If you’ve ever wished for soft, fluffy, and buttery rolls that steal the spotlight at dinner, you’re in for a treat. I honestly believe this The BEST Dinner Rolls Recipe is a game-changer—it’s the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell like heaven and your family go wild. Whether it’s a holiday feast or just a cozy weeknight, these rolls will steal the show every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Soft and Fluffy: The texture I achieved with this recipe is just perfect—light as a cloud but still substantial.
- Easy to Follow: Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, these rolls come together without fuss or fancy equipment.
- Perfectly Buttery Flavor: The melted butter brushed on top gives a rich finish that you won’t be able to resist.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: These rolls pair beautifully with everything from weeknight dinners to holiday spreads.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient is simple but essential, combining to create that magic dough that rises beautifully and bakes into rolls that make every bite worth it. Here are some tips on what to buy and why these ingredients matter.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your rolls—look for a brand with good gluten development, which helps make those rolls soft but chewy.
- Rapid rise, instant yeast: A lifesaver for quick rising times; make sure your yeast is fresh for the best results.
- Granulated sugar: Just enough to feed the yeast and add a touch of sweetness without overpowering.
- Salt: Adds balance and depth—don’t skip it!
- Warm milk (around 110°F): Feeds the yeast perfectly and adds tenderness; warm to the touch but not hot so you don’t kill your yeast.
- Butter (softened): Adds richness right into the dough, making it tender and flavorful.
- Egg (room temperature): Helps with structure and color—take it out ahead to avoid cold dough.
- Melted butter: For brushing on warm rolls—it’s that finishing touch everyone loves.
Variations
One of the things I enjoy most about this The BEST Dinner Rolls Recipe is how easy it is to tailor to what you and your family love. Don’t hesitate to experiment a little, it’s your recipe to make!
- Herb-infused rolls: I like to add a teaspoon of chopped rosemary or thyme into the dough—adds a subtle, fresh twist that pairs great with soups.
- Garlic butter topping: Swap the plain melted butter for garlic-infused butter to get that irresistible aroma and extra kick.
- Whole wheat option: Swap half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour if you want a nuttier flavor and a bit more fiber—just add a splash more liquid if the dough feels stiff.
- Dairy-free alternative: Use almond milk and a neutral oil instead of butter and milk to accommodate dietary needs without losing texture.
How to Make The BEST Dinner Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Mix It Up with Love
Start by combining 3 cups of flour, the yeast, sugar, salt, warm milk, softened butter, and egg right in your stand mixer bowl. I love using the dough hook attachment here—it makes the process so much easier. Mix on the lowest speed just until the flour disappears, then scrape down the sides so everything gets evenly mixed.
Step 2: Build the Perfect Dough
Once the ingredients are blended, kick the mixer up to medium and let it work for 2 minutes. Then, add the flour incrementally—half a cup at a time, mixing between additions. You want a soft, slightly sticky dough that pulls away from the bowl’s edge. Don’t be afraid to add a little more flour if it feels too wet; I usually end up using about 4½ cups total.
Step 3: Let It Rise
Transfer your dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rest in a warm spot for about 30 minutes. It should puff up noticeably—that first rise is like watching your hard work start to pay off!
Step 4: Shape Your Rolls
After that first rise, punch the dough down gently to deflate it—this keeps your rolls from having those giant air pockets. Pinch off pieces to shape about 24 rolls. Weighing them near 2 ounces each can help keep them consistent, but don’t stress if yours aren’t perfect. Place the rolls close together in a greased baking sheet or 9×13 pan for softer sides.
Step 5: Final Rise and Bake
Cover and let the rolls rise again for another 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F. When ready, bake the rolls for 12-15 minutes until golden and cooked through. If you spot them browning too fast, just tent with foil to avoid burning.
Step 6: Butter It Up and Serve
Remove the rolls from the oven and brush them generously with melted butter. This little trick is what makes these rolls addictive—I promise, once you try it, you won’t want to skip this step. Serve warm for best results, or cool completely before storing.
Pro Tips for Making The BEST Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Milk Temperature Matters: I learned the hard way that if the milk’s too hot, it kills the yeast, so stick close to 110°F—you want it warm and cozy, not hot.
- Don’t Skip the Butter Brush: That finishing melted butter on the rolls not only adds flavor but keeps them soft longer—your guests will be asking for more!
- Roll Size Counts: Weighing the rolls helps them bake evenly—I use a kitchen scale to nail consistent sizes every time.
- Say No to Overbaking: Check the rolls a minute or two early, especially if your oven runs hot—overbaked rolls get dry fast, and that’s just sad.
How to Serve The BEST Dinner Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling just a touch of flaky sea salt right after the butter brushing—it gives a lovely contrast to the buttery sweetness. Sometimes, I add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives for color and a fresh hint that pairs beautifully with the rolls.
