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Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls

Want to make homemade dinner rolls?  This recipe is very simple and easy to make. The rolls will be fresher too!

Homemade Dinner Rolls: Soft and Fluffy Delights

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked dinner rolls wafting through your kitchen. These homemade dinner rolls are the epitome of comfort food, and they’re the perfect addition to any meal, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion like Thanksgiving. Made from simple ingredients, this dinner roll recipe will win over your whole family with its soft, fluffy texture and golden brown tops. Plus, I’ll share some tips and tricks, answer common questions, and even show you how to get the kids involved in the kitchen.

FAQs

What is the key to making the best dinner rolls?

The key to making the best dinner rolls is to ensure your yeast dough rises properly. Make sure your yeast is fresh and check its expiration date. Use warm water to activate the yeast, and let the dough rise in a warm place. This helps create those light and airy rolls.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of plain flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for some or all of the plain flour in this recipe. Whole wheat flour will add a nutty flavor and a bit of extra nutrition to your rolls. Just keep in mind that whole wheat flour can make the rolls slightly denser, so adjust your expectations accordingly.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size during the first rise, which typically takes about 1-2 hours. During the second rise, it should puff up again, though it may not double in size this time. A good indicator is when the dough ball feels soft and slightly springy to the touch.

Can I make these dinner rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead of time, shape the rolls, and let them rise in the refrigerator overnight. Then, simply bake them the next day. This is a fantastic time-saving option for busy occasions like holiday meals.

A homemade dinner roll recipe is based on a white bread recipe with variations on how the dough is formed as well as baking time. When you’re finished, you will have yielded a generous amount of fresh rolls that you can eat right away and freeze the leftovers.

Homemade Dinner Rolls – Ingredients:

  • Plain flour – 1 cup (more for flouring)
  • Sugar – 3 tsp
  • Salt – for taste
  • Yeast – 1 tsp
  • Egg – 1
  • Liquid milk – half cup
  • Melted butter – 2 tbsp

Tips and Tricks

Room Temperature Ingredients

Ensure your egg, milk, and melted butter are at room temperature before adding them to the dough. This helps the yeast work its magic and results in a smoother, more elastic dough.

Using a Stand Mixer with a Dough Hook

If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment, it can make the mixing and kneading process much easier. Start on low speed to combine the ingredients, then increase to medium-low speed for kneading until you have a smooth ball of dough.

Flouring Your Work Surface

When you’re ready to shape the rolls, generously flour your work surface to prevent the dough from sticking. You’ll also want to flour your hands and any utensils you use to handle the dough.

The Second Rise

Don’t skip the second rise. This step allows the rolls to puff up again, resulting in that airy texture we all love. Be patient; it’s worth the extra time.

Delicious Rolls for Dinner Parties

Sometimes you might find difficulty consuming all the rolls. That is okay because you can freeze them and thaw them for a better time. Aside from that, you might consider using this recipe when you have large dinner functions. These are perfect for thanksgiving, friendsgiving or even a dinner party!

A second benefit of this recipe is that you have the satisfaction of knowing precisely what is in it. While the flour may be processed, you can avoid many preservatives that come from store-bought rolls, which are often made in factories.

Variations For These Homemade Rolls

Garlic Knots

For a savory twist, turn this dinner roll recipe into garlic knots. After shaping the rolls, brush them with a mixture of melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped fresh parsley. Bake as directed, and you’ll have irresistible garlic knots to serve alongside pasta dishes.

Cinnamon Rolls

To satisfy your sweet tooth, use the same dough to make cinnamon rolls. Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread a mixture of cinnamon and sugar on it, then roll it up and slice it into rounds. Bake and drizzle with icing for a delightful breakfast treat.

Where to Serve Homemade Dinner Rolls

These soft dinner rolls are incredibly versatile. Serve them as a side dish for Sunday dinners, alongside soups and stews, or as part of a special holiday meal. Their warm, golden exterior and fluffy interior make them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Storage

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare when these rolls are on the table), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for a day or two. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven for a few minutes.

Common Problems and How to Avoid Them

Sticky Dough

If your dough is too sticky, resist the temptation to add too much flour. Instead, lightly flour your hands and the work surface as needed to prevent sticking. The dough should be tacky but not overly wet.

Rolls Not Rising

If your rolls aren’t rising properly, it could be due to old yeast, water that’s too hot or too cold, or a lack of a warm, draft-free environment for rising. Make sure to use fresh yeast, test your water temperature, and find a warm place for the dough to rise.

