There's nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked dinner rolls wafting through your home. These soft and fluffy rolls are perfect for any meal, whether it's a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner. With a golden-brown crust and a tender interior, they are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Most of the ingredients for these dinner rolls are common pantry staples, but you might need to pick up a packet of active dry yeast if you don't already have it on hand. Additionally, make sure you have all-purpose flour and melted butter ready. The yeast is crucial for the dough to rise properly, so don't skip it.
Ingredients for Dinner Rolls Recipe
All-purpose flour: The base of the dough, providing structure and texture.
Active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise and gives the rolls their fluffy texture.
Warm water: Activates the yeast and helps to form the dough.
Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness to the rolls.
Melted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dough.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the rolls.
Beaten egg: Adds moisture and helps bind the dough together.
Technique Tip for Dinner Rolls
When kneading the dough, use the heel of your hand to push it away from you, then fold it back over itself. Rotate the dough slightly and repeat. This technique helps develop the gluten, giving your dinner rolls a light and airy texture. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour to the surface, but be careful not to add too much, as this can make the rolls dense.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
all-purpose flour - Substitute with bread flour: Bread flour has a higher protein content, which can result in a chewier texture, ideal for rolls.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and more fiber, though it may make the rolls denser.
active dry yeast - Substitute with instant yeast: Instant yeast can be mixed directly with dry ingredients and doesn't require proofing, making the process quicker.
110°f warm water - Substitute with milk: Warm milk can add a richer flavor and softer texture to the rolls.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a different sweetness and can help keep the rolls moist.
sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a unique flavor and can also add moisture to the rolls.
melted butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can provide a different flavor profile and is a healthier fat option.
melted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil adds a subtle coconut flavor and is a good dairy-free alternative.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can offer a slightly different mineral content and flavor.
beaten egg - Substitute with flax egg: A flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoon water) is a good vegan alternative that helps bind the dough.
beaten egg - Substitute with applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce can be used as an egg substitute to add moisture and a hint of sweetness.
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How to Store or Freeze Your Dinner Rolls
Allow the dinner rolls to cool completely on a wire rack before storing or freezing. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make the rolls soggy.
For short-term storage, place the cooled dinner rolls in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days. To maintain their softness, you can add a slice of apple or a piece of bread to the container.
If you want to keep the dinner rolls fresh for a longer period, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped rolls in a resealable plastic freezer bag or an airtight container. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat frozen dinner rolls, remove the desired number of rolls from the freezer. Let them thaw at room temperature for about 1-2 hours. For a quicker option, you can microwave each roll on a microwave-safe plate for 20-30 seconds or until warm.
For a freshly baked taste, preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the thawed dinner rolls on a baking sheet and bake for 5-10 minutes until they are warmed through and slightly crisp on the outside.
If you prefer a softer texture, you can brush the tops of the dinner rolls with melted butter before reheating. This adds a delightful richness and keeps the rolls moist.
For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle some garlic powder or herbs like rosemary or thyme on the rolls before reheating. This can elevate the taste and make them even more irresistible.
When storing or freezing, avoid placing the dinner rolls near strong-smelling foods like onions or garlic. The rolls can absorb these odors, which may affect their flavor.
If you have leftover dinner rolls that are starting to go stale, consider repurposing them into breadcrumbs or croutons. Simply cut the rolls into cubes, toss with a bit of olive oil and seasonings, and bake at 350°F until golden and crispy.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Wrap the dinner rolls in aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Place them on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until they are warmed through.
For a quick reheat, use the microwave. Place the dinner rolls on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Check if they are warm enough; if not, continue in 10-second intervals.
If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 320°F. Place the dinner rolls in the basket, making sure they are not touching each other. Heat for 3-5 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are warming evenly.
To reheat on the stovetop, use a skillet over medium-low heat. Lightly butter the skillet and place the dinner rolls in it. Cover with a lid and heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are warm and slightly crispy on the outside.
For a steam reheat, place a steaming basket over a pot of simmering water. Arrange the dinner rolls in the basket, cover, and steam for about 5 minutes. This method will keep them moist and soft.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Large mixing bowl: To dissolve the yeast in warm water and mix the initial ingredients.
Measuring cups: To measure out the flour, sugar, and water accurately.
Measuring spoons: To measure the salt and any other small quantity ingredients.
Whisk: To beat the egg and mix the ingredients until smooth.
Wooden spoon: To stir in the remaining flour and form a soft dough.
Floured surface: To knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Greased bowl: To place the dough in for its first rise.
Kitchen towel: To cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place.
Baking pan: To place the shaped dough balls for the second rise and baking.
Oven: To bake the dinner rolls at the specified temperature.
Wire rack: To cool the baked rolls after removing them from the pan.
How to Save Time on Making Dinner Rolls
Use a stand mixer: Save time by using a stand mixer to knead the dough instead of doing it by hand.
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure all ingredients beforehand to streamline the process.
Warm environment: Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area to speed up the rising time.
Batch preparation: Double the recipe and freeze half of the dough for future use.
Quick rise yeast: Use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast to reduce rising time.

Dinner Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 packet Active dry yeast
- 1 cup Warm water 110°F
- ¼ cup Sugar
- ¼ cup Butter Melted
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 unit Egg Beaten
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add sugar, butter, salt, egg, and 2 cups of flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in remaining flour to form a soft dough.
- Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into 12 pieces. Shape each into a ball. Place in a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
- Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan to wire rack to cool.
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