Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe

If there’s ever a time to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread, it’s right now. These Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls are soft, golden, and everything you want in a fresh-baked roll. Whether you’re serving them for Sunday supper or rounding out a special holiday meal, these rolls come together simply and bake up beautifully every time. Trust me, this is the kind of recipe you’ll keep close at hand, ready to turn any dinner into something memorable.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is as straightforward as it gets, using basic pantry staples that each add their own special touch. Every ingredient has a purpose here, coming together to create the perfect texture, flavor, and that glorious golden color.

• Warm milk (1 cup, about 110°F): This is the magic starter for your yeast, ensuring your rolls turn out light and fluffy every time.
• Active dry yeast (2¼ tsp, 1 packet): Yeast is the engine behind those pillowy, cloud-like rolls—it creates the rise and that classic homemade bread flavor.
• Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Sugar feeds the yeast, helps create softness in the crumb, and adds just a touch of sweetness.
• Unsalted butter (4 tbsp, softened): Butter brings richness and flavor, making these rolls luxurious but not heavy.
• Large egg (1): The egg tenderizes the dough and adds gorgeous color to both the inside and outside of each roll.
• All-purpose flour (3¼ cups): Flour is the structure that holds the rolls together—just the right amount for a tender, yet sturdy bite.
• Salt (1 tsp): Salt awakens all the flavors and ensures your rolls don’t taste bland.
• Melted butter (2 tbsp, for brushing): Nothing says “welcome home” like warm rolls brushed with golden, melty butter fresh out of the oven.

How to Make Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the sugar. Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes, until it’s nice and foamy on top. That frothy layer is a happy sign your yeast is alive and ready to help your Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls rise sky-high.

Step 2: Mix Everything Together

Add the remaining sugar, softened butter, egg, flour, and salt right into the bowl. Stir everything together with a wooden spoon or your sturdy mixer until a shaggy dough starts to come together. This is where all those simple ingredients turn into something extraordinary.

Step 3: Knead Until Smooth

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for 6 to 8 minutes, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 4 to 5 minutes. The dough should feel smooth and slightly tacky, like a soft pillow. This step develops gluten and gives your rolls that perfect chewy structure.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour. You want the dough to double in volume—just think of it as all those yeasty bubbles stretching and working their magic for truly fluffy Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls.

Step 5: Shape and Second Rise

Once your dough has puffed up, punch it down gently to release any large air pockets. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each into a smooth ball. Arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover again, and let them rise for another 30 to 40 minutes.

Step 6: Bake and Finish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the rolls finish their second rise. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the tops are gloriously golden. As soon as they’re out of the oven, brush them with melted butter—for that classic, irresistible soft crust that defines the best Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls.

How to Serve Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls

Garnishes

You can make your rolls extra special with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or chives, or even a dusting of garlic powder before brushing with melted butter. These simple touches can elevate your Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls from great to unforgettable, matching any meal or occasion.

Side Dishes

Few things pair better than warm rolls and hearty sides. Try serving these rolls alongside a creamy potato gratin, classic roasted veggies, or your favorite soup or chili. They soaking up sauces and gravies beautifully, making every bite pure comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, shape the dough into small knots or cloverleaf rolls before baking, or arrange the dough balls in a round pan for pull-apart rolls. A basket lined with a cloth napkin keeps them warm throughout your meal, and a cute little dish of compound butter on the side makes everything feel extra festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers, let your Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to two days. They stay tender, soft, and perfect for quick snacks or mini sandwiches.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully! Once baked and cooled, pack them into freezer-safe bags, squeezing out as much air as you can. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature when you need that homemade bread fix without the time commitment.

Reheating

To refresh your Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls, wrap them in foil and warm them in a 325°F (165°C) oven for about 10 minutes. For a bit of extra decadence, add a brush of melted butter after warming—they’ll taste like they just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I make Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls with whole wheat flour?

Absolutely! You can swap up to half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat. Just know the rolls will be a bit denser and have a lovely, nutty taste. You may need an extra tablespoon or two of milk since whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid.

How do I know if my dough has risen enough?

After the first rise, the dough should roughly double in size and feel puffy. For accuracy, gently press a finger into the dough—it should leave a slight indentation that slowly springs back. If the dough springs back instantly, give it a little more time to rise.

Can I make these rolls dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the dairy milk with almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative. Your Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls will still be soft and delicious, perfect for any diet.

Is it possible to let the dough rise overnight?

Definitely. After you knead the dough, cover it and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. The longer, slower rise actually develops an even deeper flavor and makes the dough very easy to work with in the morning.

What’s the best way to get evenly sized rolls?

Use a kitchen scale to weigh the dough and divide by 12, then weigh out each individual portion. This way, every roll bakes up evenly and looks picture-perfect in your dish.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like a tray of warm, buttery Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls on your dinner table. I hope this recipe finds a permanent spot in your own kitchen, bringing comfort and joy to every meal you serve. Don’t hesitate—give it a try, and watch these rolls disappear in record time!

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