These homemade dinner rolls are soft and light, fluffy and buttery, hard to resist. The classic and best rolls you will try this holiday season. These are not only easy to make, you will just need 6 basic ingredients to prepare these rolls.
You actually don't need even butter or jam or jelly to serve these rolls with. They are so delicious on their own! These are perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snack.
These are also called as yeast rolls. In India, these are called pav or bun.
How to make soft and buttery dinner rolls at home?
To make any roll or bread soft and richer all you need is good amount of fat in the dough. Here I have added milk and butter. No compromise on the amount.
How to shape dinner rolls or yeast rolls?
You can shape the rolls anyway you want - twisted rolls, knotted rolls, hot dog, mini-subs, etc. I like the traditional shape. Generally, I divide the dough into 15 equal portions but today to make it more festive and attractive, I have shaped them into 30 mini rolls. Form each piece into a ball, pinching seam side down to get a smooth round top. Immediately place them in a baking tray, and cover with clean dry cloth to lock-in the moisture.
How to make dinner rolls or yeast rolls ahead of time?
Follow the recipe given below and once you have shaped the rolls, cover it tightly and refrigerate. Just about 2 hours before you need them, remove from refrigerator and allow it to return back to room temperature for about 2 hours before baking.
Can I make the dough for dinner rolls and freeze them?
Just like you place dough in refrigerator to use it a day after, you can place the rolls in the freezer once you shape them and use as and when required. You will have to thaw it for a little longer time, say 3 to 4 hours to bring it back to room temperature.
Can I freeze the baked dinner rolls?
Yes you can. Bake your rolls as usual. If you want to freeze them, once they cool down completely, wrap them in aluminium foil and place it in freezer bags. You can keep this for maximum upto one month.
How do I store homemade dinner rolls (yeast rolls) or How long do homemade dinner rolls last?
These rolls won't last long when refrigerated as they become stale and dries out. But you can freeze it as mentioned above.
How do I keep my rolls or bread or bun fresh as long as possible?
Wrap the rolls or bun so that the foil covers each bun entirely. If storing in plastic bag make sure you remove any excess air before you seal it. It is the air that makes it dry early, and moisture leads to mold growth.
How do I reheat homemade dinner rolls?
Preheat the oven to 350 degree F. Arrange it in a baking pan and place it in the middle rack of the oven. Brush with butter if desired and bake for 10 minutes or until it is warm.
Are dinner rolls vegan or How to make vegan dinner rolls?
Honestly speaking, I haven't tried preparing vegan version of these rolls. But you can do it by replacing milk with dairy free milk like almond milk or coconut milk and butter with vegan butter like earth-balance. The egg wash can be replaced with dairy-free-milk of your choice.
Can this recipe be made gluten free or Can I substitute flour with gluten free flour?
I have never tried baking gluten free version of these rolls. Based on my personal experience with other GF recipes, and by interacting with my readers and some of my blogger friends - I would say cup for cup substiution works. But, from past experiences one just can't substitute flour with gluten free flour and expect the end product to taste and feel the same - i.e. you may not get soft and light rolls. But if you are used to GF flour in baking breads, I am sure you will definitely enjoy GF version of these rolls.
Some of my favorite dinner rolls flavors
These can be added when you add flour in the recipe
- Garlic and Herb dinner rolls : for this I generally add 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 herb or combination of herbs like rosemary or basil 1 teaspoon each or simply add Italian seasoning.
- Garlic Cheddar rolls : Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 cup of cheddar cheese
- Garlic and Parmesan rolls : 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and ½ cup of Parmesan.
- Rosemary dinner rolls : fresh or dried rosemary 1 teaspoon to 2 tsp.
- Jalapeno Cheddar rolls : 1 jalapeno finely chopped and 1 cup of cheddar.
I can go on with a list of several other flavors - but those listed above are some of my favorite. You can also garnish herbs and cheese on top. Be creative and add flavors if desired.
