegan milk and melted vegan butter (or oil). Begin mixing these components with a sturdy spatula until just incorporated. At this stage, the dough will appear somewhat shaggy. Next, fold in the minced garlic, vegan Parmesan, and fresh parsley, ensuring these aromatic additions are well distributed throughout the dough.
3. Knead the dough to perfection: Attach your dough hook to the stand mixer and knead the dough for approximately 5 to 6 minutes on the first or second speed. Initially, the dough might feel a bit sticky. If this is the case, you can add up to 2 tablespoons of extra flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough becomes more manageable. Your goal is a smooth, elastic dough ball with a slight tension when gently pressed, and a few small dimples. This proper kneading develops the gluten, which is essential for fluffy rolls.
4. First rise: Lightly grease the mixing bowl with a little extra oil, then place your perfectly kneaded dough ball back into it. Cover the bowl snugly with a clean kitchen towel and allow the dough to sit and rise for at least 2 hours in a warm, draft-free spot. The dough should visibly double in size during this proofing period, indicating that the yeast is actively working.
5. Form the individual rolls: Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air, then fold it over a few times. Carefully divide the dough into 15 equal portions. For consistently sized rolls, I recommend weighing the entire dough and then dividing that weight by 15 to get the target weight for each individual roll (mine were typically around 48-49g). Roll each portion into a smooth, round ball. Use your fingers to pinch and pull the undersides of the dough, tucking them underneath to create a taut, smooth surface on top with the seam hidden at the bottom. This technique ensures a beautifully shaped roll.
6. Optional cheese stuffing: If you’re opting for cheese-stuffed rolls (which I highly recommend!), measure out 3/4 cup of shredded vegan cheese. Evenly divide this mixture among your 15 dough balls. Before pinching and pulling the undersides of each ball, gently open the center to create a small pocket. Stuff a portion of the vegan cheese into this pocket, then carefully pinch and fold the dough tightly to seal the cheese inside. Ensure the seams are completely closed to prevent the cheese from oozing out too much during baking.
7. Second rise (Proofing): Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with vegan butter. Arrange the formed dough balls snugly side-by-side in the prepared pan. Cover the pan again with a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls proof (rise) for another hour. During this second rise, the dough balls will expand and touch each other, which is exactly what we want for that characteristic pull-apart texture. About 40 minutes into this rising period, begin preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s perfectly hot and ready when the rolls are done proofing.
8. Prepare and apply the garlic rub: While the rolls are completing their second rise, prepare the delectable garlic rub. In a small bowl, combine the melted vegan butter, finely diced fresh parsley, minced garlic, and vegan Parmesan. Stir until all ingredients are well mixed. Once the rolls are fully risen, gently brush about half of this aromatic mixture over the tops of the rolls. The remaining rub will be used after baking.
9. Bake to golden perfection: Carefully place the baking pan into your preheated oven and bake the rolls for a quick 15 minutes. They should emerge golden brown and beautifully puffed. As soon as you remove the pan from the oven, immediately brush the remaining half of the garlic rub over the warm rolls. The rolls will eagerly soak up all that buttery, garlicky goodness. You can allow them to cool primarily in the pan, or transfer them to a wire cooling rack once the rub has absorbed. The rolls will continue to soften and become even more tender after resting for about 15 minutes. Slice, tear, slather in more vegan butter, and savor every glorious bite!
Expert Tips for Baking Perfectly Fluffy Vegan Dinner Rolls
If you’re new to baking bread or rolls with yeast, these detailed tips will help ensure your success and guarantee a batch of truly exceptional garlic parmesan rolls:
- Temperature of Milk is Key: The warmth of your vegan milk is critical for activating the yeast. Ideally, it should be between 110ºF and 120ºF (43-49°C). If you have a kitchen thermometer, use it! If not, the milk should feel pleasantly warm to the touch, similar to a baby’s bathwater – definitely not hot. Milk that is too hot will kill the yeast, preventing your dough from rising, while milk that’s too cold won’t activate it effectively.
- Creating the Ideal Rising Environment: Yeast doughs thrive in warm, draft-free environments. If you live in a colder climate or your kitchen tends to be chilly, finding a suitable spot for the dough to rise can be tricky. A great trick is to place the covered bowl in your oven (make sure it’s turned OFF!) with just the pilot light on. The gentle residual heat from the pilot light creates a perfectly cozy environment for the dough to double in size.
- Achieving Evenly Sized Rolls: For a professional look and consistent baking, evenly sized rolls are best. My favorite method is to weigh the entire ball of dough once it’s punched down. Then, divide that total weight by 15 (the number of rolls you’re making) to get the target weight for each individual roll. For instance, if your dough weighs 720g, each roll should be approximately 48g. This method ensures every roll is uniform.
- Understanding Dough Consistency: When kneading, aim for a dough that is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not excessively sticky. If it sticks stubbornly to your hands or the mixer bowl, gradually add small amounts of flour (a tablespoon at a time) until it reaches the right consistency. Conversely, if the dough appears too dry or stiff, a tiny splash of additional warm milk can help.
- Don’t Rush the Rise: Patience is truly a virtue when working with yeast. Resist the temptation to rush the rising process. Allow the dough to take its full time to double in size. A slow, proper rise contributes significantly to the final fluffy texture and enhanced flavor of your rolls.
