If you’ve ever dreamed of soft, pillowy bread fresh from your oven, then this Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe is your new best friend. These golden rolls have that perfect balance of fluffy texture, buttery flavor, and just the right hint of sweetness to make any meal feel special. Trust me, once you try making these from scratch, you’ll never want to rely on store-bought again. They’re surprisingly simple to make and absolutely worth every minute spent in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up these irresistible rolls. Each ingredient plays a key role in delivering the classic softness, subtle sweetness, and beautiful golden color that make these rolls so comforting.
- All-purpose flour (3 1/2 to 4 cups): Provides the structure and chew of the rolls; adding a bit more ensures the dough is easy to handle.
- Active dry yeast (1 packet): The magic starter that makes your dough rise fluffy and light.
- Warm milk (1 cup): Activates the yeast and adds richness for tender crumb.
- Sugar (1/4 cup): Feeds the yeast and adds a gentle sweetness to balance the buttery flavor.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1/4 cup): Gives the dough moisture and softness; plus, a delicious buttery aroma.
- Large egg (1): Helps bind the dough together and adds richness.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and keeps the yeast in check.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons): For brushing the rolls so they have that glorious golden, shiny finish.
How to Make Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy and bubbly. This little waiting game wakes up the yeast, ensuring your rolls rise beautifully.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, stir together the flour, salt, the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. This is where the dough starts to take shape—if it feels too sticky, add a dusting more flour until it’s soft but manageable.
Step 3: Knead to Perfection
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Kneading develops the gluten, which is what makes your rolls chewy and tender. Don’t have a mixer? Your hands will do just fine here!
Step 4: First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour. You’ll know it’s ready when it has doubled in size—that’s the yeast workin’ its magic!
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Punch down the dough to release the air, then divide it into 12 to 15 equal portions. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and arrange them snugly into a greased baking dish or on a baking sheet. This step shapes the rolls and gets them ready for final proofing.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the rolls again and let them rise for another 30 to 45 minutes. They’ll puff up lovely and ready to turn into the softest dinner rolls you’ve ever tasted.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Glory
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops with melted butter for that irresistible golden shine. Pop them into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until perfectly browned.
Step 8: Final Touch and Serve
Once they’re out of the oven, brush again with melted butter so they stay soft and extra flavorful. Serve these rolls warm—you really can’t beat the aroma and taste of fresh homemade bread right from your kitchen.
How to Serve Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
While the buttery brush finish is classic, you can sprinkle freshly chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme on top before baking to add an aromatic twist. A pinch of flaky sea salt on the buttered tops can also elevate these rolls to a delectable experience.
Side Dishes
These rolls are perfect companions for any comforting meal. They shine alongside stews, soups, and roasted dishes—melting butter on a warm roll while dipping into hearty chili or rich mushroom gravy is pure heaven.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming touch at gatherings, serve the rolls in a rustic linen-lined basket with an assortment of flavored butters or homemade jams. You can even slice them in half and turn them into mini sliders stuffed with your favorite fillings for a fun party snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your freshly baked rolls, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them soft, you might add a slice of bread inside the container to maintain moisture.
Freezing
Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe makes a great freezer-friendly option. Let the rolls cool completely, then freeze in an airtight bag for up to three months. When you want fresh bread, just thaw them at room temperature.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, wrap the rolls in foil and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave (covered) will do the trick if you’re in a hurry.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
You can substitute whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that it will make the rolls denser and give them a nuttier flavor. Try replacing only half for a good balance between healthfulness and fluffiness.
What if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough fails to rise, it’s usually due to inactive yeast or temperature issues. Make sure your milk is warm, not hot, and that your yeast is fresh and properly activated. A warm draft-free spot helps expedite rising.
Can I make these rolls vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the milk for a plant-based alternative and replace the egg with a flax egg or applesauce. Use vegan butter or oil for the melted butter portions, and you’ll still get soft, delightful rolls.
Do I have to knead by hand?
While kneading by hand is traditional and satisfying, using a stand mixer with a dough hook is a quick and effective alternative. Either way works well, just knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.
How do I keep these rolls soft for longer?
Brushing the rolls with melted butter after baking helps retain moisture. Storing them in an airtight container and reheating gently before serving keeps that soft texture inviting and fresh.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about breaking open a warm, soft dinner roll fresh from your own oven. This Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe is a lovely way to bring that warmth to your table any night of the week. It’s simple, satisfying, and sure to become a cherished family favorite. Why not give it a try today? Your taste buds will thank you!
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Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 rolls
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These soft and fluffy dinner rolls are a classic homemade bread perfect for any meal. Made with simple ingredients like flour, yeast, milk, butter, and eggs, these rolls have a tender crumb and golden-brown crust. They are perfect for serving warm alongside soups, salads, or main dishes and are easy to prepare with a bit of kneading and rising time.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/45°C)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
For Brushing
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Allow the mixture to sit undisturbed for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready to use.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, mix together 3 1/2 cups of flour, salt, the activated yeast mixture, melted butter, and the egg. Stir until a dough begins to form. If the dough is too sticky or soft, gradually add the remaining flour until it is manageable to knead.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead by hand for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you may use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook to knead for an equivalent time until the desired texture is reached.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, then cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free location for about 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Shape the Rolls: Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air. Divide the dough evenly into 12-15 portions. Shape each portion into a smooth ball and arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or on a baking sheet, leaving some space between each roll.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped rolls with a towel or plastic wrap and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes until they are puffed and nearly doubled in size.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Just before baking, brush the tops of the rolls generously with melted butter to help develop a rich, golden crust.
- Bake: Place the rolls in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes or until the tops turn golden brown and the rolls sound hollow when tapped.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush them with additional melted butter for extra flavor and softness. Serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- If the dough is sticky after kneading, add flour gradually in small amounts to avoid tough rolls.
- For softer rolls, cover them with a damp cloth while rising to retain moisture.
- These rolls can be frozen after shaping and before the second rise; thaw thoroughly and allow to rise before baking.
- Brush with garlic butter or herbs after baking for a flavorful variation.
