There’s something incredibly nostalgic and comforting about a basket of soft, warm Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls on the dinner table. These rolls are plush, buttery, and slightly sweet, with a perfectly golden crust that’s just asking to be torn apart and shared. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday feast or just want to bring a touch of homemade warmth to your weeknight meals, these rolls are wonderfully simple to make and will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls lies in the simplicity of the ingredients. Each component plays an important role, from flavor to that classic, pillow-soft texture and golden color that makes these rolls irresistible.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the rolls, flour gives them their soft, fluffy crumb.
- Active dry yeast: This gets your dough rising and ensures the rolls are light and airy.
- Granulated sugar: A little sugar feeds the yeast and gives a hint of gentle sweetness.
- Salt: Brings out all the other flavors while balancing the sweetness.
- Whole milk: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
- Water: Hydrates the dough and helps activate the yeast.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Butter both enriches the dough and gives the rolls that indulgently soft interior.
- Large egg: Lends fluffiness and subtle color to the finished rolls.
- Melted butter (for brushing): A final brush gives the rolls a glossy, enticing sheen and extra flavor.
How to Make Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by combining 1 cup of the flour, the active dry yeast, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. This gets your base ready for the liquid ingredients and ensures that the yeast and sugar are evenly distributed for a consistent rise.
Step 2: Warm and Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, gently heat the milk, water, and butter together until the mixture is warm to the touch (about 110°F). You don’t want it hot or it could harm the yeast. Pour this warm, buttery mixture into your bowl of dry ingredients and stir to blend everything together.
Step 3: Add the Egg and More Flour
Now, mix in the large egg until fully incorporated. Slowly add the remaining flour, a little at a time, stirring until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. This step is all about patience; you’ll see the dough transform into something magical right before your eyes.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6 to 8 minutes. Use the heel of your hand and push, fold, and turn until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. This is how you build that signature pillowy texture for your Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls.
Step 5: Let the Dough Rise
Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, turning once to coat the top, then cover with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour. It should double in size and feel airy when ready.
Step 6: Shape and Second Rise
Punch down the dough (a satisfying moment!) and divide it into 12 even pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover once more and let them rise for another 30–40 minutes, until puffy and soft.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
As the rolls are nearing the end of their second rise, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 15 to 18 minutes, until they’re beautifully golden brown on top. As soon as they emerge from the oven, brush them generously with the additional melted butter for that mouthwatering finish.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishing your Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls, sometimes simple is best. A brush of melted butter right out of the oven provides a luxurious sheen and irresistible aroma. For a special touch, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt or freshly chopped parsley on top while they’re still warm.
Side Dishes
These rolls are endlessly versatile and pair beautifully with almost anything. Serve them alongside classic roast chicken, hearty stews, creamy soups, or even your favorite chili. They also shine as the perfect companion to a holiday ham or Thanksgiving turkey, sopping up flavorful gravies and sauces with ease.
Creative Ways to Present
Get festive by arranging Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls in a circular pattern for a “pull-apart” bread centerpiece. Or use a linen-lined basket to keep them warm on the table and make your dinner spread look extra inviting. If you’re bringing them to a potluck, try baking them in a cast iron skillet for a rustic presentation that wows.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls keep well for a few days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container or resealable bag to keep them pillowy soft. If they start to dry out a bit, a quick warm-up in the microwave restores their tenderness.
Freezing
One of the best parts about this recipe is how freezer-friendly it is! After baking and letting the rolls cool completely, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three months, so you can enjoy fresh rolls any night of the week.
Reheating
To reheat, simply thaw frozen rolls at room temperature and then warm them in a low oven (about 300°F) for 10–15 minutes, or pop them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. For extra flavor, brush with melted butter after warming.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! If you’re using instant yeast, you can skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients. The rise times should be about the same, making Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls even more effortless.
Can I substitute a different type Side Dish
While whole milk gives the richest flavor and texture, you can swap in 2%, skim, or even a non-dairy alternative if you prefer. Just keep in mind the rolls may be a touch less rich, but they’ll still be delicious.
How can I tell if my dough has risen enough?
The best indicator is size! The dough should double in volume and feel light and airy to the touch. If you gently press the surface, the indentation should slowly spring back but not disappear instantly.
Help! My rolls turned out dense. How can I fix this?
Denseness often means the dough didn’t rise enough or was overworked. Make sure your yeast is fresh, give your dough plenty of warm time to rise, and resist adding too much flour during kneading. Each step helps keep your Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls extra fluffy.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! After the first rise, cover the shaped rolls and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let them come to room temperature and puff up before baking for fresh, warm rolls with minimal fuss.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tried baking Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls at home yet, this is truly the recipe to get you hooked. From their cloud-like texture to the irresistible buttery flavor, these rolls turn even the simplest meal into a special occasion. Grab your ingredients and share the joy of freshly baked rolls with your loved ones tonight!
Print
Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and perfect for any meal. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy freshly baked rolls at home.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Liquid Mixture:
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For Brushing:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Heat milk, water, and butter until warm. Add to the flour mixture, then mix in the egg. Gradually add remaining flour to form a dough.
- Knead & Rise: Knead the dough for 6–8 minutes. Let it rise for 1 hour until doubled.
- Shape & Bake: Divide dough, shape into balls, place in a baking dish, and let rise. Bake at 375°F for 15–18 minutes.
- Finish: Brush with melted butter and serve warm.
Notes
- These rolls freeze well and can be made ahead of time.
- For a chewier texture, use bread flour in place of some all-purpose flour.
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