The Only Dinner Rolls Recipe You’ll Ever Need (Seriously)
A Quick, Catchy Intro with a Viral Hook
Ever tried making dinner rolls and ended up with something resembling hockey pucks? Yeah, been there. But fear not! This dinner rolls recipe is your ticket to fluffy, buttery perfection. Say goodbye to store-bought rolls and hello to homemade heaven.
Why This Recipe Is Awesome
Why should you make these dinner rolls? Well, besides the fact that they’re:
- Soft and fluffy: Like biting into a cloud.
- Buttery goodness: Because butter makes everything better.
- Impressively easy: Even if you’re not a seasoned baker.
- Crowd-pleasers: Perfect for holidays, dinners, or just because.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Substitutions:
- Milk: Use almond or soy milk for a dairy-free version.
- Butter: Coconut oil works as a vegan alternative.
- Egg: Replace with a flaxseed egg for vegan rolls.
Tools & Kitchen Gadgets Used
To make these dinner rolls, you’ll need:
- Mixing bowls: For combining ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Precision is key.
- Stand mixer with dough hook: Makes kneading a breeze.
- Baking sheet or 9×13-inch pan: For baking the rolls.
- Pastry brush: To apply melted butter.
- Kitchen thermometer: Ensures your milk is the right temperature.
- Plastic wrap or clean kitchen towel: For covering the dough.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix the dough: Add melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Using a stand mixer with a dough hook, knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the rolls: Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place them in a greased baking pan.
- Second rise: Cover the pan and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Brush with butter: Immediately after baking, brush the tops with melted butter for that irresistible shine and flavor.
Calories & Nutritional Info
Per roll (based on 12 servings):
- Calories: ~180
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
Note: Nutritional values are approximate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold milk: Yeast needs warmth to activate. Make sure your milk is around 110°F.
- Adding too much flour: This can make the rolls dense. Add flour gradually and stop when the dough is soft but not sticky.
- Skipping the second rise: This step is crucial for fluffy rolls. Don’t rush it!
- Overbaking: Keep an eye on your rolls. Overbaking leads to dryness.
Variations & Customizations
- Garlic Herb Rolls: Add minced garlic and chopped herbs to the dough for a savory twist.
- Cheesy Rolls: Mix in shredded cheese for a gooey, cheesy center.
- Sweet Rolls: Add a touch more sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a sweet version.
FAQ Section
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare the dough, let it rise, shape the rolls, and refrigerate overnight. Bake the next day.
Q: Can I freeze the rolls?
A: Absolutely. Freeze baked rolls and reheat in the oven when needed.
Q: Can I use whole wheat flour?
A: You can substitute up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier roll.
Q: How do I know if my yeast is active?
A: If it doesn’t foam after 10 minutes in warm milk and sugar, it’s likely inactive. Time for new yeast.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, just make sure you have a large enough bowl and baking pan.
Q: What’s the best way to store leftover rolls?
A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Q: Can I use a bread machine?
A: You can use a bread machine to knead the dough, but it’s best to shape and bake the rolls in the oven.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—a foolproof dinner rolls recipe that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re a baking newbie or a seasoned pro, these rolls are a must-try. So, roll up your sleeves (pun intended) and get baking!
