Name: Vegan Green Chile Garlic Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: American Southwestern
Ingredients: 6-7 whole green chiles; Avocado oil spray, enough to coat peppers; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 cup warm water; 2 ¼ teaspoons active dried yeast; ¼ cup melted vegan butter; ½ cup roasted green chile, chopped (from above); 3 ¾ to 4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 cloves garlic, finely minced; 1 teaspoon salt; ¼ cup melted vegan butter; 2 cloves garlic, finely minced; 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 61 reviews

If you have ever craved bread that perfectly balances warm, spicy green chiles with a burst of fresh garlic, you are going to adore this Vegan Green Chile Garlic Rolls Recipe. These rolls are wonderfully soft on the inside with a golden, slightly crisp crust that boasts a vibrant flavor from roasted green chiles and a garlicky herb butter that will make you feel like you’re enjoying a cozy homemade feast. Whether you are new to vegan baking or a seasoned bread lover, this recipe is an absolute keeper that delivers on taste, texture, and that heartfelt comfort in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows six roasted green chili peppers placed on a baking tray lined with aluminum foil. The peppers are long and curved, showing a mix of light green and golden brown colors with some charred spots, indicating they were roasted. Their skin looks wrinkled and soft. The baking tray has a slightly worn metal edge visible around the foil. The overall setting is simple, with the focus on the peppers and the shiny texture of the foil beneath them. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All the ingredients for this Vegan Green Chile Garlic Rolls Recipe are simple but carry a world of flavor. From the roasted green chiles that bring a mild heat and earthiness to the dough, to the vegan butter that ensures tenderness, each component plays a crucial role in crafting rolls that are truly unforgettable.

6-7 whole green chiles: Roasted for a smoky, spicy kick that is essential to the roll’s signature flavor.
Avocado oil spray: Just enough to lightly coat the chiles and help them roast evenly without drying out.
¼ teaspoon salt (for chiles): Balances the chile’s natural sweetness and intensifies flavor during roasting.
1 cup warm water: Activates the yeast by providing the perfect cozy environment for rising.
2 ¼ teaspoons active dried yeast: The powerhouse that helps the dough rise beautifully and become airy.
¼ cup melted vegan butter: Adds richness and moisture to the dough and the garlic herb butter.
½ cup roasted green chile, chopped: Bursting with flavor, these chiles are folded directly into the dough.
3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of our dough, with a little extra on hand if needed for proper texture.
2 cloves garlic, finely minced: Infuses the dough with a bright, savory punch that complements the chiles beautifully.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the dough’s ingredients perfectly.
¼ cup melted vegan butter for herb butter: Used as a garlic herb spread to brush over the rolls for extra indulgence.
2 cloves garlic, finely minced for herb butter: Elevates the garlic flavor and provides aroma that fills the kitchen.
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh, herbal brightness in the finishing garlic butter.

How to Make Vegan Green Chile Garlic Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Green Chiles

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and lining a baking sheet with foil. Lay the green chiles flat and give them a light spray of avocado oil, then sprinkle with salt. Roast them for 8-10 minutes on each side until their skins are blistered and fragrant. Quickly transfer the hot chiles to a covered bowl to steam, which loosens the skin for easy peeling. Once cooled, peel off the skin, remove the seeds and stems, and chop them roughly. This process releases the chile’s smoky, complex flavor that is the heart of these rolls.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Chile Bread Dough

Combining warm water and active dried yeast allows the yeast to activate and get bubbly in just a few minutes. Afterward, stir in the melted vegan butter for richness. Add the flour gradually along with the roasted green chiles, minced garlic, and salt, mixing until a rough dough forms. Knead this dough with a mixer or by hand until it is elastic and smooth but not sticky—this step builds the gluten structure for a tender crumb and soft texture that you’ll love biting into.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Once kneaded, shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it to keep in moisture and warmth, allowing it about two hours to double in size. This slow rise is essential for developing that airy texture and deep flavor—patience here pays off in every fluffy bite of your rolls.

