If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious dinner roll recipe, you’ve come to the right place! These dinner rolls are soft, fluffy, and perfect for any occasion—whether you’re serving them with a holiday meal or enjoying them as a daily snack. Let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step process to make these mouth-watering dinner rolls right in your kitchen.
Why Choose Homemade Dinner Rolls?
Homemade dinner rolls are far superior to store-bought ones. They’re warm, fresh, and free of preservatives. Plus, making them from scratch gives you the freedom to control the ingredients, ensuring that each roll is as healthy and tasty as possible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these dinner rolls, gather the following ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup of warm water
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- Butter for brushing (optional)
These ingredients are easily accessible, and you might already have most of them in your pantry.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s break down the process to ensure you get the perfect dinner rolls every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water (110°F) with active dry yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step ensures that the yeast is alive and ready to leaven your dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with warm milk and melted butter.
- Form the Dough: Pour the yeast mixture and the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Mix until it forms a dough.
- Knead: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Rolls: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into equal-sized pieces (about 16 pieces for standard-sized rolls). Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place them in a greased baking dish.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped rolls and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until they’ve doubled in size.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake: Bake the dinner rolls in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.
- Brush with Butter: For an extra soft texture, brush the warm rolls with melted butter immediately after taking them out of the oven.
Tips for the Best Dinner Rolls
- Check Yeast Freshness: Make sure your yeast is fresh. Old yeast may not activate well, leading to dense rolls.
- Use Warm Ingredients: Warm milk and water help the yeast activate faster, leading to a better rise.
- Don’t Over-Flour: Adding too much flour can make the dough stiff. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
- Knead Properly: Proper kneading develops gluten, giving the rolls a nice structure.
Variations to Try
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste:
- Garlic Herb Rolls: Add minced garlic and herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for a savory twist.
- Cheese Rolls: Mix shredded cheese into the dough or sprinkle cheese on top before baking.
- Sweet Rolls: Add a touch of cinnamon and brown sugar to make sweet cinnamon rolls for breakfast.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Freeze Dinner Rolls?
Yes, these dinner rolls are freezer-friendly. Allow them to cool completely before freezing. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, thaw them at room temperature and warm them in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes.
2. Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight after the first rise. Allow the dough to come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
3. What’s the Best Way to Store These Rolls?
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them, but they may lose some softness.
Nutritional Information (Per Roll)
- Calories: 140
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 4g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Sugar: 3g
Serve and Enjoy!
Serve these dinner rolls with a generous amount of butter or your favorite spread. They’re perfect alongside soups, salads, or main dishes. Whether for a family gathering or a cozy dinner at home, these rolls are guaranteed to be a hit.
Final Thoughts
Making homemade dinner rolls from scratch may seem intimidating, but it’s easier than you think. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of time, you can create warm, fluffy rolls that will impress your family and friends. Plus, nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen!
By following these steps, you’ll have the perfect dinner rolls every time. So, why not try this recipe and add a personal touch to your dinner table?