If you want a recipe that’s guaranteed to bring everyone to the table — and keep them coming back for seconds (and thirds), you have to try The Best Homemade Dinner Rolls Ever! These pillowy-soft, buttery rolls are everything you dream about in homemade bread: golden on the outside, undeniably fluffy inside, with just the perfect hint of sweetness. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just whipping up a special weeknight dinner, this recipe transforms the humblest ingredients into an irresistible treat that turns any meal into a memory.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to The Best Homemade Dinner Rolls Ever! lies in using simple pantry staples that work magic when handled with a bit of care. Every ingredient here plays an important part, from the richness of whole milk and butter to the subtle sweetness and structure provided by eggs and flour.
- Milk (2 cups, whole or 2%): Using milk as the liquid base adds a gorgeous richness and helps the rolls develop that signature tender crumb.
- Instant Dry Yeast (2 tablespoons): This is what gives your rolls their beautiful, airy rise and delightful texture – make sure it’s fresh for the fluffiest results!
- Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup): Just a touch brings a subtle sweetness and feeds the yeast for optimal rising power.
- Salt (2 teaspoons): Don’t skip the salt! It brings out all the flavor and prevents the dough from tasting flat or bland.
- Salted Butter (6 tablespoons, softened): Butter brings richness and melt-in-your-mouth flavor to every bite (plus, the extra for brushing on top is simply heavenly).
- Eggs (2 large): Eggs add richness, color, and structure, making your rolls light but sturdy enough to hold up to any meal.
- All-Purpose Flour (6 cups): The foundation for structure, all-purpose flour gives just the right amount of chew and fluffiness.
- Salted Butter, melted (1 tablespoon): For that irresistible, glossy golden finish and extra flavor when brushed over the warm rolls.
How to Make The Best Homemade Dinner Rolls Ever!
Step 1: Warm the Milk
Begin by warming the milk until it’s between 100 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit. You can do this in the microwave in short bursts or gently on the stove. This careful warming helps the yeast activate — not too hot, or you’ll kill the yeast, but not too cool, or it won’t wake up. A little patience sets the stage for feathery, cloud-like rolls!
Step 2: Combine the Dough Ingredients
In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, add your warm milk, instant yeast, sugar, salt, softened butter, eggs, and about 5 and a half cups of flour. Let the dough hook start mixing slowly; once things are coming together, ramp up the speed to medium. You want the flour to fully incorporate before adding more, and you’re looking for a mixture that’s soft and slightly sticky — this is your sign that magic is happening!
Step 3: Adjust the Dough
Gradually sprinkle in the remaining half cup of flour, watching closely as the dough begins pulling away from the sides of the bowl. Dough can be fickle depending on humidity and the exact flour brand, so trust your eyes and hands more than the clock. When it’s smooth, elastic, and only slightly sticky, you’re in business for The Best Homemade Dinner Rolls Ever!
Step 4: First Rise
Once the dough is just right, transfer it into a large, lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a towel or plastic wrap and set it aside in a cozy spot to rise until doubled in size — about 90 minutes. Watch as your dough transforms before your eyes into a puffed-up, pillow-like cloud. This is the big secret to rolls that are light as air!
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Next, lightly grease a large baking sheet or two 9×13 pans. Punch down the dough gently to deflate it, then divide it into 24 equal pieces (a kitchen scale makes quick work here, but eyeballing is totally fine too!). To form perfectly smooth rolls, cup each piece between your palm and the counter, rolling in a circular motion until they’re just right. This step ensures glossy tops and a beautiful shape.
Step 6: Second Rise
Arrange your rolls evenly on the prepared pan, making sure there’s just a bit of space between each. Cover them up again and let them rest for about an hour, until they’ve puffed up and are touching. This second rise gives The Best Homemade Dinner Rolls Ever! their iconic pull-apart softness.