- Perfecting the Golden Crust: For that beautiful golden-brown top, ensure your oven is fully preheated to the specified temperature. The initial brush of garlic butter helps in browning, and the second brush right out of the oven adds incredible flavor and shine, making your rolls look as good as they taste.
How to Store Your Delicious Vegan Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls
To keep your **vegan garlic parmesan dinner rolls** fresh and delicious, proper storage is key. Any leftover rolls can be stored on your kitchen counter overnight in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. For longer freshness, transfer them to an airtight container or a resealable bag and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, there are several easy reheating methods:
- Microwave: For a quick reheat, warm individual rolls in the microwave for 15-30 seconds until heated through and soft.
- Air Fryer: Pop them in an air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for about 3-5 minutes, which helps restore a slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft.
- Oven: For a larger batch or a more even reheat, place the rolls in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed thoroughly. Covering them lightly with foil can prevent them from drying out.
Can I Freeze This Vegan Dinner Roll Recipe? Absolutely!
Yes, these amazing vegan dinner rolls are perfectly freezer-friendly, making them ideal for meal prep or ensuring you always have a comforting side ready. Here’s how to freeze and reheat them effectively:
- Freezing Instructions: Once your baked rolls have fully cooled to room temperature, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in your freezer and flash freeze them for about an hour. This prevents them from sticking together. After the hour has passed, you can transfer the now-solid rolls into a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container, stacking them as needed. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing quality.
- Thawing and Reheating: To thaw, simply take the desired number of rolls out of the freezer and let them come to room temperature on your counter, or thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, you can reheat them using the methods described above: a quick toast in your toaster oven, about 10 minutes in a 350ºF (175°C) oven, or 3-5 minutes in your air fryer. They’ll taste almost as fresh as the day they were baked!
Enjoy these incredible Vegan Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls, friends! If you make this recipe, please snap a photo and tag #jessicainthekitchen on Instagram! We’d also love it if you would leave a comment below and give the recipe a rating. Your feedback means the world to us! Thanks so much!
Vegan Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls
Ingredients
- 3 cups all purpose flour + extra for kneading, (360g)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar or liquid such as maple syrup or agave, (25g)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast, about 1 packet
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup vegan milk, (240mL) not hot – warm to touch ranging between 110 to 120°F
- ¼ cup melted vegan butter, (56g) olive oil or any oil
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped/diced
- 3 tbsp vegan Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- ¾ cup shredded vegan cheese
Garlic Rub for the top
- 6 tablespoons melted vegan butter, (84g)
- 1 tablespoons finely diced fresh parsley
- 2 cloves finely minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons vegan Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Whisk the ingredients together.
- Create a well in the centre of the flour. Slowly add the warm milk and vegan butter to the dry ingredients, and then mix together with a spatula until just incorporated. The dough should look shaggy.
- Add in the minced garlic, vegan parmesan cheese and the fresh parsley. Using your dough hook, knead the dough for about 5-6 minutes on the first or second speed. The dough might be sticky at first, but you can add up to 2 tablespoons of flour while kneading to make it easier to manage. You want the end dough ball to be smooth, with slight dimples with a bit of tension formed.
- Lightly grease the bowl of the dough with some additional oil and place the dough ball back into the bowl. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let it sit for at least 2 hours on the counter in a WARM area. If your kitchen is too cold, you can place it in your OFF oven with the pilot light on which will provide enough residual heat for it to rise. The dough should rise and double in size.
- Punch down the dough and fold over.
- Divide the dough into 15 equal balls and roll each into a ball. I like to weigh the dough, then split the figure into 15 for equally round balls. Using your fingers, pinch and pull the undersides to shape each ball round. Now would be a great time to check out my highlight on Instagram where I video’d this for clarification! But you essentially want to make them as round as possible with the seam on the underside so it isn’t visible.
- This is OPTIONAL – but you can also add ¾ cup of vegan cheese into the centre of these balls. Split the mixture evenly over the 15 rolls. Slightly open the centre of each before you’re about to pinch and pull the undersides, then stuff slightly with some of the vegan cheese. Pinch and fold tightly, then proceed to the next time. This takes these rolls to another level.
- Grease a 9×13 container with some vegan butter lightly. Line up the balls evenly beside each other.
- Cover with a light kitchen towel and allow the balls to proof/rise for another 1 hour. The dough balls with touch – and you want them to!
- You can also begin preheating your oven to 400°F/200°C within the last 20 minutes so it’s ready when they’re done rising.
- Mix together the ingredients for your rub – your melted stick of butter, fresh parsley, minced garlic and vegan parmesan cheese. Using a silicone brush/pastry brush, brush about half of the mix over the rolls.
- Bake your rolls for 15 minutes in the oven. Remove, and immediately brush with the rest of the garlic rub for the top. You can leave them to cool mainly in the pan, or move them to a cooling rack to cool once the garlic rub is soaked in. The rolls soften completely after resting for about 15 minutes.
- Slice, tear, slather in butter, and enjoy!
Notes
Disclaimer: Although jessicainthekitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Jessicainthekitchen.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.