Soft Dinner Rolls Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Soft Dinner Rolls

Picture warm, pillowy soft dinner rolls fresh from the oven, ready to soak up gravy or butter. This dinner rolls recipe delivers bakery-quality results at home with minimal fuss. Home cooks and baking enthusiasts rave about its foolproof method that yields fluffy, golden rolls every time.

These homemade dinner rolls fit busy schedules yet impress at family dinners or holiday spreads. Their tender crumb and subtle sweetness pair perfectly with any meal. Keep reading to discover why this recipe stands out.

Soft dinner rolls are not just bread; they create those cozy table moments we all crave.

• Ease of preparation: This easy dinner rolls recipe takes about 2.5 hours total, including rise time. No fancy equipment needed, just basic pantry staples and a mixing bowl. Knead by hand or mixer, and watch the dough transform effortlessly. Busy parents and working professionals appreciate the straightforward steps that fit into real life.
• Health benefits: Made with bread flour for better nutrition, these rolls offer complex carbs for sustained energy. Whole milk adds calcium and protein, while the egg provides healthy fats. For more on the health benefits of bread, check this resource. Low in additives compared to store-bought, they support balanced meals for diet-conscious eaters and seniors.
• Versatility: Adapt these fluffy dinner rolls for vegan, gluten-free, or low-calorie needs with simple swaps. Serve as sliders, alongside soups, or stuffed for appetizers. Travelers and newlyweds love their portability for picnics or quick bites.
• Distinctive flavor: A hint of sweetness from sugar balances the buttery richness, creating melt-in-your-mouth texture. Brushing with butter post-bake seals in moisture for days of softness. Food enthusiasts note the yeasty aroma that fills the kitchen like a pro bakery.

These perks make this the best soft dinner rolls from scratch you will try.

Essential Ingredients for Soft Dinner Rolls

Gathering the right ingredients ensures your soft dinner rolls recipe succeeds. Each plays a key role in achieving that signature fluffiness. Below is the precise list for 12-16 rolls.

Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups bread flour – Provides high protein for strong gluten structure and chewy texture.
• 1/4 cup sugar – Feeds yeast and adds subtle sweetness to balance flavors.
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast – Acts as the leavening agent for rise and airy crumb.
• 1 cup warm milk (110°F) – Hydrates dough and tenderizes with milk solids; use whole for richness.
• 1/4 cup melted butter – Adds fat for softness and golden color.
• 1 egg – Contributes moisture, richness, and helps with browning.
• 1 tsp salt – Enhances flavors and controls yeast activity.

Special Dietary Options:

• Vegan: Swap milk for almond or oat milk, butter for coconut oil or vegan margarine, and egg for flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water).
• Gluten-free: Use 1:1 gluten-free bread flour blend; add 1 tsp xanthan gum if not included.
• Low-calorie: Reduce butter to 2 tbsp, use skim milk, and skip egg yolk for lighter rolls.

These tweaks keep the rolls easy homemade soft dinner rolls without sacrificing taste.

How to Prepare the Perfect Soft Dinner Rolls: Step-by-Step Guide

Preparation and Yeast Activation

First Step: Warm the milk to exactly 110°F using a thermometer, too hot kills yeast. In a large bowl, dissolve 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast and 1/4 cup sugar in 1 cup warm milk. Stir gently and let sit 5-10 minutes until foamy. This proves yeast is alive; if not, start over with fresh yeast. Gather remaining ingredients for smooth workflow.

Mixing and Kneading the Dough

Second Step: Add 1/4 cup melted butter, 1 egg, and 1 tsp salt to the yeast mixture. Whisk until combined. Gradually mix in 4 cups bread flour, 1 cup at a time, stirring with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Turn onto a lightly floured surface.

Third Step: Knead 8-10 minutes by hand until smooth and elastic, or 5 minutes with a stand mixer dough hook. The dough should pass the windowpane test: stretch a small piece thin without tearing. This develops gluten for fluffy dinner rolls. If sticky, add flour 1 tbsp at a time.

First Rise

Fourth Step: Place dough in a greased bowl, turn to coat, and cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm spot (75-85°F) for 1 hour until doubled. Ideal spots include near a sunny window or oven with light on. Poke test: dough springs back slowly.

Shaping the Rolls

Fifth Step: Punch down dough to release air. Divide into 12-16 equal pieces (about 2 oz each for uniform baking). Roll each into a tight ball by cupping hand over and rotating on counter. Grease a 9×13-inch pan and place rolls touching for soft sides.

Second Rise

Sixth Step: Cover loosely and let rise 30-45 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled. Preheat oven to 375°F midway. Rolls should jiggle slightly when pan shaken.

Baking and Finishing

Final Step: Bake 15-20 minutes until tops are golden; rotate pan halfway for even browning. Check at 15 minutes to avoid overbaking. Brush immediately with 2-3 tbsp melted butter for shine and extra softness. Cool in pan 10 minutes, then on rack. Total time: 2.5 hours. Serve warm with meals like our loaded baked potato chicken casserole for a hearty spread.

Follow these for the perfect fluffy dinner rolls recipe. Tips ensure consistent success.