Step 4: Shape the Rolls and Second Rise

Now for the fun part: punch down the dough gently and transfer it to a floured surface. Divide it into 12 equal pieces and roll each into a smooth ball. Place the dough balls into a greased baking dish, cover them again, and give them 30 minutes to an hour to puff up. This second rise ensures that the rolls stay light and soft when baked.

Step 5: Make the Garlic Herb Butter and Bake

About 20 minutes before the end of the second rise, preheat your oven to 400°F. Whisk together melted vegan butter, minced garlic, and freshly chopped cilantro or parsley to create the irresistible garlic herb butter. Brush half of this mixture over the rolls just before baking to lock in moisture and flavor. Bake the rolls for 18-22 minutes until they turn golden brown and deliciously fragrant. Once out of the oven, brush the remaining garlic butter on top to keep the crust soft and flavorful.

How to Serve Vegan Green Chile Garlic Rolls Recipe

The image shows two white baking trays side by side on a white marbled surface. Each tray holds 12 round dough balls arranged in a 3x4 grid. The dough balls are pale cream in color and smooth in texture. The left tray has plain dough balls, while the right tray's dough balls are sprinkled with small bits of green herbs and lightly coated in oil, giving them a shiny appearance. The trays themselves have a clean, simple look and the lighting highlights the soft texture of the dough. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Offering your rolls with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a dash of sea salt can brighten every bite. A little extra drizzle of garlic herb butter warmed just before serving will make these rolls feel even more special, encouraging everyone at the table to savor their scrumptious aroma and inviting texture.

Side Dishes

These rolls pair beautifully with hearty soups and stews, especially those inspired by Southwestern or Mexican flavors. Consider a smoky black bean chili or a vibrant tomato and avocado salsa for dipping. The mild heat in the green chiles complements spicy dishes well without overwhelming the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a beautiful presentation, arrange the rolls in a rustic basket lined with a colorful napkin, or serve them on a wooden platter adorned with small bowls of guacamole, vegan cream cheese, or a hot salsa verde. You can also slice them open and layer slices of fresh avocado and tomato for a satisfying handheld snack or light meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Vegan Green Chile Garlic Rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours or wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to three days. Proper storage helps maintain their soft texture and prevents drying out.

Freezing

Freeze the rolls by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag to preserve freshness. They can be frozen for up to 2 months, making them a great option to bake ahead for busy days or unexpected guests.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes wrapped in foil to restore that fresh-baked softness. A quick brush of leftover garlic herb butter when warming helps recapture all that delicious garlicky goodness.

FAQs

Can I use canned green chiles instead of fresh roasted ones?

Absolutely! Using canned green chiles is a convenient shortcut that still delivers wonderful flavor. Keep in mind that the smoky depth might be slightly less pronounced, but your rolls will still taste fantastic and the prep time will be much shorter.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

While this recipe relies on gluten for the dough’s structure, you could experiment with gluten-free all-purpose flour blends that contain xanthan gum. Results may vary and typically the texture will be different, so adjusting the recipe and rising times might be necessary.

What can I substitute for vegan butter?

You can substitute vegan butter with olive oil or avocado oil, but keep in mind that the flavor and the softness of the rolls might vary slightly. Vegan butter adds a rich, buttery taste and creamy texture that’s perfect for this recipe.

Can I make the dough in a bread machine?

Yes, you can use a bread machine for kneading and the first rise. Just add the ingredients in the machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer and select the dough cycle. Proceed with shaping and baking as usual afterward.

How spicy are these rolls?

The level of heat depends on the green chiles you use. Hatch chiles typically offer a mild to moderate heat that complements the garlic and herbs without overwhelming. For less heat, remove more seeds; to add more, leave some seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Final Thoughts

Trying out this Vegan Green Chile Garlic Rolls Recipe is one of those joyful kitchen adventures that feels both comforting and exciting. The way the soft dough captures the bold flavors of roasted green chiles and garlic makes for an irresistible treat that’s perfect any time of year. I hope you enjoy making these rolls as much as I do sharing them—get ready for a warm, flavorful experience your friends and family will ask for again and again!