Soft Dinner Rolls

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These Soft Dinner Rolls are the perfect companion to The Ultimate Mushroom Gravy Recipe, Panera Style Broccoli Cheddar Soup , or Four Cheese Pasta Recipe. Fluffy, and irresistibly flaky, they make an excellent side dish for any meal. With this easy homemade dinner rolls recipe, you can effortlessly bake a batch that’s sure to impress!

These are perfect for meal prep, and with a subtle hint of sweetness, these soft dinner rolls will quickly become your new favorite; trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked and definitely coming back for seconds!

Why Try This Recipe?

Pillowy Soft Texture: These dinner rolls are so soft, they practically melt in your mouth. The dough is carefully kneaded to achieve the perfect texture that’s airy yet rich.
Buttery Goodness: The addition of butter not only makes the rolls soft but gives them that rich flavor that makes them impossible to resist.
Easy to Make: Even if you’ve never baked bread before, these rolls are simple to prepare. With just a few ingredients and some patience, you’ll have homemade rolls in no time.
Versatile: Whether you’re serving them with soup, pasta, or just spreading some jam, these rolls pair well with everything.
Perfect for Meal Prep: These rolls can be made in advance and stored for a few days. They even freeze well, so you can have fresh rolls anytime you want.

Ingredients Needed

Milk – Forms the base of the dough, making the rolls soft and fluffy.
Yeast – Helps the dough rise, making the rolls light and airy.
Sugar – Activates the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness.
Egg – Adds richness and binds the dough.
Unsalted butter – Makes the rolls tender with a rich flavor.
Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
All-purpose flour – The main structure for the dough. Bread flour can be used as an alternative.

How to Make Soft Dinner Rolls

Prepare the Dough: Start by warming the milk to around 110°F (43°C). Add the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar into the bowl of your stand mixer. Let it sit for about 5 minutes so the yeast can activate.
Add Remaining Ingredients: After 5 minutes, add the rest of the sugar, egg, butter, salt, and 1 cup of flour to the yeast mixture. Using a dough hook or paddle attachment, mix on low speed for about 30 seconds. Then, add the remaining flour slowly and mix on medium speed until the dough comes together and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. If the dough is too wet, add flour a tablespoon at a time until it’s workable.
Knead the Dough: Knead the dough either in the stand mixer or by hand for about 5 minutes. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but still manageable. You can perform a finger poke test to see if the dough is ready—if it slowly bounces back, it’s good to go. If not, keep kneading.
First Rise: Grease a large bowl with oil or non-stick spray. Place the dough in the bowl and cover it with a kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.
Shape the Rolls: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 14-16 equal pieces (they don’t need to be perfect). Shape each piece into a smooth ball and arrange them in a greased baking pan.
Second Rise: Cover the shaped rolls with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let them rise for another hour or so until they’re puffy and doubled in size.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. If the tops start to brown too quickly, tent them with aluminum foil. Remove from the oven, brush with optional honey butter, and let them cool for a few minutes.
Serve: Let the rolls cool slightly before serving. They’re best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but they’ll keep well for a few days too.

Substitutions You Can Make

Milk: You can use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk if you’re dairy-free.
Butter: If you don’t have unsalted butter, salted butter works just fine—just reduce the salt a little.
Flour: Whole wheat flour can be used in place of all-purpose flour for a healthier twist, but the texture may be slightly denser.
Egg: If you prefer an egg-free version, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water).

Creative Variations You Can Try

Garlic Butter Rolls: Brush the rolls with garlic butter before baking for a savory twist.
Cheese Rolls: Add shredded cheese to the dough before shaping the rolls for a cheesy center.
Herb Rolls: Mix in some chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough for added flavor.
Sweet Cinnamon Rolls: Add a cinnamon-sugar mixture to the dough for a sweet breakfast treat.
Stuffed Rolls: Stuff the rolls with your favorite fillings, such as ham, cheese, or veggies, before baking.

Tips to Make It Better Dinner Rolls

Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the dough; it should just come together to form a smooth, slightly sticky ball.
Perfect Temperature for Yeast: Make sure the milk is warm but not too hot—yeast thrives at about 110°F (43°C).
Warm Environment for Rising: If your kitchen is cold, place the dough in a warm spot (like inside the oven with just the light on) to help it rise properly.
Honey Butter Finish: For an extra special touch, brush the rolls with a honey-butter mixture as soon as they come out of the oven.

Storing and Reheating

These buttery dinner rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven for 5-10 minutes until they’re soft and warm again.

How to Serve the Recipe

These dinner rolls are incredibly versatile! Serve them alongside Panera Style Broccoli Cheddar Soup or dip in Mushroom Gravy. They’re also perfect with butter and Strawberry jam. Whether you’re having them as a side or enjoying them on their own, they’re sure to be a hit at any table.

FAQs

What is a dinner roll?

A dinner roll is a small, soft bread roll served as a side dish with meals. It’s typically light, fluffy, and mildly sweet, perfect for pairing with butter or as an accompaniment to soups, salads, and main courses.

Why is my dough too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky to handle, you can add more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it becomes workable.

What is the difference between a soft roll and a dinner roll?

A soft roll refers to the texture, indicating it’s pillowy and tender. Dinner rolls are a type of soft roll, but not all soft rolls are dinner rolls—they can also be used for sliders or sweet fillings.

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, but active dry yeast requires proofing in warm water first. Let it sit for 5 minutes before adding it to the rest of the ingredients.

Can I freeze these rolls?

Yes! You can freeze the dough before the second rise, then bake them directly from the freezer when you’re ready to enjoy them.

What is the difference between a bun and a dinner roll?

The primary difference lies in their use and size. Buns are often larger and used for sandwiches or burgers, while dinner rolls are smaller, softer, and meant to complement meals as a side dish.

How long should I knead the dough?

Knead for 5 minutes or until the dough passes the windowpane test—when it stretches without tearing and lets light pass through.

Can I make these rolls dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the milk with plant-based milk and use dairy-free butter.

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