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Soft Dinner Rolls

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

Bread flour is the main component; swap for whole wheat (2 cups bread + 2 cups whole wheat) for fiber boost, but add 2 tbsp extra milk for hydration. For higher protein, mix in 1/4 cup vital wheat gluten. Students and athletes appreciate these tweaks for nutritious yeast rolls.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

Incorporate herbs like rosemary (1 tsp) for savory twists or cinnamon (1 tsp sugar mix) for sweet rolls. No veggies typically, but add mashed potato (1/2 cup) for Irish soda-style softness. Reduce salt to 1/2 tsp for low-sodium diets; use garlic butter brush for flavor punch. Seasonal: pumpkin puree (1/4 cup) in fall swaps part milk.

Mastering Soft Dinner Rolls: Advanced Tips and Variations

Take your bread rolls to the next level with these pro moves.

• Pro cooking techniques: Use tangzhong: cook 3 tbsp flour + 1/2 cup milk to paste, cool, add to dough for 30% softer results. Windowpane test confirms perfect knead. Proof in turned-off oven with pan of hot water for humidity.
• Flavor variations: Cheese rolls: add 1/2 cup cheddar post-first rise. Garlic: mix minced garlic in butter brush. Sweet: extra 2 tbsp sugar + vanilla. Pair savory with Ruth’s Chris sweet potato casserole.
• Presentation tips: Arrange in round pan for pull-apart style. Dust with sea salt or herbs pre-bake. Serve in linen-lined basket to stay warm.
• Make-ahead options: Refrigerate shaped rolls overnight; rise 2 hours before baking. Freeze baked rolls up to 2 months.

Small changes yield big flavor wins in homemade baking.

How to Store Soft Dinner Rolls: Best Practices

• Refrigeration: Avoid if possible; store room temp in airtight bag 2-3 days. Fridge dries them via starch retrogradation.
• Freezing: Cool fully, wrap individually in plastic, bag, freeze 2 months. Thaw fridge overnight.
• Reheating: 300°F oven 5 minutes or microwave damp towel-covered 20 seconds. Spritz water for steam.
• Meal prep considerations: Bake batch weekly; portion for lunches. Revive with foil-covered 350°F 10 minutes.

These keep your how to make soft dinner rolls fresh longer.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Soft Dinner Rolls

Soft Dinner Rolls

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• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 24 rolls 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

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Description

🍞 Create irresistibly soft, fluffy dinner rolls that melt in your mouth and elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary
🌟 Perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, or everyday meals, these homemade rolls are guaranteed to impress your family and guests

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

4 cups bread flour for strong gluten structure and chewy texture

1/4 cup sugar for feeding yeast and adding subtle sweetness to balance flavors

2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast for leavening and rise and airy crumb

1 cup warm milk (110°F) for hydration and tenderizing with milk solids

1/4 cup melted butter for softness and golden color

1 egg for moisture, richness, and browning

1 tsp salt for enhancing flavors and controlling yeast activity

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Instructions

1-First Step: Warm the milk to exactly 110°F using a thermometer, too hot kills yeast. In a large bowl, dissolve 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast and 1/4 cup sugar in 1 cup warm milk. Stir gently and let sit 5-10 minutes until foamy. This proves yeast is alive; if not, start over with fresh yeast. Gather remaining ingredients for smooth workflow.

2-Second Step: Add 1/4 cup melted butter, 1 egg, and 1 tsp salt to the yeast mixture. Whisk until combined. Gradually mix in 4 cups bread flour, 1 cup at a time, stirring with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Turn onto a lightly floured surface.

3-Third Step: Knead 8-10 minutes by hand until smooth and elastic, or 5 minutes with a stand mixer dough hook. The dough should pass the windowpane test: stretch a small piece thin without tearing. This develops gluten for fluffy dinner rolls. If sticky, add flour 1 tbsp at a time.

4-Fourth Step: Place dough in a greased bowl, turn to coat, and cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm spot (75-85°F) for 1 hour until doubled. Ideal spots include near a sunny window or oven with light on. Poke test: dough springs back slowly.

5-Fifth Step: Punch down dough to release air. Divide into 12-16 equal pieces (about 2 oz each for uniform baking). Roll each into a tight ball by cupping hand over and rotating on counter. Grease a 9×13-inch pan and place rolls touching for soft sides.

6-Sixth Step: Cover loosely and let rise 30-45 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled. Preheat oven to 375°F midway. Rolls should jiggle slightly when pan shaken.

7-Final Step: Bake 15-20 minutes until tops are golden; rotate pan halfway for even browning. Check at 15 minutes to avoid overbaking. Brush immediately with 2-3 tbsp melted butter for shine and extra softness. Cool in pan 10 minutes, then on rack. Total time: 2.5 hours. Serve warm with meals like our loaded baked potato chicken casserole for a hearty spread.

Notes

🌡️ For extra soft rolls, place a shallow pan of hot water on the bottom rack of your oven while baking to create steam
❄️ Dough can be prepared ahead and refrigerated overnight – just let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking
🧊 Store cooled rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Rising time: 2 hours
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 roll
• Calories: 130
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 140mg
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 25mg

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