Garlic Herb Dough Balls (Print)

Fluffy dough balls enriched with garlic and fresh herbs, perfect for sharing or serving alongside meals.

# What You Need:

→ Dough

01 - 2 1/2 cups strong white bread flour
02 - 1 tsp fine sea salt
03 - 1 tsp sugar
04 - 1 packet (7 g) instant dry yeast
05 - 3/4 cup lukewarm water
06 - 2 tbsp olive oil

→ Garlic Herb Butter

07 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
08 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
09 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
10 - 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
11 - 1 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
12 - 1/2 tsp salt
13 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# How to Make:

01 - In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
02 - Create a well in the center; add lukewarm water and olive oil, mixing until a soft dough forms.
03 - Knead on a floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until dough is smooth and elastic.
04 - Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
05 - Combine softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, chives, basil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl; set aside.
06 - Set oven to 390°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
07 - Punch down risen dough; divide into 16 equal portions and roll each into a smooth ball.
08 - Place dough balls evenly spaced on prepared baking tray.
09 - Brush each dough ball generously with half of the garlic herb butter mixture.
10 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until golden brown and risen.
11 - Remove from oven and immediately brush with remaining garlic herb butter.
12 - Serve the dough balls warm as an appetizer or accompaniment.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They come together with pantry staples and take minimal effort for such impressive results.
  • The garlic herb butter soaks into every soft, pillowy bite and makes them almost impossible to stop eating.
  • They're versatile enough to serve at a party or just enjoy warm from the oven with a bowl of soup.
  • The dough is forgiving and rises beautifully even if you're new to baking bread.
02 -
  • Don't skip the second brush of garlic butter after baking, that's what gives them their glossy, flavor-packed finish.
  • If your dough isn't rising, check that your yeast is fresh and your water was warm enough but not too hot.
  • Let the dough balls sit slightly spaced on the tray so they can expand without sticking together, but close enough that they still pull apart easily.
03 -
  • Use a kitchen scale to divide the dough into equal pieces, it makes a big difference in how evenly they bake.
  • If you don't have fresh herbs, use half the amount of dried herbs and add them to the butter with a little extra olive oil to help them bloom.
  • Let the dough rise in a turned-off oven with the light on if your kitchen is cold, it creates the perfect warm environment.

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