Quick Description:
These Soft Homemade Dinner Rolls are incredibly fluffy, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. They’re easy to make and perfect for serving alongside soups, stews, or as a base for sandwiches!
Servings & Timing:
- Servings: 12 rolls
-
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Ingredients List:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing)
- Sesame seeds or flour (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water (about 110°F/43°C), sugar, and yeast. Stir and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, or until the mixture is frothy and bubbly. If the yeast doesn’t foam, it’s best to start over with fresh yeast.
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, milk, butter, and egg. Mix until a dough begins to form. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, either by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook, until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
- First rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the rolls: Punch the dough down gently to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and roll them into smooth balls. Arrange the balls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, close together, so they rise into each other.
- Second rise: Cover the dish with a towel and let the dough rise for another 30–45 minutes, or until the rolls have doubled in size.
- Bake the rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
- Brush with butter: Once out of the oven, brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter for a soft, shiny finish. Optionally, sprinkle with sesame seeds or additional flour for texture.
- Serve: Let the rolls cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!
Additional Notes:
- Fluffier rolls: For an even fluffier texture, use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Make-ahead option: You can prepare the dough, shape it, and refrigerate the rolls overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise for about 1 hour before baking.
- Freezing: After baking, allow the rolls to cool completely before freezing. Store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven to bring back the softness.
Dietary Info:
- High-Protein: Not a high-protein recipe unless you add additional protein.
- Keto: Not keto (contains sugar and flour).
- Gluten-Free: Can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free flour.
- Dairy-Free: Can be made dairy-free by substituting plant-based milk and dairy-free butter.
Brief Introduction:
These Soft Homemade Dinner Rolls are everything you want in a bread—light, fluffy, and full of buttery flavor. They’re easy to make, and their pillowy texture makes them perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving them with dinner or using them for sandwiches.
Flavor Tips & Variations:
- Garlic Butter Rolls: Mix minced garlic into the melted butter for a delicious garlic flavor on top of the rolls.
- Herbed Rolls: Add dried oregano, rosemary, or thyme to the dough for a herby twist.
Ingredient Substitutions:
- Butter: Use vegetable oil or olive oil if you prefer an oil-based option.
- Milk: Substitute almond milk or any non-dairy milk for a dairy-free option.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions:
- Mini Rolls: Divide the dough into 16 portions for smaller, bite-sized rolls.
- Cheese-filled Rolls: Before shaping the rolls, place a small cube of cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) in the center of each dough ball for a cheesy surprise inside.
Storage & Make-Ahead:
- Storage: Store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the dough the night before, then shape and bake the rolls the next day for fresh, warm bread in no time.
