Why You’ll Love Easy Herb Parmesan Dinner Rolls Recipe

Uses refrigerated dough for ease — no kneading required.
Familiar herbs (garlic powder, oregano, basil, rosemary) and Parmesan give these rolls a savory, elevated flavor.
Quick prep time (about 10 minutes) and a reasonable bake time (~35 minutes) make this great for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Perfect alongside soups, salads, or as part of a bread basket at holiday meals.
The slits cut in the dough and herb‑butter brush add visual appeal and texture.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 (11 ounce) tubes refrigerated French bread dough
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh Italian parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325 °F (163 °C). Grease or line a 9 × 13‑inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in the garlic powder, oregano, basil and rosemary.
Cut each roll of dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and place into the prepared baking dish. Using a sharp knife, cut a 1‑inch slit into the top of each roll.
Brush the tops of the rolls with the herb‑butter mixture. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan evenly over the rolls.
Bake for about 35 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and done through.
After baking, brush with any remaining butter‑herb mixture and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 16 rolls
Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 35 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Swap the dried herbs: try thyme, chives or a blend of Italian seasoning instead of oregano/basil/rosemary.
Add a sprinkle of garlic‑salt or onion‑powder for extra savory punch.
Use mozzarella or cheddar instead of Parmesan for a different cheese twist.
For a spicy version, mix in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes into the butter mixture.
Make individual rolls smaller or larger depending on your preference — adjust baking time slightly if needed.

Storage/Reheating

To store: Let the rolls cool completely, then place in an airtight container or resealable bag. They will keep at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat: Preheat oven to 325 °F (163 °C), place rolls on a baking sheet and warm for about 5–7 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, microwave one roll for about 15‑20 seconds, though the crust won’t be as crisp.
Freezing: You can freeze cooled rolls in a freezer‑safe bag for up to 2 months. To reheat from frozen: wrap in foil and bake at 325 °F (163 °C) for about 15‑20 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

How can I make these rolls without store‑bought dough?

You can use your favorite homemade bread dough recipe — simply divide into 16 equal pieces, roll into balls, and follow the same herb‑butter and Parmesan topping before baking. Adjust baking time as needed depending on dough size and recipe.

What if I don’t have a 9 × 13 baking dish?

You can use a similarly sized oven‑safe dish or two smaller baking pans. Ensure the rolls are placed fairly close together so they rise up against each other, which helps keep them soft on the sides.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes — you can substitute fresh herbs (for example, 1 teaspoon each dried = about 1 Tablespoon fresh, chopped). Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder if you like, but be aware fresh garlic browns faster so watch the rolls toward the end of baking.

Why is the oven temperature 325 °F? Isn’t that low for bread?

The slightly lower temperature helps ensure the rolls bake evenly through without the tops browning too quickly, especially with the herb‑butter glaze on top. If you prefer a more golden crust you can increase to 350 °F (175 °C) but keep an eye on baking time.

How do I know when the rolls are done?

They should be golden brown on top and firm to the touch when pressed gently. Internal temperature (if you use a thermometer) should be around 190‑200 °F (88‑93 °C) when fully baked.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes — you can prepare the dough balls, place them in the baking dish, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a short time (up to an hour) before baking. Then brush the herb‑butter and add Parmesan just before baking. Do keep in mind rising will be slower when chilled.

Can I change the cheese topping?

Absolutely — while Parmesan gives a nutty, savory flavor, you can swap in Romano, Asiago, grated cheddar, or even a mix for a different flavor profile.

Are these freezer‑friendly?

Yes — once baked and cooled, you can freeze the rolls in a sealed container or bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen by wrapping in foil and baking until warmed through.

Can I use this recipe for dinner‑roll size variations?

Yes — if you make smaller rolls (for example dividing each tube into 10–12 pieces instead of 8), you’ll get more rolls. Just adjust baking time slightly — smaller rolls may bake faster (perhaps ~25–30 minutes) so start checking earlier.

What sides or meals go well with these rolls?

These herb‑Parmesan dinner rolls pair beautifully with soups (like vegetable‑beef, tomato, or creamy chicken), salads, roasted or grilled meats, pasta dishes, or can be served as part of a bread basket at dinner gatherings.

Conclusion

These herb‑Parmesan dinner rolls bring the warmth and aroma of freshly baked bread without the fuss of kneading or long rising times. With simple ingredients and a shortcut using refrigerated dough, you can have a cozy, flavorful bread side ready in under an hour. Whether for a casual weeknight meal or a special dinner, these rolls will deliver comfort and taste — and your guests (or family!) may never guess how easy they were. Enjoy!