Pampushky (Ukrainian Garlic Bread)

A Simple Pampushky Recipe For Delicious Garlic Rolls!

If you like garlic bread, you’ll have to try making Ukrainian pampushky! These fluffy garlic rolls from Ukraine – sometimes spelled pampushki – are easy to make and irresistible to eat!

Often served with a bowl of borscht, these warm buns are smothered with a delicious mix of freshly minced garlic, fresh dill, and olive oil!

two fluffy garlic buns stacked on one another on white plate. — These pampushky are soft and flavorful.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients needed to make these pampushky rolls. Overall, it’s actually not too difficult – and working with yeast doesn’t have to be too scary!

All-purpose flour – To make the dough.
Milk – For the dough; either whole milk or low-fat milk will work.
Butter – Use unsalted butter.
Instant dry yeast – Use yeast that hasn’t expired to ensure effectiveness.
Sugar – Adds sweetness and feeds the yeast; regular granulated sugar works well.
Salt – To enhance the overall flavor of the bread.
Garlic cloves – Infuses the bread with garlic flavor; use fresh garlic cloves for best taste.
Sprigs of dill – Adds freshness and extra flavor; alternatively, you can use parsley.
Olive oil – Use good quality olive oil.

Recipe Tips and Substitutions

Before you set out to make these delicious garlic pampushky, read through these recipe tips so that you know exactly what to expect!

For the recipe to turn out well, make sure that the instant dry yeast you’re using hasn’t expired. Also, be sure that the milk is warm (not hot) so as not to harm the yeast bacteria.
Knead the dough well until it is smooth and elastic for the best texture.
The rising time may vary depending on how warm it is in your home.
Divide the dough into equal pieces to ensure even baking.
Brush the pampushky with milk, egg yolk or sugar water before baking so they’ll brown nicely during baking.
Don’t overbake the rolls, as this can dry them out.
Pampusky taste best when they are fresh and warm.

How to Make Pampushky – Step by Step Instructions

In this section, we’ll show you exactly how to make this Ukrainian garlic bread recipe. You can follow along with the recipe process photos as we guide you through each step of the preparation.

Of course, you can find the detailed recipe card at the end of this post for easy reference!

dry yeast and flour in clear glass bowl on marble counter seen from above. — Place dry ingredients in a bowl.

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, sugar, and instant dry yeast.

butter in flour mixture sitting in clear glass bowl on counter. — Add milk and butter.

Now add the warm milk (98-100°F) and the softened butter.

ball of raw bread dough in clear glass bowl on counter. — Knead the dough.

Knead the mixture into a soft dough that doesn’t stick to your hands. If needed, add more flour gradually.

bowl with ball of raw dough covered in cling wrap sitting on counter. — Let the dough rise.

Cover the bowl with cling film and let it rise in a warm place for 40-50 minutes, or until it doubles or triples in size.

The exact rising time may vary depending on the temperature of your home.

bowl on counter with ball of risen bread dough inside. — The dough should have noticeably increased in size.

The dough should have noticeably increased in size. If it hasn’t, let it rest for a bit longer.

Punch down the dough and divide it into 6 equal portions.

six balls of raw bread dough in large baking dish on counter. — Form the dough into small rolls.

Shape the dough into small round rolls and place them in a baking dish, leaving some space between them.

Cover the baking dish with cling film or a dishtowel and let them rise again in a warm place for another 30 minutes.

Towards the end, preheat the oven to 360 degrees Fahrenheit.

six risen balls of bread roll dough in glass dish on counter. — Brush the rolls with milk.

Brush the tops of the buns with milk (alternatively egg yolk or sugar water) to give them a golden crust during baking.

six buns in glass dish with golden brown tops seen from above. — The tops should be golden brown.

Bake at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.

Remove the finished buns from the oven.

small white bowl with garlic butter and chopped dill inside with silver spoon sticking out. — Mix garlic, dill, and olive oil.

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, chopped dill, and minced garlic.

six garlic buns covered in garlic butter sitting in glass baking dish. — Enjoy these delicious garlic buns!

Brush the hot buns generously with the oil mixture and let them cool slightly before serving.

You can serve them with a bowl of borscht or another soup/dish of your choice. Enjoy!

Storage Tips

Pampusky definitely taste best freshly baked when they are still warm.

If you have leftovers, allow them to cool and then place them in a container with a lid or wrap them with cling film to prevent them from drying out.

You can store them at room temperature for up to 2 days and reheat them in the microwave, oven or air fryer before serving.

FAQ

Here’s an answer to a frequently asked question about these garlic buns:

What are pampushky?

Pampushky – also spelled pampushki – is the name given to a type of garlic bun/roll from Ukraine. In some circles, pampushky is sometimes also used to refer to a kind of plump Ukrainian donut.

Related Recipes

If you enjoyed these garlicky delights, here are some more classic Ukrainian recipes you might like to try!

Kruchenyky (Meat Rolls with Mushrooms)
Classic Borscht
Kasha (Buckwheat Porridge and Mushrooms)
Banosh (Ukrainian Corn Porridge)
Galushki (Ukrainian Dumplings)

This recipe was contributed by

Yuliia Stsepeleva

Yuliia was born in Ukraine and lived in Eastern Ukraine, close to Russia, for many years. Her experience makes her very familiar with both Ukrainian and Russian cuisine. She now lives in England, but still enjoys cooking Ukrainian dishes for her family.