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Carrot-Shaped Pull-Apart Bread Rolls

Soft, buttery homemade garlic herb dinner rolls baked into a festive carrot shape, complete with a fresh parsley top. The ultimate spring holiday side dish!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 15 rolls
Course: Bread, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 165
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough
  • 1 cup warm whole milk 110°F
  • 2.25 tsp active dry yeast
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar divided
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 egg large, room temperature
  • 3.25 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour
  • 1 tsp fine sea salt
Topping & Garnish
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp coarse sea salt
  • 1 bunch fresh curly parsley

Equipment

  • Stand Mixer or Large Bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Pastry brush

Method
 

  1. In a bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tsp sugar. Let sit 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add remaining sugar, softened butter, egg, fine salt, and 2 cups flour. Mix until combined.
  3. Gradually add remaining flour, kneading for 5-7 minutes until dough is smooth and elastic.
  4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours until doubled.
  5. Punch dough down and divide into 15 equal pieces. Roll each into a tight, smooth ball.
  6. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, arrange balls in a V-shape: 1 ball at the bottom, then rows of 2, 3, 4, and 5 at the top.
  7. Cover loosely and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  8. Bake for 18-22 minutes until golden brown.
  9. Mix melted butter and minced garlic. Immediately brush over the hot baked rolls.
  10. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt and tuck fresh parsley stems into the top row to resemble a carrot top. Serve warm.

Notes

To save time on holiday mornings, shape the dough balls into the carrot on the baking sheet, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let sit at room temperature for 1-1.5 hours before baking.