There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen. Among the many breads you can make at home, dinner rolls stand out as one of the most beloved. Soft, fluffy, buttery, and irresistibly golden, they’re the perfect sidekick to hearty dinner recipes like stews, soups, roasts, or even a holiday spread.
Whether you’re preparing a weeknight family meal or a festive holiday dinner, learning how to bake homemade dinner rolls is a skill that will instantly elevate your cooking. In this article, we’ll cover everything: the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, variations, and even what to serve them with. By the end, you’ll have all the knowledge to bake perfect rolls every single time.
Ingredients for Homemade Dinner Rolls
To make about 12–15 fluffy rolls, you’ll need:
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4 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour for more chew)
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2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
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1 cup warm milk (around 110°F / 43°C)
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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1 large egg
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¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 teaspoon salt
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for brushing on top, optional but recommended)
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
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Large mixing bowl
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Wooden spoon or stand mixer with dough hook
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel
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Baking sheet or 9×13-inch baking pan
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Pastry brush (for butter)
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Oven
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy. This step ensures your rolls rise beautifully.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Whisk in the egg and melted butter. Mix well until combined.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a sticky dough forms. If using a stand mixer, let the dough knead for 5–7 minutes. If kneading by hand, work it on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 4: First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Punch down the dough and divide it into 12–15 equal pieces. Shape each into a ball and place them on a greased baking pan.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover and let the rolls rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 8: Brush with Butter
Remove from the oven and immediately brush with melted butter for that soft, shiny finish.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Dinner Rolls
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Use fresh yeast – Expired yeast won’t rise, leaving your rolls dense.
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Don’t overheat the milk – Too hot and it will kill the yeast.
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Knead until smooth – Proper gluten development gives structure to the rolls.
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Give them time – Don’t rush the rising process; patience = fluffy rolls.
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Bake in the right pan – Rolls baked close together in a pan rise taller and softer, while rolls spaced apart get more golden edges.
Variations to Try
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Garlic Dinner Rolls – Add minced garlic and parsley butter on top.
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Cheese-Stuffed Rolls – Place a cube of cheddar or mozzarella inside each dough ball.
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Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls – Replace half of the flour with whole wheat flour for a nutty flavor.
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Sweet Honey Rolls – Replace sugar with honey for natural sweetness.
What to Serve Dinner Rolls With
Dinner rolls are versatile and complement countless dinner recipes:
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Soups: Chicken noodle soup, creamy tomato soup
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Stews: Beef stew, lamb stew
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Holiday mains: Roast turkey, ham, prime rib
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Vegetarian mains: Eggplant parmesan, stuffed peppers
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Side dishes: Green Bean Casserole, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables
Nutritional Information (per roll, approx.)
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Calories: 160
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Carbs: 27g
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Protein: 4g
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Fat: 4g
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Sugar: 4g
Why Homemade Dinner Rolls Are Worth It
Homemade rolls are fresher, tastier, and free from preservatives. They bring comfort, warmth, and a touch of homemade love to your table. Plus, they’re budget-friendly compared to store-bought rolls, and infinitely customizable.
Conclusion
If you’ve been searching for easy, reliable, and delicious dinner recipes to elevate your meals, these homemade dinner rolls are a must-try. With just a few basic ingredients and some patience, you can bake bakery-quality rolls right in your kitchen.