Step 7: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pop the pan of risen rolls in and bake for 12 to 14 minutes, until the tops are beautifully golden brown. The aroma will fill your kitchen with pure joy — it’s impossible not to sneak a peek!
Step 8: Brush with Butter
Just before the rolls are finished, melt 1 tablespoon of salted butter. Once out of the oven, immediately brush the warm rolls for an extra shine and irresistible flavor. Give them 15 minutes to rest on the pan before transferring to a cooling rack (if you can wait that long!).
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
Now for the best part: serve The Best Homemade Dinner Rolls Ever! while they’re still warm for maximum softness, or let them cool completely before storing. Either way, you’re guaranteed fluffy, delicious rolls to remember!
How to Serve The Best Homemade Dinner Rolls Ever!
Garnishes
Enhance each roll with freshly chopped parsley, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or even a touch of garlic powder brushed on with melted butter. Garnishes aren’t just for looks — these little touches highlight the flavor and make your rolls even more tempting.
Side Dishes
The Best Homemade Dinner Rolls Ever! are the ultimate companion to classic comfort foods. Picture them alongside roasted chicken, a hearty stew, or a simple salad. They’ll soak up gravies and sauces, making every bite absolute heaven. Don’t forget they’re also perfect for holiday feasts or as a base for mini sandwiches the next day!
Creative Ways to Present
Try piling your golden rolls high in a pretty bread basket lined with a colorful cloth for a festive touch. Or place a roll at each table setting and tie a little ribbon around each roll for a celebratory dinner. They also make a charming edible centerpiece stacked in a pyramid on a wooden board, letting guests admire their handiwork before digging in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, place your leftover rolls in a plastic bag or airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh, soft, and so flavorful for about 3 to 4 days — if they last that long!
Freezing
The Best Homemade Dinner Rolls Ever! freeze beautifully. Simply pack cooled rolls in a freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible, and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature or gently reheat to revive their bakery-fresh goodness.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the rolls into a 300°F (150°C) oven, covered loosely with foil, for about 10 minutes. For that fresh-baked softness, you can also microwave individual rolls for 10 to 15 seconds. Brush with a touch of melted butter to make them taste like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Absolutely! If you’re using active dry yeast, simply dissolve it in the warm milk with the sugar and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy before proceeding. Your rolls will be just as gorgeous.
Why are my rolls dense instead of fluffy?
Dense rolls typically result from adding too much flour or not allowing enough rising time. It’s important to keep the dough a bit sticky and to give it proper time to double in size during both rises.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can complete the first rise, shape the rolls, then cover and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let them come to room temperature and rise until doubled before baking — ideal for stress-free holiday prep!
How do I know when the rolls are perfectly baked?
The rolls should look golden brown on top and sound slightly hollow when tapped. If you’re still unsure, an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should register around 190°F.
Can I halve or double this recipe?
Definitely! Halve the ingredients for a smaller batch, or double everything for a crowd. Just keep an eye on pan sizes and baking times, and you’ll have perfect rolls every time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a recipe that truly lives up to its name, look no further than The Best Homemade Dinner Rolls Ever! Nothing matches the pride of pulling a tray of soft, golden rolls from the oven. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying this for the first time, these rolls will quickly become a cherished staple at your table. Happy baking!
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The Best Homemade Dinner Rolls Ever! Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 12 minutes
- Yield: 24 rolls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make the best homemade dinner rolls ever with this easy-to-follow recipe. These fluffy and buttery rolls are perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Dinner Rolls:
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 tablespoons instant dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 6 tablespoons salted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 6 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon salted butter (melted)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Warm milk to 100-110°F. Combine milk, yeast, sugar, salt, butter, eggs, and most of the flour. Mix until dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer dough to a bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size, about 90 minutes.
- Shape the Rolls: Divide dough into 24 pieces, shape into balls, and place on a baking sheet to rise again.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake rolls for 12-14 minutes until golden brown.
- Finish and Serve: Brush with melted butter and let cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