Ingredients for Soft and Buttery Dinner Rolls or Yeast Rolls
1 cup Milk
½ cup Butter
1 teaspoon Salt
1 tablespoon Sugar
2 ¼ teaspoon Active dry yeast
3 cups All purpose flour, plus more if needed
Egg for brushing
Coarse salt for sprinkle
How to make Soft and Buttery Dinner Rolls or Yeast Rolls
Step I
- In a pan, combine milk and butter and heat on low flame till the butter melts for about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat.
- When the mixture is lukewarm, add sugar. Sprinkle yeast.
- Cover and keep this aside. Let the yeast activate. This may take about 10 to 15 minutes.
Step II
- Now add flour, salt and mix it using wooden spatula.
- Transfer this to the working surface and knead it until soft and smooth ball of dough is formed.
- Transfer the dough to greased bowl. Cover and keep it aside for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step III
- Transfer the dough onto the working surface and shape it into rectangle. Divide it into 30 equal portions.
- Form each piece into ball pinching seam side down to get a smooth round top.
- Arrange this in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan 5 rows of 6, placing close to each other but not touching.
- Cover this and let it rise in warm place for 30 minutes or until doubled.
Step IV
- Preheat the oven to 375 degree F.
- Brush the rolls with egg wash and sprinkle coarse salt.
- Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown in color.
- Dinner Rolls are now ready. Serve and enjoy!
Some other homemade rolls that you can try on daily basis or for any gathering like Easter brunch, Christmas dinner, Thanksgiving dinner, Game night or Super bowl
- Honey Butter Rolls
- Parker House Rolls
- Garlic Knots
- Savory Cranberry Pull Apart Bread
- Ciabatta Sandwich Rolls
- Sandwich Rolls
Detailed Recipe for Dinner Rolls or Yeast Rolls
Recipe card
Best Homemade Dinner Rolls | Yeast Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 cup Whole Milk
- ½ cup Butter
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoon Active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 3 cups All purpose flour , more if needed
- Egg , for brushing (use milk or cream for vegetarian/vegan version)
- Coarse Salt , to sprinkle (optional)
Instructions
Step 1
- In a pan, combine milk and butter and heat on low flame till the butter melts for about 3 to 4 minutes.1 cup Whole Milk, ½ cup Butter
- Remove from heat. Let this become lukewarm.
- When the mixture is lukewarm, add sugar. Sprinkle yeast. Cover and keep this aside.1 tablespoon Sugar, 2 ¼ teaspoon Active dry yeast
- Let the yeast activate. This may take about 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 2
- Now add flour, salt and mix it using wooden spatula.3 cups All purpose flour, 1 teaspoon Salt
- Transfer this to the working surface and knead it until soft and smooth ball of dough is formed.
- Transfer the dough to greased bowl. Cover and keep it aside for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 3
- Transfer the dough onto the working surface and shape it into rectangle.
- Divide it into 30 equal portions. Form each piece into ball pinching seam side down to get a smooth round top.
- Arrange this in a greased 9-inch by 13-inch baking pan with 5 rows of 6, placing close to each other but not touching.
- Cover this and let it rise in warm place for 30 minutes or until doubled.
Step 4
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Brush the rolls with egg wash and sprinkle coarse salt.Egg, Coarse Salt
- Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown in color.
- Dinner Rolls are now ready. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- The amount of flour required may vary depending on weather conditions, brand of flour used.
Nutrition
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Leslie
There is just nothing better than freshly baked dinner rolls! Your recipe looks like the epitome of perfection!
Fred
I am a big fan of bread and an even bigger fan of dinner rolls. My mouth is watering as I read this piece I can probably eat a dish of them. Thanks for sharing this great recipe!
Kechi
These dinner rolls look so soft and scrumptious! I want to reach out to grab some. Thanks so much for writing such a comprehensive post; I am more confident to make dinner rolls now.
Stine Mari
A light buttery dinner roll is definitely hard to resist! So delicious and extra special with the salt sprinkled on top!
Sarah James
Your buttery dinner rolls look delicious, perfect for serving with a main meal. Thanks for sharing.