If you’re on the hunt for the quintessential soft, fluffy, and buttery roll recipe, you’re in the right place! I’m sharing The BEST Dinner Rolls Recipe that I absolutely love to make whenever I want a crowd-pleasing side. These rolls come out perfectly golden, pillowy soft on the inside, with just the right touch of sweetness and butteriness that makes them irresistible. Once you try this recipe, you’ll see why it’s a go-to in my kitchen and why I bet it’ll be a favorite in yours too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft & Fluffy Texture: Thanks to the perfect balance of butter, milk, and yeast, these rolls practically melt in your mouth.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry — no fancy extras needed.
- Easy to Make: With step-by-step instructions, even beginners can nail these rolls with confidence.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a holiday feast, these rolls shine every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For The BEST Dinner Rolls Recipe, I stick with simple pantry staples that work harmoniously to create that ideal tender crumb and golden crust. Picking quality butter and fresh yeast can make a noticeable difference, so I always recommend shopping with care for those.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough; you’ll add it gradually, so the rolls stay soft yet hold up well.
- Rapid rise (instant) yeast: This yeast works fast and reliably, making the rising process much easier and foolproof.
- Granulated sugar: Just enough to give a touch of sweetness that balances the buttery richness.
- Salt: Vital for flavor — don’t skip it, but be mindful to sprinkle it separately so it doesn’t kill the yeast.
- Warm milk (about 110°F): Feeds the yeast and keeps the dough tender; too hot, and it can kill the yeast, so use a thermometer if you have one.
- Butter (softened): Adds richness and softness; I use unsalted so I can control the overall saltiness.
- Egg (room temperature): Helps bind everything together and gives the rolls that lovely golden color.
- Melted butter (for brushing): The secret finishing touch for flavor and a beautiful sheen.
Variations
I love how flexible The BEST Dinner Rolls Recipe is— you can tweak it to suit your flavor preferences or dietary needs with ease. Here are a few of my favorite tweaks you might enjoy trying.
- Herb-Infused Rolls: Mixing fresh rosemary or thyme into the dough adds a lovely earthy note—my family goes crazy for it during fall dinners.
- Whole Wheat or Half-Whole Wheat: Swap up to half of the flour for whole wheat for a nuttier, heartier texture; just add a bit more milk as whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid.
- Garlic Butter Rolls: Brush the baked rolls with garlic-infused melted butter and a sprinkle of parsley for a flavorful twist I learned from a weekend cookout.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use a plant-based milk and vegan butter substitute to make these rolls allergy-friendly without losing softness.
How to Make The BEST Dinner Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients and Start Mixing
In the bowl of your stand mixer, begin by adding 3 cups of flour, instant yeast, sugar, salt, warm milk, softened butter, and the room-temperature egg. I find it easiest to toss wet and dry ingredients together first. Attach the dough hook, set your mixer to low speed, and stir until the flour starts to blend. Keep an eye on the bowl, scraping down the sides a few times; this helps everything incorporate evenly. It might look shaggy at this point, but that’s totally normal.
Step 2: Knead the Dough and Add Extra Flour Gradually
Once the dough begins to come together, crank the mixer up to medium and let it knead for about 2 minutes. Then, add ½ cup of flour and mix until incorporated, repeating with another ½ cup. This slow flour addition means your dough will stay soft and slightly sticky, which I’ve learned is key for tender rolls. You want the dough to pull away from the bowl edges but still cling gently to your fingers when touched. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour, but don’t overdo it or your rolls can get tough.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Transfer the dough ball to a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap. This is where the magic happens—give it about 30 minutes at room temperature to rise and puff up. You’ll notice the dough almost doubles, becoming airy and soft. If it’s chilly in your kitchen, try placing the bowl in a warm spot, like near a warm oven (turned off) or in a sunny window.
Step 4: Shape Your Rolls
After the first rise, gently punch down the dough to deflate it a bit. Then, pinch off small pieces and shape them into 24 rolls. If you want consistent sizing, I recommend weighing each piece—mine are about 2 ounces each. This step is where I had to slow down and be patient because even shaping helps the rolls bake evenly. Place the formed rolls on a lightly greased baking sheet or in a 9×13 dish, spacing them slightly apart.
Step 5: Second Rise and Baking
Cover the shaped rolls and let them rise for another 30 minutes until puffy. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F. When ready, bake the rolls for 12 to 15 minutes—watch for that beautiful golden brown color. If you notice the tops browning too fast, tent them with foil. Fresh out of the oven, brush the rolls with melted butter to give them a shiny, rich finish. Serve these warm, and I promise, everyone will be reaching for seconds!
Pro Tips for Making The BEST Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: I learned that letting the egg and butter come to room temp ensures better mixing and a smoother dough.
- Watch Your Milk Temperature: Too hot, and it kills the yeast; too cool, and the dough rises slowly. Aim for about 110°F using a kitchen thermometer.
