Dinner Rolls

Dinner rolls are the unsung heroes of any meal. Whether you’re serving holiday turkey, Sunday roast, or a cozy weeknight soup, these golden, pillowy rolls bring warmth, texture, and comfort to the table. With a soft interior and a lightly browned top, they’re irresistible fresh out of the oven—and even better with a slather of butter.

This easy recipe walks you through making classic yeast dinner rolls with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Bake them fresh or prep ahead for a make-ahead side that steals the show.

💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

this recipe

• Buttery-soft texture with golden tops
• Simple pantry ingredients
• Perfect for holidays or everyday meals
• Make-ahead and freezer-friendly
• Customizable toppings & shapes

🛒 Ingredients

• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 (¼ oz) packet active dry yeast
• 1¼ tsp salt
• 4½ to 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole or 2% milk
• ½ cup water
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten (for brushing)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, yeast, salt, and 2 cups of the flour.
In a small saucepan, heat milk, water, and butter to 120°–130°F.
Add the warm liquid to the dry ingredients and beat on medium speed for 3 minutes.

Step 2: Add Eggs & Flour

Add 2 eggs and beat on high speed for 2 more minutes.
Stir in remaining flour a little at a time until a soft dough forms—it will still be slightly sticky.

Step 3: Knead & Proof

Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead by hand for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place in a greased bowl, turn once to coat, and cover.
Let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Step 4: Shape the Rolls

Punch down dough. Divide into 24 equal pieces and roll each into a ball.
Place in two greased 13×9-inch pans. Cover and let rise again until doubled, about 30 minutes.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush rolls with beaten egg for a shiny, golden finish.
Bake 10–15 minutes or until tops are golden brown.
Cool slightly on a wire rack and serve warm.

⏱️ Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Bake Time: 10–15 minutes
• Total Time: ~2 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 24 rolls
• Skill Level: Beginner-friendly

📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Roll, Approx.)

• Calories: ~140
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 3g
• Carbs: 23g
• Sugar: 3g
  May vary based on flour type and size of roll.

💡 Tips & Variations

• Use bread flour for chewier texture
• Top with seeds: Sesame, poppy, or everything bagel mix before baking
• Shape options: Try knots, rosettes, cloverleafs, or a wreath
• Add-ins: Fold in herbs, cheese, or garlic powder to the dough
• Make ahead: Shape and refrigerate before final rise; bake next day

❓ FAQs

Can I freeze dinner rolls?
Yes! Cool completely, then freeze in airtight bags for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10–12 minutes.

Can I make these dairy-free?
Use a plant-based milk and butter alternative. Texture may change slightly, but they’ll still be fluffy.

Why didn’t my rolls rise?
The yeast may have been expired or the liquid was too hot (over 130°F), which can kill the yeast. Use fresh packets and check liquid temps with a thermometer.

Can I use instant yeast?
Yes, reduce rise time slightly. No need to proof separately.

Soft & Fluffy Dinner Rolls

These soft and fluffy dinner rolls are perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and freezer-friendly, they complement everything from holiday feasts to weeknight soups.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 22

Course: bread

Cuisine: American

Calories: 140

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• – ¼ cup sugar
• – 1 ¼ oz packet active dry yeast
• – 1¼ tsp salt
• – 4½–5 cups all-purpose flour
• – 1 cup milk whole or 2%
• – ½ cup water
• – 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• – 2 large eggs
• – 1 egg lightly beaten (for brushing)

Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups & spoons
• – 2 (13×9″) baking pans
• – Kitchen towel

Method

 

1. In a large bowl, mix sugar, yeast, salt, and 2 cups of flour.
2. Heat milk, water, and butter to 120–130°F. Add to dry mix and beat for 3 minutes.
3. Add eggs. Beat on high for 2 minutes. Stir in remaining flour until dough is soft and slightly sticky.
4. Knead on floured surface 6–8 min. Place in greased bowl and let rise 1 hr until doubled.
5. Punch down. Divide into 24 balls. Place in greased pans. Let rise 30 min.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F. Brush with egg. Bake 10–15 min until golden. Serve warm.

Notes

– Bread flour adds chew
– Shape creatively: wreaths, knots, cloverleaf
– Freeze for up to 1 month after baking

🍽️ What to Serve With Dinner Rolls

• Roast turkey or ham
• Creamy soups like tomato or broccoli cheddar
• Chili or stew
• Holiday spreads with mashed potatoes and stuffing