Name: Vegan Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls
Prep time: 3 h 35 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 3 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Dough:; 3 cups all-purpose flour (360g) + extra for kneading; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar or maple syrup/agave (25g); 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet); 1 teaspoon sea salt; 1 cup warm vegan milk (240mL), 110–120°F; ¼ cup melted vegan butter or oil (56g); ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped; 3 tablespoons vegan Parmesan cheese; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ¾ cup shredded vegan cheese (optional, for stuffing); Garlic Rub (for topping):; 6 tablespoons melted vegan butter (84g); 1 tablespoon finely diced fresh parsley; 2 cloves garlic, finely minced; 2 tablespoons vegan Parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

These Vegan Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls are pillowy-soft, buttery, and bursting with savory flavor in every bite. Made with simple plant-based ingredients and brushed with a garlicky vegan butter rub, they’re the perfect side for any meal—especially around the holidays. You can even elevate them further by stuffing each roll with melty vegan cheese for a delightful surprise inside.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These rolls are everything you want in a homemade dinner roll: soft, fluffy, aromatic, and full of garlicky, cheesy goodness—without any dairy or eggs. Whether you’re serving them alongside a cozy soup, a holiday feast, or just enjoying one warm with vegan butter, they’re a hit every time. The dough is easy to work with, the flavor is incredible, and the optional cheese-stuffed center adds that wow factor.

Ingredients

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

For the Dough:

3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for kneading
2 tablespoons granulated sugar (or maple syrup/agave)
2¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 cup warm vegan milk (110–120°F)
¼ cup melted vegan butter (or olive oil)
3 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
3 tablespoons vegan parmesan cheese
¾ cup shredded vegan cheese (optional, for stuffing)

For the Garlic Butter Rub:

6 tablespoons melted vegan butter
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 tablespoons vegan parmesan cheese

Directions

Mix the Dough:
In a stand mixer bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the warm vegan milk and melted butter. Mix with a spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
Add Flavorings:
Add the garlic, vegan parmesan, and parsley. Use the dough hook to knead the dough on low speed for 5–6 minutes until smooth. Add up to 2 tablespoons more flour if needed.
First Rise:
Lightly oil the bowl, return the dough ball, and cover with a kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Shape the Rolls:
Punch down the dough and divide it into 15 equal portions. Roll each piece into a ball by pinching and pulling the dough, tucking the seam underneath.
Optional Cheese Filling:
Gently press open the center of each ball and add a small portion of shredded vegan cheese. Seal tightly and reshape into a ball.
Second Rise:
Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with a towel and let rise for another hour, until puffed and touching.

Preheat Oven:
During the last 20 minutes of rising, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Garlic Butter Rub (Part 1):
In a small bowl, mix together melted vegan butter, parsley, garlic, and parmesan. Brush half of this mixture over the risen rolls.
Bake:
Bake the rolls for 15 minutes, or until golden on top and cooked through.

Final Brush:
Immediately after baking, brush the remaining garlic butter over the hot rolls. Let them rest for 15 minutes to soften before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 15 rolls.
Prep Time: 3 hours 35 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes

Variations

Herb Blend: Add dried oregano or thyme to the dough for extra flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic rub.
Whole Wheat Option: Substitute up to 1 cup of flour with whole wheat flour.

No Cheese: Skip the shredded cheese filling for a lighter roll.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and adjust liquid as needed.
Stuffed Surprise: Try stuffing with vegan cream cheese or pesto for a flavorful twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing: Freeze baked rolls in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat straight from frozen.

Reheating: Warm rolls in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 5–8 minutes, or microwave for 20–30 seconds per roll.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the dough up to the first rise, refrigerate overnight, and bring to room temperature before shaping and baking.

What vegan cheese works best?

Use a melty vegan mozzarella or cheddar-style cheese for the stuffing. Choose a brand that melts well.

Can I use active dry yeast?

Yes, but activate it in the warm milk and sugar for 5–10 minutes before mixing into the dough.

What if my dough isn’t rising?

Make sure your milk is warm (not hot), your yeast is fresh, and the dough is in a warm environment.

Can I make these without a stand mixer?

Absolutely. Mix and knead the dough by hand for 8–10 minutes until smooth.

Do I have to stuff the rolls with cheese?

No, the rolls are delicious without the stuffing. The cheese just adds an extra layer of flavor.

What’s the best vegan butter to use?

Use a good-quality stick-style vegan butter for the best flavor and texture.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double all ingredients and bake in two pans or in a larger baking dish.

Do I need to cover the rolls while baking?

No, leave them uncovered for a golden top. Cover loosely with foil if they brown too quickly.

Can I use dried parsley?

Fresh parsley gives the best flavor, but you can use 1 teaspoon of dried parsley in the dough and rub if needed.

Conclusion

These Vegan Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls are a must-have for any plant-based feast. Soft, golden, and packed with garlicky, cheesy goodness, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone at the table—vegan or not. Whether served fresh out of the oven or reheated the next day, these rolls are a comforting, flavorful addition to any meal.