- Don’t Over-Flour: Adding flour little by little keeps the dough soft—stickiness is your friend here!
- Cover Rolls While Rising: Prevent drying out by covering them properly during rises—this keeps the crust soft and tender.
How to Serve The BEST Dinner Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it classic by brushing rolls with melted butter and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after baking. But when I’m in a fancy mood, I toss on fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley, which adds a subtle pop of color and flavor without overpowering the buttery goodness.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair wonderfully with just about anything. For me, they’re a staple next to hearty stews, creamy mashed potatoes, or roasted chicken. On holidays, I love serving them with honey-glazed ham or alongside a big bowl of soup with a salad on the side for a balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If I’m hosting a special dinner, I sometimes arrange the rolls in a flower shape on a platter or bake them in a pull-apart bread pan for a beautiful communal loaf that guests love tearing apart. Adding little pats of herb butter between rolls before baking creates pockets of flavor that are a total winner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Whenever I have leftover rolls, I let them cool completely then store them in a resealable plastic bag at room temperature. They usually last fresh for about 3 days this way. I learned that wrapping when warm traps moisture and makes the crust soggy, so patience is key!
Freezing
To freeze, I place completely cooled rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid before transferring them to a freezer bag. This prevents them from sticking together. When frozen, they keep beautifully for up to 3 months and thaw quickly.
Reheating
Reheating is as simple as wrapping the rolls in foil and warming them at 300°F for 10-15 minutes in the oven. I like to brush them with a little melted butter before popping them in—this refreshes their softness and flavor like they’re freshly baked.
FAQs
-
Can I use active dry yeast instead of rapid rise yeast for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you use active dry yeast, you’ll want to proof it first in warm milk with a pinch of sugar until it’s bubbly (about 5-10 minutes) before adding it to the flour mixture. Rapid rise yeast skips this step and works faster, but active dry yeast will still give you great results.
-
How can I tell if my rolls are fully baked?
The rolls should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when you tap their bottom. If unsure, you can use an instant-read thermometer – fully baked rolls register about 190°F internally.
-
Can I make these rolls gluten-free?
Making gluten-free dinner rolls requires a special flour blend and often additional binding agents like xanthan gum. This recipe is designed for all-purpose flour, so for gluten-free options, I’d recommend looking up recipes specifically developed for that purpose to ensure they rise and texture correctly.
-
What’s the best way to keep my dinner rolls soft for longer?
Storing them in an airtight container or plastic bag once cooled helps hold in moisture. You can also wrap them in foil after brushing with butter. Avoid refrigeration, as it can dry out the bread faster.
Final Thoughts
I have to say, The BEST Dinner Rolls Recipe has been a game-changer for me in making every meal feel a little extra special. From the very first time I made them, I knew I had a winner—soft, buttery, and comforting in every bite. Whether you’re new to bread baking or just looking for reliably delicious rolls, this recipe has your back. So grab your mixing bowl, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to these homemade beauties. You deserve it, and I promise they’ll be gone before you know it!
Print
The BEST Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 52 minutes
- Yield: 24 rolls
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These BEST Dinner Rolls are light, fluffy, and buttery, made from scratch with simple ingredients. Perfectly soft with a golden crust, they are ideal for any meal, coming together quickly with a delightful homemade taste.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 4 – 5 cups all purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons rapid rise, instant yeast
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1½ cups warm milk (110 degrees)
- 5 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: Combine 3 cups of flour, yeast, sugar, salt, warm milk, softened butter, and egg in the bowl of a stand mixer.
- Initial Mixing: Attach the dough hook and mix on the lowest speed until the flour is incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Increase Speed and Beat: Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes to develop the dough.
- Add Flour Gradually: Add ½ cup more flour and blend with the dough hook until incorporated, then add another ½ cup flour and mix at medium speed for 2 more minutes until forming a dough ball.
- Adjust Dough Consistency: Add additional flour as necessary until the dough is slightly sticky, soft, and pulling away from the bowl edges.
- First Rise: Transfer dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Deflate Dough: Remove the cover and gently punch down the dough to release air.
- Shape Rolls: Pinch off 24 pieces of dough (about 2 ounces each) and shape into rolls of similar size.
- Second Rise: Place the rolls on a greased quarter sheet pan or 9 x 13 baking dish, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake Rolls: Bake the rolls for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Tent with foil if they brown too quickly.
- Brush and Serve: Remove from oven and brush warm rolls with melted butter. Serve immediately or store cooled rolls in a plastic bag for up to 3 days.
Notes
- These dinner rolls are irresistibly light, fluffy, and buttery, making them a perfect homemade addition to any meal.
- Using instant yeast reduces rise time and simplifies preparation.
- Adjust flour as needed to ensure a soft, slightly sticky dough for tender rolls.
- Brushing the hot rolls with melted butter gives them a rich flavor and beautiful shine.
- Store leftover rolls in a plastic bag at room temperature up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 74
- 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
