How many calories does a garlic roll have?

November 27, 2025 •

3 min read

A small, plain garlic roll contains an average of 84 calories, while a medium-sized roll has around 105 calories. The exact number of calories can vary significantly depending on the recipe, size, and whether additional ingredients like cheese or extra butter are used.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a garlic roll is highly variable, influenced by its size and ingredients such as butter and cheese. Small rolls generally contain fewer calories than larger, more decadent versions, and homemade recipes can offer lower-calorie alternatives by controlling ingredients.

Key Points

Calorie Range Varies: A plain garlic roll typically ranges from 84 (small) to 129 (large) calories, but cheese and butter can increase this significantly.
Size is a Major Factor: The physical size and weight of a garlic roll are major determinants of its final calorie count.
Restaurant vs. Homemade Differences: Homemade rolls offer better control over calorie content through ingredient choices, while restaurant versions often use more fat and can be much higher in calories.
Added Ingredients Impact Calories: Toppings like cheese and the amount of butter or oil used directly affect the total calorie and fat content.
Healthier Alternatives Exist: You can reduce the calories in garlic rolls by using whole wheat flour, olive oil instead of butter, and limiting high-fat additions like cheese.

Factors influencing the calorie count of a garlic roll

Determining the precise number of calories in a garlic roll is difficult because recipes and preparation methods differ widely. The primary factors that influence the total calorie count include:

Size: A large roll will naturally have more calories than a smaller one. A miniature roll might contain as few as 84 kcal, while a large, hefty one can exceed 129 kcal.
Butter or oil content: The amount of fat used to create the signature garlic spread is a major calorie contributor. Rolls generously brushed with melted butter or oil will have a higher fat and calorie content than those with a lighter application.
Cheese and other toppings: Adding cheese or other rich toppings will significantly increase the calorie count. For example, a cheesy garlic roll can contain several hundred calories more than a standard one.
Dough type: The type of dough also plays a role. A standard white flour dough roll will differ nutritionally from a whole wheat, sourdough, or specialty dough. Low-carb or keto-friendly recipes, which often use almond flour and cream cheese, will have a different macronutrient breakdown and calorie count.
Preparation method: Restaurant rolls and frozen versions may use a larger quantity of butter and preservatives, which can affect the final calorie count compared to a controlled homemade recipe.

Comparing homemade vs. store-bought garlic rolls

When controlling your calorie intake, it's important to understand the difference between rolls made at home versus those bought from a store or restaurant. While convenience is a factor, homemade rolls offer precise control over ingredients.

Here are a few ways a homemade recipe can be adapted to be lower in calories:

Use healthier fats: Substitute a portion of the butter with olive oil, or use a low-calorie butter spread.
Reduce fat quantity: Simply use less butter or oil overall to reduce the total fat and calorie count without sacrificing flavor.
Incorporate healthier dough: Use whole-wheat flour, oat fiber, or almond flour to boost fiber and reduce overall carbohydrates.
Load up on herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, oregano, and basil can amplify flavor without adding extra calories, allowing you to use less fatty spread.
Opt for less cheese: If adding cheese, choose a lower-fat variety or use it sparingly to reduce saturated fat and total calories.

The surprising truth about restaurant garlic knots

Many people are familiar with garlic knots served at pizzerias, which are often heavily soaked in garlic butter. These can contain a significant number of calories. One knot can have around 110-130 calories or more, especially when a side of dipping sauce is included. Ordering a whole plate of these can quickly add up, even before the main course arrives. The indulgent nature of restaurant versions is a key factor in their higher caloric density compared to a simpler, homemade preparation.

Nutritional comparison of common garlic bread products

To put the calorie count of a garlic roll into perspective, let's look at how it compares to other similar products.


Product	Average Calories (per piece/slice)	Primary Calorie Source	Notes
Small Garlic Roll	~84 kcal	Dough, small amount of butter/oil	Good for portion control
Medium Garlic Roll	~105 kcal	Dough, moderate amount of butter/oil	Standard size, can be part of a balanced meal
Restaurant Garlic Knot	~110-130+ kcal	Rich butter sauce, white flour dough	Often oily; calorie count can vary by restaurant
Frozen Garlic Bread Slice	~120 kcal	Dough, saturated fat from margarine	Pre-made, ingredients can vary widely
Homemade Garlic Roll (Lean)	~100 kcal	Whole wheat dough, olive oil, herbs	Customizable, lower fat option

Conclusion: Making informed choices

Understanding how many calories a garlic roll has is about more than just a single number; it's about the bigger picture of how ingredients, size, and preparation methods influence its nutritional value. The range can be anywhere from a light 80-calorie snack to a rich, high-calorie side dish. By being mindful of these variables, you can enjoy a garlic roll while making healthier choices. Opting for smaller portions, selecting leaner ingredients when baking at home, and being aware of the extra calories from cheese or dipping sauces are all simple steps to keep your meal on track. Remember, moderation is key to enjoying delicious foods as part of a balanced diet.

Authoritative Link

For more information on the nutritional aspects of baked goods and other foods, consult reliable sources like the USDA's FoodData Central website [https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/].

Frequently Asked Questions

A small garlic roll generally contains around 84 calories, though this can vary based on the specific recipe and ingredients.

Garlic knots often contain more calories than a basic garlic roll because they are typically doused in a rich butter and oil mixture, with some restaurant versions containing 110-130+ calories per knot.

The main sources of calories are the refined white flour (carbohydrates) and the added fat, such as butter or oil, used for flavor.

To lower the calorie count, use whole wheat flour, substitute some butter with olive oil or a low-fat spread, and add extra herbs for flavor instead of more fat.

Yes, adding cheese to a garlic roll substantially increases the calories due to the cheese's fat content. A standard cheesy garlic roll could contain several hundred calories more than a non-cheesy version.

A single slice of frozen garlic bread can have an average of 120 calories, depending on the brand and amount of butter or margarine used.

Yes, a plain dinner roll typically has fewer calories than a garlic roll because the garlic roll has extra calories from added butter or oil.