Side Dishes
These rolls are my go-to side with a comforting bowl of chicken soup, a hearty roast, or even just a simple salad and grilled veggies. Honestly, they’re so good, they can be the star of the meal alongside a pat of butter and your favorite jam.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I sometimes pile the rolls in a rustic basket lined with a linen napkin or arrange them in a circle on a serving platter and brush some garlic-herb butter for a beautiful pull-apart bread effect. Guests always appreciate that little wow factor!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in a sealed plastic bag at room temperature—they stay soft for up to three days. To keep that fresh-baked taste, I recommend warming them up before serving again.
Freezing
Freezing is my secret weapon for having fresh rolls anytime. I freeze them unbaked after shaping and then thaw, rise, and bake on demand. You can also freeze baked rolls—just wrap them well to avoid freezer burn.
Reheating
To reheat, I wrap rolls in foil and pop them in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. This method warms them through without drying them out. A quick brush of butter after reheating finishes the job perfectly.
FAQs
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Can I make The BEST Dinner Rolls Recipe without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! You can mix and knead the dough by hand—it just takes a bit more elbow grease. Use a large bowl to combine ingredients, then knead on a floured surface until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.
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How do I know when my rolls are done baking?
Look for a beautifully golden-brown top and bottoms. Gently tap the bottom of a roll—it should sound hollow. You can also check the internal temperature with a thermometer; it should read about 190–200°F.
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Why are my rolls dense instead of fluffy?
Dense rolls usually mean the dough didn’t rise enough, or too much flour was added making it heavy. Make sure to keep the dough warm during rising and resist adding too much flour; a slightly sticky dough is ideal for fluffy results.
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Can I add herbs or cheese to The BEST Dinner Rolls Recipe?
Yes! Fold in herbs like rosemary or cheddar cheese after the first mixing step. Just be careful not to add too much to keep the dough balanced and still able to rise well.
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How long can I store the rolls in the fridge?
I personally prefer storing at room temperature for up to 3 days, but if you refrigerate them, make sure they’re well wrapped to avoid drying out and consume within 5 days for best quality.
Final Thoughts
This The BEST Dinner Rolls Recipe is one I keep coming back to because it never fails to impress, whether it’s a simple dinner or a big celebration. I love how approachable it is, and I know you’ll feel the same confidence baking your own rolls. Give it a try and get ready to enjoy your new favorite dinner companion—warm, buttery rolls that taste like love baked right in.
Print
The BEST Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 to 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 24 rolls
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These BEST Dinner Rolls are light, fluffy, and buttery, perfect for any meal. Made from simple ingredients and a straightforward process, these homemade rolls deliver soft, golden-brown results that melt in your mouth. Whether served fresh out of the oven or stored for a few days, they are a delightful addition to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 4 – 5 cups all purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons rapid rise, instant yeast
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1½ cups warm milk (110 degrees F)
- 5 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 egg, room temperature
Finishing
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 3 cups of flour, instant yeast, sugar, salt, warm milk, softened butter, and egg.
- Mix Dough: Attach the dough hook and mix on the lowest speed until the flour is incorporated, scraping the bowl sides as needed.
- Knead Dough: Increase mixer speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes to develop the dough.
- Add More Flour: Gradually add ½ cup flour twice, mixing at medium speed for another 2 minutes until forming a dough ball. Add additional flour if necessary; dough should be slightly sticky, soft, and pulling away from the bowl.
- First Rise: Transfer dough to a lightly greased bowl and cover with a towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Deflate Dough: Remove covering and gently punch down the dough to deflate.
- Shape Rolls: Pinch off pieces to form 24 rolls, approximately 2 ounces each for even sizing.
- Second Rise: Place rolls on a lightly greased quarter baking sheet or 9 x 13 baking dish, cover, and let rise another 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake Rolls: Bake rolls for 12 to 15 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through. Tent with foil if they brown too quickly.
- Brush with Butter: Remove rolls from oven and immediately brush with melted butter for a rich finish.
- Serve or Store: Serve warm or allow to cool and store in a plastic bag for up to 3 days.
Notes
- These homemade dinner rolls are irresistibly light, fluffy, and buttery, making them the perfect side for any meal.
- Use a stand mixer with a dough hook for easier kneading, but you can also knead by hand if needed.
- Keep an eye on the dough’s stickiness; adjust flour amounts accordingly to maintain softness while workable dough.
- Brushing with melted butter after baking adds flavor and keeps rolls moist.
- For best results, make sure milk is warm (about 110°F) to activate yeast without killing it.
- To keep rolls uniform in size, weigh dough pieces before shaping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (approx. 2 oz)
- Calories: 74 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 136 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 17 mg
