Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe

Nothing beats the heavenly aroma of Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls baking in your kitchen. These soft, buttery rolls come together with simple ingredients you probably already have, yet they rival anything you’d get from a bakery. With fluffy insides and golden tops, they’re the kind of rolls that disappear before your very eyes—perfect for holidays, family dinners, or just making an ordinary meal feel special. Trust me, once you try making Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls from scratch, you’ll want to bake them again and again!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of classic pantry staples transforms into the pillowy perfection that is Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls. Each ingredient pulls double-duty by building flavor, soft texture, and that gorgeous golden finish you crave.

• Warm milk (1 cup, 110°F/45°C): The warmth helps activate the yeast, while the milk brings extra richness and tenderness to the dough.
• Active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons or 1 packet): The magic that makes these rolls rise into fluffy clouds—make sure it’s fresh for best results.
• Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Not just for sweetness, but it also gives the yeast a boost to work its magic.
• Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons, softened): Adds a dreamy buttery flavor and keeps the crumb ultra-moist—softened butter blends in much better, so don’t skip this step!
• Large egg (1): Brings richness and structure, giving your rolls that classic, slightly chewy bite.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for balancing the sweetness and boosting all the flavors in the rolls.
• All-purpose flour (3 to 3 ½ cups): The base of your dough; start with three cups, then add more as needed for that perfect, soft-but-not-sticky texture.
• Melted butter (2 tablespoons, for brushing): This final flourish makes the tops shiny and infuses the rolls with even more irresistible buttery flavor.

How to Make Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Begin by combining your warm milk, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer. Stir it just until combined, then let this mixture sit for five to ten minutes. You’re looking for a foamy, bubbled surface—this tells you your yeast is alive and ready to transform your dough into perfectly risen Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients

Now, stir in the softened butter, egg, and salt. Mixing these in while the yeast wakes up helps create that soft, flavorful crumb we all expect. Make sure your butter is soft (not melted) so it incorporates seamlessly, and break up the egg before adding for even blending.

Step 3: Mix & Knead the Dough

Start adding your flour one cup at a time, stirring gently until a shaggy dough forms. Once all the flour is incorporated and the dough holds together, knead it by hand on a floured surface or with your mixer’s dough hook for 6 to 8 minutes. The dough should become smooth, springy, and just slightly tacky—not sticky. This step builds the structure that gives Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls their light, chewy bite.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Transfer your dough to a greased bowl and cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Tuck it somewhere warm and let it rise until doubled in size, about an hour. Watching the dough puff up is always magical—this is when the yeast does its best work!

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

Punch down the risen dough to release any air, then divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a tight ball—this helps the rolls bake evenly with a soft, airy crumb. Arrange your shaped rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish for that traditional pull-apart look.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover the dish and let your rolls rise again for 30 to 40 minutes. They’ll become puffy and will be nearly touching—this ensures you get those soft, tender sides everyone loves about Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls.

Step 7: Bake and Finish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake your rolls for 15 to 18 minutes, or until their tops are beautifully golden brown. Once they’re out of the oven, brush them generously with melted butter for a glossy finish and a burst of flavor. Let them cool just enough to handle, then dig in!

How to Serve Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls

Garnishes

There’s nothing quite like a warm, buttery roll, but a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or some fresh herbs (think rosemary or parsley) right after brushing with melted butter takes these Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls over the top. You can even add a dusting of garlic powder or a swirl of honey butter for a sweet-and-savory twist.

Side Dishes

These rolls are the ultimate high-fives for soups, stews, and salads. They’re the perfect sidekick to roast chicken, turkey, or baked ham, and also make a dreamy bread for soaking up gravies and sauces. Serve them on holidays, at Sunday dinner, or anytime you want to turn a simple meal into something extra comforting.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls in a basket lined with a colorful napkin or tea towel for a rustic look at the table. Stack them high and let guests pull them apart fresh from the pan, or bake individual rolls in muffin tins for a fun single-serve presentation. They even make adorable slider buns—just slice and fill with your favorite sandwich fixings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftover rolls cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in foil. They’ll stay soft and delicious at room temperature for up to three days—if they last that long!

Freezing

Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls freeze beautifully! Simply wrap cooled rolls individually, then store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature or pop a few in the microwave.

Reheating

To revive that freshly-baked magic, warm the rolls in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or zap them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. A quick brush with butter before serving makes them taste bakery-fresh every time.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Absolutely! You can swap the same amount of instant yeast for active dry. Just skip the proofing step—combine it with your dry ingredients and proceed as usual. The rising time may be slightly shorter, so keep an eye on your dough.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

No problem at all! This recipe is just as easy to make by hand. Combine the ingredients with a sturdy spoon, then knead on a lightly floured surface for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! After the first rise, cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate overnight. The next day, bring the dough to room temperature, shape the rolls, let them rise again, and bake as directed. This makes Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls even more convenient for busy schedules or special occasions.

How can I tell when the rolls are done baking?

The tops should be golden brown, and the rolls will sound slightly hollow if tapped. For extra certainty (and to prevent overbaking), check that the internal temperature is about 190°F (88°C).

What can I add for extra flavor?

Try sprinkling the tops with sea salt, poppy seeds, or sesame seeds before baking. Stir in a teaspoon of garlic powder, dried herbs, or even a handful of shredded cheese into the dough for a delicious twist on your Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try these Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls—they’re one of my all-time favorite sides, and their soft, fluffy texture always gets rave reviews from family and friends. Whether it’s your first time making homemade bread or you’re an old pro, I know this recipe will quickly become your go-to. Enjoy every bite!

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