Tips for Making this Recipe with Kids

Getting kids involved in the kitchen can be a fun and educational experience. When making these dinner rolls with kids, consider the following tips:

  • Simple Tasks: Assign age-appropriate tasks like measuring ingredients, mixing, and shaping rolls.
  • Hands-On Fun: Let kids get their hands in the dough. They’ll enjoy shaping their own rolls.
  • Teaching Moments: Explain the science behind yeast and dough rising. It’s a great opportunity for a mini science lesson.

Topping Options

These dinner rolls are delicious on their own, but you can take them to the next level with various toppings:

  • Egg Wash: Brushing the rolls with an egg wash before baking gives them a beautiful, shiny finish.
  • Honey Butter: Serve the rolls with a side of honey butter for a sweet and savory twist.

The best part about this recipe is that it looks hard but is truly easy to make. So when your dinner guests applaud your effort, you can give yourself an additional pat on the back for a job well done.

Why This Recipe Works

This homemade dinner roll recipe works because it combines simple ingredients in the right proportions and follows key techniques to ensure success. Using room temperature ingredients, activating the yeast in warm water, and allowing for proper rise times all contribute to the soft and fluffy texture of these rolls. Whether it’s your first time making bread or you’re a seasoned baker, this recipe is a surefire way to create the best homemade dinner rolls every single time.

These homemade dinner rolls are a wonderful addition to any meal. Their soft and fluffy texture, golden brown tops, and versatility make them a favorite for families and special occasions alike. With a few tips and tricks, you’ll master the art of making these delicious rolls, and you can even get the kids involved for some fun kitchen bonding time. So, next time you’re planning a Sunday dinner or a holiday feast, make sure to include these amazing homemade dinner rolls on the menu. Your guests will thank you, and you’ll savor every warm, buttery bite.

Here are some more delicious bread recipes:

Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls
Yield: 15-20 rolls (depending on size)

Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

This homemade dinner rolls from scratch will impress the whole family!

Ingredients

  • 1/2 Cups Of Flour
  • 3 Tsp Sugar
  • Salt To Taste
  • 1 tsp Yeast
  • 1 Egg
  • 1/2 Cup Milk
  • 2 tb Butter

Instructions

Step 1:

Fill half of a cup with lukewarm milk (liquid); add 1 tsp of sugar and 1 tsp of yeast to the milk. Mix them together until there are no clumps of yeast left. Leave it aside for 15 minutes or until a layer of foam is formed on the top.

Step 2:

Take a bowl and sift 220 grams of plain flour, salt (as per your taste) and 2 tsp of sugar. Mix all the dry ingredients together.

Step 3:

Take an egg and beat it in small bowl and add half of it to the yeast mixture. Add 2 tsp of melted butter to the yeast mixture as well. Stir the mixture nicely.

Step 4:

Add the yeast mixture (wet ingredients) to the dry ingredients. Mix all the ingredients together. Add more flour if required while smoothening the mixture

Step 5:

Once the mixture is not too sticky, use your hands to knead the dough for about 10 minutes. After the dough is smooth and soft enough, cover the dough (in a bowl) with a plastic wrap or kitchen towel for at least 2 hours or until it doubles. Make sure to leave the dough in warm temperature.

Step 6:

Once the dough is doubled in size, take it out of the bowl and knead it again for 3 to 5 minutes.

Step 7:

Form a smooth ball shape with the dough and place it on a plain surface.
Make sure to sprinkle some flour on the surface before placing the dough.

Step 8:

Deflate the dough into pieces and then roll the pieces into ball shapes.

Take a ball shaped dough and roll it into a rope shape. We will need one rope shaped dough to make a knotted bun. The size would depend on your choice.  

Step 9:

Hold the 2 open ends of the dough rope and overlap one part over the other by forming a small loop in the middle.

Step 10:

Hold the open end overlapped from the top and draw it under the loop and then carefully drawing it out of the loop to the top. There! The knot is done!

Step 11:

You can keep the knot as it is, it won’t open easily or you can tuck the open end under the knot pattern.

Egg-wash:

Take the half cup of beaten egg (saved in the previous step) and add 1 tsp of melted butter to the beaten egg. Mix the egg and melted butter nicely and then brush the mixture over the buns and sprinkle some sugar on top.

Pre-Heat the oven to 390F for 10 minutes.

Bake the buns for 10 minutes to 390F or until golden brown.

Nutrition Information

Yield

15

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 42Total Fat 2gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 1gCholesterol 17mgSodium 60mgCarbohydrates 5gFiber 0gSugar 1gProtein 1g

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Looking for another easy side? Be sure to try these yummy Crockpot Mashed Potatoes With Cheddar and Garlic!

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