Dinner Rolls have a special place in my heart. Growing up, my grandmother would make the most delightful, fluffy rolls every Sunday. The aroma of freshly baked bread rolls wafting through the house was irresistible. Whenever family gathered around the table, those soft rolls were a must-have, perfect for sopping up gravy or enjoying with butter. As I’ve learned to create my own homemade dinner rolls, I realize just how simple it is to bring that warmth and love to my own family table. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual dinner with friends, these dinner buns are always a hit. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Dinner Rolls
Here are a few reasons why these dinner rolls will become your go-to recipe:
- Fluffy and soft texture that melts in your mouth
- Simple ingredients you probably already have at home
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for beginners
- Great for holiday meals or family gatherings
- Versatile; can be served with various dishes
- Leftovers can be frozen for later use
Ingredients for Dinner Rolls
Here’s everything you need for these delightful dinner rolls:
- 1 cup whole milk – adds richness and moisture
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar – helps activate yeast and adds a touch of sweetness
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast – the magic ingredient for fluffiness
- 1 large egg – binds ingredients and enriches flavor
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened) – provides a buttery taste and soft texture
- 1 teaspoon salt – enhances flavor
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading) – gives the rolls structure
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing) – adds a shiny, flavorful finish
How to Make Dinner Rolls
Follow these steps to create your perfect dinner rolls:
- Step 1: Warm the milk until it’s about 110°F. Stir in the sugar and yeast, and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk mixture, egg, softened butter, and salt.
- Step 3: Gradually add in the flour until a soft dough forms.
- Step 4: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Step 5: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled.
- Step 6: Punch down the dough, divide it into 15–18 pieces, and shape each into a ball.
- Step 7: Place the rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
- Step 8: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown.
- Step 9: Brush the tops with melted butter while still warm. Serve and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Dinner Rolls
These tips will help you achieve the best dinner rolls every time:
- Use fresh yeast for better rising.
- Knead the dough well to develop gluten for fluffiness.
- Let the rolls cool slightly before serving for a better texture.
What’s the secret to perfect Dinner Rolls?
The secret lies in the yeast activation! Make sure the milk isn’t too hot, or it will kill the yeast. A warm environment for rising is also crucial to achieving that perfect fluff.
Can I make Dinner Rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough a day before and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just shape and bake the next day!
How do I avoid common mistakes with Dinner Rolls?
Avoid over-kneading the dough, as it can become tough. Also, don’t skip the rise time; it’s essential for fluffy rolls.
Best Ways to Serve Dinner Rolls
These dinner rolls are perfect served warm with:
- Garlic butter for a flavorful twist
- Honey or jam for a sweet touch
- Alongside a hearty soup or stew
Nutrition Facts for Dinner Rolls
Per serving (1 roll):
- Calories: 160
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Dinner Rolls
To store your dinner rolls, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dinner Rolls
Can I freeze dinner rolls?
Yes! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing for the best results.
What can I use instead of all-purpose flour?
You can use bread flour for a chewier texture or whole wheat flour for a healthier option; just adjust the liquid as needed.
Why are dinner rolls served?
Dinner rolls complement meals by adding a soft, buttery element that balances flavors and provides a satisfying contrast to savory dishes.
What goes well with dinner rolls?
They pair beautifully with soups, stews, roasted meats, and can even be enjoyed with salads or as a snack with butter.
Variations of Dinner Rolls You Can Try
Consider trying these fun variations of dinner rolls:
- Dinner rolls with garlic butter – for a savory twist
- Sweet dinner rolls recipe – add cinnamon and sugar for a dessert-like treat
- Dinner rolls with herbs – mix in your favorite herbs for extra flavor
Dinner Rolls: 15 Irresistibly Soft and Buttery Rolls
- Total Time: 1 hour 48 minutes
- Yield: 15-18 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These best homemade dinner rolls are soft, fluffy, and buttery, made with simple ingredients like flour, milk, and yeast. Perfect for holiday dinners, family meals, or freezing for later, these dinner rolls are easy to make and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- Warm the milk until it’s about 110°F. Stir in the sugar and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the milk mixture, egg, softened butter, and salt.
- Gradually add in the flour until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Transfer the dough to a greased bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled.
- Punch down the dough, divide into 15–18 pieces, and shape each into a ball.
- Place the rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown.
- Brush the tops with melted butter while still warm. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
