Garlic Japanese Milk Bread Rolls

Garlic Japanese Milk Bread Rolls combine the delightful softness of Japanese milk bread with the rich flavor of garlic. These rolls are fluffy, buttery, and perfect for any meal. Whether you’re serving them at dinner or enjoying them as a snack, these rolls are sure to impress. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Why You’ll Love These Rolls

• Incredibly Soft: Thanks to the unique tangzhong method used in Japanese milk bread, these rolls are exceptionally soft and fluffy.
• Flavorful: The garlic butter topping adds a savory kick that complements the sweetness of the bread.
• Versatile: Perfect as a side dish for dinner, a snack with soup, or even as a base for sliders.
• Fun to Make: Baking these rolls is a fun and rewarding experience that will fill your kitchen with wonderful aromas.

Ingredients

For the Tangzhong:

• 4 tablespoons whole milk
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

For the Dough:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup whole milk, room temperature
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 2 large eggs, room temperature (one for the dough and one for egg wash)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

For the Garlic Butter Topping:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Tangzhong

1. In a small saucepan, combine the milk, water, and flour for the tangzhong.
2. Cook over medium heat while whisking constantly until it thickens into a paste. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Yeast Mixture

1. In a small bowl, mix the warm milk (about 110°F), sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.

Step 3: Make the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
2. Add the yeast mixture, cooled tangzhong, one egg, and softened butter to the dry ingredients.
3. Mix until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 4: First Rise

1. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

1. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
2. Shape each piece into a ball by tucking the edges underneath to create a smooth top.
3. Place the balls in a greased baking dish or on a lined baking sheet.

Step 6: Second Rise

1. Cover the shaped rolls with a towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes until puffy.

Step 7: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 8: Prepare Garlic Butter

While waiting for the second rise, mix melted butter, minced garlic, salt, and parsley in a small bowl.

Step 9: Bake

1. Brush the tops of the rolls with beaten egg for an egg wash.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
3. Immediately brush with garlic butter after removing from the oven.

Serving Suggestions

Here are some great ways to enjoy your Garlic Japanese Milk Bread Rolls:

• As a Side Dish: Serve them alongside soups or salads for added flavor.
• With Dips: Use them to scoop up dips like hummus or spinach artichoke dip.
• For Breakfast: Enjoy them warm with butter or jam in the morning.
• Sliders: Use these rolls as mini burger buns for sliders at your next gathering.

Tips for Customization

Feel free to modify this recipe to suit your taste:

• Add Cheese: Incorporate shredded cheese into the dough for cheesy garlic rolls.
• Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary in your garlic butter.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to your garlic butter if you like some heat.
• Whole Wheat Option: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version.

Nutritional Information (per roll)

Note: This is an estimate based on standard ingredients.

• Calories: Approximately 150
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 2g

FAQs About Garlic Japanese Milk Bread Rolls

Q1: Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and shape it into rolls ahead of time, then refrigerate them overnight before baking.

Q2: What if I don’t have active dry yeast?
You can use instant yeast instead; just mix it directly with your dry ingredients without proofing.

Q3: How do I store leftover rolls?
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

Q4: Can I use dairy-free alternatives?
Yes! Substitute dairy milk with almond milk or oat milk and use vegan butter instead of regular butter.