Is there anything more comforting than the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home? I think not! These Fluffy Dinner Rolls are the perfect addition to any meal, from a simple weeknight supper to a celebratory Thanksgiving feast. They’re surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re a beginner baker, and the result is a basket full of light, airy, and oh-so-delicious rolls that everyone will love. This homemade dinner rolls recipe is a keeper, y’all!
Top Reasons To Make It
These rolls aren’t just delicious; they’re practical too. Why buy store-bought when you can make something so much better at home? Here’s why you need this recipe in your life:
- Simple ingredients: Everything you need is probably already in your pantry.
- Easy to follow: The steps are clear and straightforward, perfect for beginner bakers.
- Crowd-pleaser: These rolls are guaranteed to disappear fast!
- Versatile: Serve them with Mississippi Pot Roast, soup, salad, or just enjoy them on their own.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need. See the recipe card below for precise measurements.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps activate the yeast.
- Active dry yeast: Makes the rolls rise.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors.
- Milk: Adds moisture.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor.
- Egg: Helps with binding and creates a soft texture.
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.
- Melt the butter and let it cool slightly. Add the melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball.
- Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Brush the warm rolls with melted butter. So good.
Pro Tips For Perfect Dinner Rolls
- Don’t overheat the milk: If it’s too hot, it’ll kill the yeast.
- Use a light hand when kneading.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: The rolls need space to rise.
- Brush with melted butter for extra flavor and shine.
- For an extra-soft crust, cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel as they cool.
- Want to get fancy? Sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on top before baking.
Variations & Substitutions
These rolls are pretty perfect as is, but here are a few ideas for mixing things up:
- Whole wheat: Substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and denser texture.
- Herbs: Add 1-2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs, like rosemary or thyme, to the dough for an extra layer of flavor. Honestly, if you hate herbs, skip this one!
- Sweet rolls: Increase the sugar to 1/4 cup and add a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Brush with a simple glaze after baking.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
Fluffy Dinner Rolls are incredibly versatile. Serve them alongside your favorite homemade dinner dishes, like Mississippi Pot Roast, or enjoy them with a simple bowl of soup. They’re also perfect for Thanksgiving recipes or any holiday gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Ensure they’re heated thoroughly to avoid any food safety issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about this easy bread recipe:
- Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes! You can make the dough the night before, let it rise in the refrigerator overnight, and bake it in the morning. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before shaping the homemade rolls.
- What’s the secret behind making light and fluffy homemade dinner rolls? Honestly, the key is the yeast. Give it time to activate and make its magic.
So there you have it: a simple, straightforward recipe for the fluffiest, most delicious Fluffy Dinner Rolls you’ll ever make. From family dinners to holiday feasts, these rolls are sure to become a new favorite.
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Fluffy Dinner Rolls: A Simple Homemade Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These fluffy dinner rolls are soft, pillowy, and buttery—perfect for Sunday dinner, holidays, or any cozy meal. They’re simple to make and even better fresh from the oven.
Ingredients
▢ 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
▢ ¼ cup granulated sugar
▢ 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
▢ 1 tsp salt
▢ 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
▢ ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
▢ 1 large egg
▢ 2 tbsp butter (for brushing after baking)
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Add melted butter (slightly cooled), egg, and salt. Stir to combine.
3. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Knead 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place dough in a greased bowl, turn to coat, and cover. Let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, until doubled in size.
6. Punch down dough and divide into 12 equal portions. Shape each into a smooth ball.
7. Arrange rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes.
8. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown.
9. Brush warm rolls with butter and serve fresh.
Notes
For extra richness, use whole milk.
You can prepare the dough a day ahead and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Bring to room temp before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: fluffy dinner rolls, homemade bread rolls, soft yeast rolls, holiday rolls, easy dinner rolls