Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe
If you are craving fluffy, soft, and utterly irresistible bread, these Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls are exactly the way to go. This recipe turns simple ingredients into a batch of warm, golden rolls that practically melt in your mouth with every bite. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or just want to elevate a weekday meal, these rolls bring that comforting, homemade touch everyone will adore. The best part is how approachable the process is—you don’t need to be a bread expert to create these delicious rolls that will soon become your new favorite staple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a few basic, pantry-friendly ingredients can come together to make such extraordinary Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls. Each element plays a vital role – from the tender texture given by the eggs to the rich buttery flavor that coats every bite.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of your dough, providing structure and that soft crumb texture.
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast: Responsible for the beautiful rise and fluffy interior.
- 2 tablespoons sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the buttery and savory notes.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors while controlling yeast activity for the perfect rise.
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C): Activates the yeast and keeps the dough tender.
- 1/4 cup melted butter: Infuses the rolls with richness and helps create a soft crust.
- 2 large eggs: Contribute moisture and improve the dough’s elasticity.
How to Make Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by warming the milk to a cozy 110°F (about 45°C) – warm enough to energize the yeast but not so hot it kills it. Combine the warm milk, sugar, and instant yeast in a large bowl. Let this mixture sit for 5 minutes until you see it frothing and bubbling. This is your yeast waking up and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Mix in the Butter and Eggs
Once the yeast mixture is lively, whisk in the melted butter and eggs. These ingredients add moisture and richness that will give your rolls their tender crumb and buttery taste. Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy before moving to the dry ingredients.
Step 3: Combine Flour and Salt, Then Incorporate
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This ensures the salt is evenly distributed throughout the dough, which is essential for flavor and the right texture. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough begins to pull away from the sides and come together.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Dust a clean surface lightly with flour and transfer the dough onto it. Knead by hand for 5-7 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. This step builds gluten which gives your Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls structure and a wonderful chewy softness.
Step 5: Let the Dough Rise
Place the smooth dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Set it somewhere warm and cozy for about an hour until the dough doubles in size. This rest is crucial; it allows the yeast to produce gas bubbles that give you those classic airy rolls you’ll be excited to bite into.
Step 6: Preheat and Prepare for Shaping
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to bake as soon as your rolls are shaped and risen the second time. This ensures even heat and that perfect golden finish.
Step 7: Shape the Rolls
Punch down the dough gently to release the air, then divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a tight ball by stretching the dough’s surface taut while tucking the edges underneath. This shaping step helps your rolls rise up nicely and look delightfully uniform.
Step 8: Second Rise on the Baking Sheet
Arrange the dough balls on a greased baking sheet with a bit of space in between them to allow rising. Cover them again with the kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes. This final puff-up is important for pillowy softness and that perfect tender crumb.
Step 9: Bake the Rolls
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes until the rolls are beautifully golden brown on top. This golden hue signals that the exterior is slightly crisp while the inside remains fluffy and moist.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. This lets the crumb settle and makes for easier handling. Now you’re ready to enjoy these warm, buttery Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls fresh from your oven.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls
Garnishes
While these rolls are delightful on their own, a light brushing of melted butter right after baking is a game-changer. You can also sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt or fresh herbs like rosemary to add an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with hearty soups, roasted meats, and vibrant salads. Think creamy chicken stew, a robust beef roast, or a zesty garden salad—the rolls provide the perfect vehicle to soak up sauces and complement every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve your rolls in a warm cloth-lined basket to keep them cozy and inviting. You can also slice them horizontally to make mini sliders filled with your favorite ingredients like ham and cheese or a flavorful herb butter. They’re perfect for both casual family dinners and festive gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which can be rare!), store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Wrapping them tightly keeps the rolls soft and prevents them from drying out.
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully. Once cooled, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring minimal air space to avoid freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 3 months, making them an excellent option to prepare in advance for busy days.
Reheating
To bring frozen or stored rolls back to life, wrap them in foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, a quick microwave zap wrapped in a damp paper towel works well for immediate enjoyment, restoring that fresh-baked softness.
FAQs
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Absolutely! If you only have active dry yeast, just proof it in the warm milk with sugar for about 10 minutes until foamy before mixing it with the other ingredients.
What’s the secret to super soft rolls?
The keys are the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs—together they create a tender, rich dough. Also, allowing the dough to rise well twice gives you that light texture.
Can I make these rolls gluten-free?
This recipe is designed for all-purpose flour, but you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends. Just be aware that texture and rise may vary, and you might need to add binding agents like xanthan gum.
Is it necessary to let the dough rise twice?
Yes, letting the dough rise twice ensures the rolls develop their soft, airy texture. Skipping the second rise usually results in denser bread.
Can I add herbs or cheese to the dough?
Definitely! Adding chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, or even shredded cheese, is a fantastic way to customize your Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls and add extra flavor dimension.
Final Thoughts
These Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls are truly one of life’s simple pleasures. They bring warmth and comfort to any meal, whether it’s a casual weeknight supper or a festive holiday feast. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—once you’ve made them, you’ll understand why they’re an all-time favorite. There’s nothing quite like the joy of pulling fresh rolls from your own oven to share with those you love.
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Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and perfect for any meal. Made from simple ingredients like flour, yeast, milk, butter, and eggs, these rolls are easy to prepare and bake. They make a wonderful side for dinners or a base for sandwiches, with a golden crust and tender interior that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 45°C)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and instant yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix wet ingredients: Add the melted butter and eggs to the yeast mixture and whisk thoroughly until everything is well combined.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough starts to form.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic, which helps to develop the gluten crucial for soft rolls.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and leave it in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking.
- Shape the rolls: Once risen, punch down the dough to release the air. Divide it into 12 equal parts and shape each piece into a smooth ball.
- Second rise: Place the shaped dough balls onto a greased baking sheet, leaving some space between each. Cover again with the kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top.
- Cool and serve: Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving them warm with butter or your preferred spread.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- For extra flavor, brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter right after baking.
- These rolls freeze well; wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
- You can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (approx. 60g)
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: dinner rolls, homemade rolls, easy bread recipe, soft rolls, yeast rolls
