Fluffy and Delightful Homemade Dinner Rolls

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup of warm water
  • 2 packages active dry yeast (1/4 ounce each)
  • 1 1/2 cups of warm whole milk
  • 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons of salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
  • 7-8 cups of all-purpose flour
  • Additional 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)

Steps and instructions

  1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together milk, sugar, salt, eggs, softened butter, and 2 cups of flour.
  3. Add yeast mixture to the bowl and mix until well combined.
  4. Gradually add remaining flour, 1 cup at a time, until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
  5. Turn out the dough onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.
  6. Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, about 1 to 2 hours.
  7. When the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
  8. Divide the dough into small pieces and shape each piece into a ball. Place the balls onto a greased baking sheet, leaving some space between each.
  9. Cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise again until they have doubled in size, about 30-45 minutes.
  10. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  11. Once the rolls have risen, brush the tops with the melted butter.
  12. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
  13. Remove from oven and brush again with more melted butter. Serve warm.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Whole wheat dinner rolls: Substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added nutrition.
  • Garlic herb dinner rolls: Add minced garlic and your choice of herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley to the dough for a flavorful twist.
  • Cheesy dinner rolls: Mix in shredded cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, into the dough before shaping the rolls for a cheesy delight.
  • Sweet dinner rolls: Increase the sugar to 3/4 cup and add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough for a sweeter, dessert-like roll.
  • Gluten-free dinner rolls: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to make the rolls suitable for those following a gluten-free diet.
  • Vegan dinner rolls: Replace the milk with plant-based milk (such as almond or soy milk) and use a vegan butter substitute to make the recipe vegan-friendly.
  • Herb dinner rolls: Add your favorite herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or basil, to the dough for a savory and aromatic twist.
  • Seeded dinner rolls: Sprinkle sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or any other desired seeds on top of the rolls before baking for added texture and flavor.
  • Cinnamon raisin dinner rolls: Mix in cinnamon and raisins into the dough for a sweet and fruity variation.

Recipe overview

Indulge in the comforting warmth of homemade dinner rolls with this simple and straightforward recipe. These dinner rolls are soft, fluffy, and have a beautiful golden-brown exterior, with a subtle sweetness that pairs well with almost any meal. The preparation involves a few steps of kneading and letting the dough rise, but the result is worth every bit of effort. Once you get a hang of it, you'll find yourself reaching for this recipe anytime you crave some freshly baked dinner rolls. Expect to spend around 3 hours on this recipe, which includes time for the dough to rise. The actual hands-on time is much less. This recipe makes 24 dinner rolls, perfect for serving at family gatherings or parties. Enjoy the rolls fresh out of the oven with a dab of butter for a truly mouthwatering experience.

Common questions

  1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
    Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. Use the same amount of instant yeast as specified in the recipe.
  2. Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
    Yes, you can use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour. The rolls may have a slightly different texture, but they will still turn out delicious.
  3. How can I tell if the dough has doubled in size?
    You can check if the dough has doubled in size by gently pressing it with your finger. If the indentation remains and doesn't spring back, the dough has risen enough.
  4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
    Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After the first rise, punch down the dough, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, shape the rolls, let them rise, and proceed with the recipe as directed.
  5. Can I freeze the dinner rolls?
    Yes, you can freeze the baked dinner rolls. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing bowls - Use mixing bowls to combine and mix the ingredients.
  • Measuring cups and spoons - These are essential for accurately measuring the ingredients.
  • Kitchen towel - Cover the dough or rolls with a kitchen towel to keep them moist while rising.
  • Baking sheet - Use a baking sheet to place and bake the dinner rolls.
  • Pastry brush - Use a pastry brush to brush melted butter on top of the rolls before and after baking.
  • Oven - Preheat the oven to the specified temperature for baking the dinner rolls.

Origin stories

Picture this: A warm, bustling kitchen in the heartland of America, in the late 19th century. The scent of freshly baked bread wafts through the air as families gather around the dinner table. This is the humble origin of the dinner roll, a staple of American cuisine. These small, soft breads were created as an economical way to make use of excess dough. Today, they're a beloved feature of family meals, holidays, and gathering events across the country. From the simple kitchens of diligent homesteaders to the grand dining rooms of lavish Thanksgiving feasts, the dinner roll has rolled its way into the heart of American culinary tradition.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.