Imagine pulling a tray of pillowy, golden, buttery rolls from the oven, and the aroma alone tells you you’ve found the Best Dinner Rolls Recipe. These classic rolls are impossibly soft, gently sweet, and have a delicate crumb that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday, family dinner, or just because homemade bread makes any day better, this easy-to-follow recipe promises unforgettable results every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Best Dinner Rolls Recipe is how a handful of simple, everyday ingredients come together for such flavor and texture. Each ingredient has a role to play, so use the best quality you can for extra-special results.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for soft, fluffy rolls; keep a little extra on hand for kneading.
- Active dry yeast: The leavening that creates airy rise and tender crumb.
- Warm milk (about 110°F): Adds richness and activates the yeast; temperature matters, so aim for just above body temp.
- Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and gives the rolls that subtle touch of sweetness.
- Unsalted butter, softened: For genuine richness and a melt-in-your-mouth finish; soften ahead for easy mixing.
- Large egg: Lends structure and golden color while keeping the crumb extra tender.
- Salt: The flavor booster you can’t skip—balances sweet and savory beautifully.
- Melted butter (for brushing): Brush on for irresistible shine and that classic, bakery-style gloss.
How to Make Best Dinner Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Proof the Yeast
Start by adding your warm milk to a large mixing bowl, then whisk in the sugar and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until you see plenty of bubbles and a foam forms—this means your yeast is alive and about to make magic.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Next, blend in your softened butter, egg, and salt until everything’s combined. This step gives your dough its creamy richness and ensures those soft, tender rolls every good bake is known for.
Step 3: Add the Flour Gradually
Stir in the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough might be a bit sticky at first, but it’ll come together beautifully as you move to the kneading stage.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 6 to 8 minutes, using the heel of your hand to stretch the dough, then folding it over. You’re looking for a supple, elastic texture—one that springs back when poked gently.
Step 5: First Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and set it in a warm place. Let the dough rise for about an hour, or until it’s doubled in size and puffy with yeasty bubbles.
Step 6: Shape the Rolls
Punch down the risen dough to release excess air, then divide it into 15 to 18 equal pieces. Roll each into a smooth ball, and arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish so they’ll rise into each other, creating those signature soft sides.
Step 7: Second Rise
Cover the shaped rolls and let them rise for another 30 to 40 minutes, until they’re noticeably puffy and just touching. This second rise is what gives the Best Dinner Rolls Recipe their super-light texture.
Step 8: Bake and Finish
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the rolls for 18 to 20 minutes, keeping an eye out for deep golden tops. When you pull them out, brush the warm rolls with melted butter for shine and extra flavor. Serve right away for maximum delight!
How to Serve Best Dinner Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
The classic finish is a light brush of melted butter, but you can sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt or fresh herbs like chopped parsley if you want to dress them up for an occasion. The butter gives them that photogenic sheen and tender crust everyone loves.
Side Dishes
These rolls are a blank canvas for all your favorite sides—think creamy soups, salads, or even roasted veggies. Of course, they’re also perfect partnered with a holiday turkey or simple roast chicken. Honestly, nothing beats sopping up gravy or sauce with these tender rolls.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack them artfully in a basket lined with a tea towel, or nestle them on a rustic breadboard. For individual servings, split them, add a pat of honey butter or jam, or use them as sliders with festive fillings—the Best Dinner Rolls Recipe is as versatile as your imagination.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though that’s a rarity!), store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’ll stay soft and fresh, ready for snacking or sandwiches.
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully! Once baked and cooled, tuck them into a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, making it easy to enjoy the Best Dinner Rolls Recipe any time cravings strike.
Reheating
To bring them back to their just-baked glory, warm rolls in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes or pop individual rolls in the microwave for about 15 seconds. Brush with a little extra melted butter for that irresistible fresh-from-the-oven feeling.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! You can substitute instant yeast in equal measure—just skip the proofing step. Mix it right in with the flour, though make sure your liquid is still warm to help it activate.
How do I know if I’ve kneaded the dough enough?
The dough should be smooth and slightly tacky, but not sticky. If you poke it, it should spring back. If it tears easily, give it a few extra minutes of kneading for the perfect, cloud-like crumb.
Can I make these rolls vegan?
Yes! Swap the dairy milk for plant-based milk, use a vegan butter, and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water). The results are still delicious.
Why did my rolls turn out dense?
Denseness usually means the dough didn’t rise enough or the yeast was old. Check your yeast’s expiration date and make sure you give both rise times enough warmth and patience for pillow-soft results.
Can the dough be made ahead and baked fresh later?
For the best Dinner Rolls Recipe any time, shape the dough and refrigerate overnight before the second rise. Just let them come to room temperature and finish rising before you bake—so handy for busy days or big gatherings!
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve tried the Best Dinner Rolls Recipe, you’ll understand why they earn rave reviews every time they’re served. There’s just no substitute for the joy of passing warm, buttery rolls around the table. Give it a try—your friends and family are in for a treat!
Print
Best Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours (including rising time)
- Yield: 15–18 rolls
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Best Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and utterly delicious. Perfect for any meal, these homemade rolls will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
Dinner Rolls:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra if needed)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
For Brushing:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit until foamy. Add butter, egg, salt, and flour gradually. Knead until smooth.
- Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, let rise for an hour until doubled.
- Shape and Bake: Divide into pieces, shape, and place in a baking dish. Let rise again, then bake until golden. Brush with melted butter.
Notes
- For make-ahead rolls, shape and refrigerate overnight before the second rise.
- Let the rolls come to room temperature and rise before baking.
- You can use plant-based milk as a substitute for whole milk.
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