How to Make Light and Buttery Dinner Rolls from Scratch
There’s something irresistible about homemade dinner rolls. Whether you’re serving them alongside a hearty stew or simply using them to make mini sandwiches, dinner rolls are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. This simple recipe for soft, fluffy dinner rolls requires just a few pantry staples and is perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
This recipe is your classic base, but I’ve also included some fun variations, storing tips, and pairing suggestions to make your meal even more delightful. Let’s get rolling!
Ingredients
- 1 cup hot water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 1/2 teaspoons yeast
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: Start by mixing the hot water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Stir it gently, and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the yeast mixture becomes frothy on top.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of the flour and the salt. Add the vegetable oil and the yeast mixture. Stir well with a spoon until everything is combined.
- Knead the dough: Add the remaining cup of flour little by little, kneading until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If you’re doing this by hand, knead for about 7-10 minutes. If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, knead for 5 minutes.
- Let it rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the rolls: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide it into 12 equal pieces and shape each into a ball. Place the rolls on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between them to rise again.
- Second rise: Cover the rolls with the towel again and let them rise for another 30 minutes until they puff up nicely.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 12-15 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.
- Cool and enjoy: Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm, fresh out of the oven!
FAQ About Dinner Rolls
Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast? Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. If you do, skip the step where you proof the yeast in water. Instead, add the instant yeast directly to the dry ingredients and proceed with the recipe as normal.
Q: Can I make these rolls ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the fridge. The next day, just shape the rolls, let them rise a second time, and bake.
Q: My rolls didn’t rise! What happened? If your yeast wasn’t properly activated, the rolls may not rise. Always make sure your water isn’t too hot (around 110°F is ideal) and that your yeast hasn’t expired. Yeast is a living organism, so if it’s old or stored incorrectly, it may not work.
Variations on This Classic Recipe
One of the best things about this dinner roll recipe is how adaptable it is. Once you’ve mastered the basic version, feel free to try one of these fun twists:
- Garlic and Herb Rolls: Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 tablespoon of mixed dried herbs (like rosemary, thyme, and parsley) to the dry ingredients for a fragrant, savory dinner roll.
- Cheese-Stuffed Rolls: After shaping the dough into balls, place a small cube of cheddar or mozzarella in the center before sealing and allowing them to rise. They’ll bake into oozy, cheesy goodness!
- Whole Wheat Rolls: For a healthier option, substitute 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. The texture will be slightly denser, but the rolls will still be deliciously soft.
- Sweet Dinner Rolls: Increase the sugar to 1/4 cup and brush the tops with melted butter and honey after baking for a lightly sweet dinner roll that’s perfect with jam or butter.
Pairing Suggestions
Dinner rolls are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas to take your meal to the next level:
- Soups and Stews: These soft rolls are the ideal companion to hearty soups like tomato basil or beef stew. They’re perfect for soaking up all that delicious broth.
- Salads: A light and fresh salad like Caesar or a mixed green salad with vinaigrette balances out the richness of the rolls.
- BBQ: If you’re serving pulled pork or BBQ chicken, these rolls are great for making mini sandwiches or sliders.
- Holiday Dinners: Serve them alongside classic holiday dishes like roast turkey, mashed potatoes, and gravy. The rolls are perfect for sopping up the leftover gravy!
- Spreads and Dips: Butter is a classic choice, but you can also serve these rolls with compound butters like garlic herb butter, honey butter, or even whipped cream cheese.
Storing and Freezing Dinner Rolls
Storing: Once baked, store the rolls in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days. If they start to go a little stale, pop them in the oven for a few minutes to freshen them up.
Freezing: To freeze the rolls, let them cool completely after baking. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature and then warm them in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes.
Freezing the dough: You can also freeze the dough after the first rise. Shape the rolls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the shaped dough balls until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, let them thaw and rise for 2-3 hours before baking as directed.
Final Thoughts
Making your own dinner rolls from scratch is one of those simple pleasures that elevates any meal. This easy recipe for soft, fluffy dinner rolls is a great go-to for weeknight dinners, holiday feasts, or anytime you’re craving fresh bread. With all the variations and pairing options, you’ll never get bored of these delicious rolls.
So, whether you’re making them for the first time or you’re an experienced bread baker, I hope you enjoy this classic recipe and all the tasty possibilities that come with it!
Fluffy Homemade Dinner Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 cup hot water about 110 degrees
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 2 1/2 tsp yeast
- 3 cups flour
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine hot water, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of flour and salt. Add vegetable oil and the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
- Gradually add the remaining cup of flour and knead until dough is smooth and elastic, about 7-10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes in a mixer.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each into a ball and place them on a greased baking sheet.
- Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 12-15 minutes until golden brown on top.
- Let the rolls cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
- Store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Freeze: Freeze baked rolls for up to 3 months or freeze shaped dough for 2-3 months.
- Size: Typically rolls are between 1.5 – 2 ounces. I make mine at 1.5 ounces and get 18 rolls out of the recipe.