Soft Homemade Dinner Rolls are the perfect accompaniment to any meal, offering a fluffy texture and buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with soups, stews, or any main dish. These rolls are easy to make and require only a few simple ingredients, making them a favorite for family dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 1/2 tsp instant dry yeast
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup melted butter for brushing
- Sea salt for sprinkling
Directions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until the yeast becomes bubbly.
- Add the melted butter, egg, salt, and flour. Mix until the dough comes together.
- Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 20 equal pieces. Shape the pieces into rolls and place them on a greased baking sheet.
- Let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown.
- Brush the warm rolls with melted butter and sprinkle with sea salt.
- Serve warm with extra butter and enjoy!
Servings and Timing:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Servings: 20
Variations:
- Herbed Rolls: Add a teaspoon of dried herbs (like rosemary or thyme) into the dough for a savory flavor.
- Garlic Butter Rolls: After baking, brush the rolls with garlic butter for an extra savory touch.
- Cheese Rolls: Incorporate shredded cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, into the dough for cheesy rolls.
- Sweet Rolls: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough to create a lightly spiced flavor perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Storage and Reheating:
- Storage: Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat rolls in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave them for about 10-15 seconds to warm them up.
10 FAQs:
- Can I use regular yeast instead of instant dry yeast? Yes, you can use active dry yeast. Just make sure to activate it in warm water with a bit of sugar for about 5 minutes before adding it to the dough.
- Can I make these rolls in advance? Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time, refrigerate it after the first rise, and let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
- What should I do if my dough isn’t rising? Ensure that the yeast is fresh and the milk is warm (not too hot). If the dough still isn’t rising, it might be because the room is too cold. Try moving it to a warmer spot.
- Can I freeze the dough? Yes, you can freeze the dough after the first rise. Once shaped into rolls, place them on a baking sheet and freeze. After freezing, transfer the rolls to a freezer bag. To bake, let them thaw and rise before baking.
- How can I make these rolls fluffier? Make sure to knead the dough thoroughly and let it rise until it doubles in size. The longer the dough rises, the fluffier the rolls will be.
- Can I make smaller rolls? Yes, you can divide the dough into smaller pieces for mini rolls. Just adjust the baking time to 10-15 minutes, checking for golden brown color.
- Why are my rolls dense? This could be due to under-kneading the dough or overworking it. Be sure to knead until smooth and elastic, and don’t over-handle the dough.
- Can I use non-dairy milk? Yes, you can substitute dairy milk with almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Just ensure that the milk is warm before using it.
- Can I make these rolls without an egg? Yes, you can replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or omit it entirely.
- Can I double the recipe? Yes, simply double all ingredients and follow the same procedure. You may need to bake in two separate batches or use a larger baking sheet.
Conclusion:
These Soft Homemade Dinner Rolls are a perfect addition to any meal, offering a warm, fluffy texture and a buttery flavor that everyone will love. With easy-to-follow steps and a short bake time, you’ll have freshly made rolls in no time. Whether served as a side or used for sandwiches, these rolls are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.