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There’s nothing like a basket of warm, homemade rolls on the dinner table. This is a simple, soft, slightly sweet dinner roll made with pantry staples, and it’s a great first yeast recipe if you’ve never baked bread before. Make a batch for Sunday dinner, or bake them ahead and freeze them for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Tips for soft, fluffy rolls
- Check the water temperature. It should feel warm, not hot, about 105 to 110°F. Water that’s too hot kills the yeast.
- Cool the melted butter. Let it cool for a few minutes so it doesn’t cook the egg or harm the yeast.
- Don’t add too much flour. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky. Too much flour makes dense rolls.
- Find a warm spot. An oven with just the light on is a cozy place for dough to rise.
Make ahead and freeze
Bake the rolls, cool them completely and freeze in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature, then warm them in a 350°F oven for 3 to 5 minutes. Brush the tops with melted butter for that fresh-baked shine.
Serving ideas
Serve warm with butter, honey butter, jam or apple butter. Leftover rolls make perfect mini sandwiches with leftover turkey!
Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- Dissolve the yeast in the warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes, until foamy.
- In a large bowl, combine the yeast mixture, sugar, salt, egg, melted butter and 1 cup of the flour. Mix well.
- Stir in the remaining flour a little at a time until you have a soft dough. Knead on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a greased bowl and turn to coat. Cover with a towel and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Punch the dough down and divide it into 16 pieces. Roll each into a smooth ball and place on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise 20 to 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F for 12 to 18 minutes, until golden brown. Brush with butter and serve warm.
Notes
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Dinner rolls FAQ
Can I use instant yeast?
Yes. Use the same amount and mix it right in with the flour. The first rise may be a little faster.
How do I know the dough has risen enough?
It should be about doubled in size. Press a finger in gently: if the dent stays, it’s ready.
Can I make the dough the night before?
Yes. After shaping, cover the rolls and refrigerate overnight. Let them sit at room temperature for about an hour before baking.
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