Thanksgiving Recipes | Dinner Rolls
Ready in about an hour, these Thanksgiving Recipes | Dinner Rolls are the perfect addition to any meal. Their soft, fluffy texture and delightful flavor make them a standout choice for gatherings or family dinners. These rolls are not only easy to make but also versatile, serving well with soups, salads, or as a standalone treat. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving or enjoying a casual dinner, these rolls will impress every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and Fluffy: Each roll boasts a pillow-like softness that melts in your mouth.
- Quick Preparation: Ready in just about an hour, making it a hassle-free option for busy cooks.
- Versatile Pairing: Perfect alongside meats, salads, or even on their own with butter.
- Beginner-Friendly: Simple instructions ensure that even novice bakers can achieve delicious results.
- Perfectly Golden: The beautiful golden-brown tops add an elegant touch to your table.
Tools and Preparation
To create these delightful dinner rolls, you’ll need some essential tools that will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Whisk attachment
- Dough hook attachment
- Plastic wrap
- 13×9 baking dish
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Makes mixing and kneading effortless, ensuring consistent dough texture.
- Dough hook attachment: Helps develop gluten for the perfect chewy texture without much manual effort.
- Plastic wrap: Keeps dough covered during rising to prevent it from drying out.

Ingredients
For the Rolls
- 4 to 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons table salt
- 3/4 cup water
- 2/3 cup whole milk
- 4 tablespoons salted butter (diced)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Olive oil for brushing during rise
- 2-3 tablespoons melted butter for brushing after baking
How to Make Thanksgiving Recipes | Dinner Rolls
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°F. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, combine 4 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a microwavable bowl, mix together the water, milk, and diced butter. Heat in the microwave on high until it reaches 115°F; this should take just over one minute. Stir until combined.
Step 3: Mix the Dough
Pour the warm butter mixture into the stand mixer bowl with dry ingredients. Add freshly squeezed lemon juice. Switch to the dough hook attachment and mix on low speed for 3-4 minutes until smooth and elastic. If needed, add more flour until you achieve a dough similar to play-doh that forms a ball without being sticky or dry.
Step 4: Shape the Rolls
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let it rest for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, butter a 13×9 baking dish. Roll the dough into a cylinder and cut it into 16 equal pieces. Keep dough covered while shaping each piece into balls by tucking edges under and rolling gently in your palms. Place shaped rolls in the prepared dish with smooth sides facing up.
Step 5: Let Them Rise
Lightly brush the tops of your rolls with olive oil to keep them moist as they rise. Cover with plastic wrap again and place them in the turned-off oven for about 25 minutes.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Once risen, transfer rolls back to your counter and set your oven temperature to 375°F. When preheated, uncover rolls and bake them on the center rack for about 14-16 minutes or until they are golden brown on top. Remove from oven and brush with melted butter before serving warm. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature; reheat as needed in the microwave.
Enjoy making these delightful Thanksgiving Recipes | Dinner Rolls that everyone will love!
How to Serve Thanksgiving Recipes | Dinner Rolls
Dinner rolls are a perfect addition to any Thanksgiving meal. Their soft, fluffy texture pairs wonderfully with various dishes, enhancing the overall dining experience.
With Savory Dishes
- Turkey – Serve warm rolls alongside roasted turkey for a classic combination.
- Stuffing – Use the rolls to scoop up delicious stuffing or dressing for added flavor.
- Gravy – Drizzle gravy over the rolls for a comforting treat.
As a Snack
- Butter Spread – Offer softened butter for guests to slather on their warm rolls.
- Herbed Olive Oil – Provide a dish of herbed olive oil for dipping, adding a gourmet touch.
- Cheese Platter – Pair with a selection of cheeses for an elegant starter.
For Breakfast
- Eggs and Hollandaise – Use leftover rolls in the morning with scrambled eggs and hollandaise sauce.
- French Toast Style – Transform leftovers into French toast by soaking in egg mixture and frying.
How to Perfect Thanksgiving Recipes | Dinner Rolls
To achieve the best results with your dinner rolls, consider these helpful tips.
- bold Use Fresh Ingredients – Always use fresh yeast and high-quality flour for optimal rise and texture.
- bold Knead Properly – Knead the dough just enough until it’s smooth and elastic; this helps develop gluten.
- bold Monitor Rising Time – Keep an eye on rising times; dough should double in size without overproofing.
- bold Preheat Your Oven – Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking to achieve even browning.
- bold Brush with Butter – Brushing melted butter on top after baking adds flavor and keeps rolls moist.
Best Side Dishes for Thanksgiving Recipes | Dinner Rolls
Complement your dinner rolls with these delicious side dishes that enhance any Thanksgiving spread.
- Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side that pairs well with dinner rolls.
- Green Bean Casserole – This savory dish adds crunch and richness to your meal.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts – The caramelized sweetness of Brussels sprouts balances the bread’s softness.
- Sweet Potato Casserole – A sweet side that contrasts nicely with savory dinner rolls.
- Cornbread Stuffing – A great way to incorporate bread into your meal while offering different flavors.
- Cranberry Sauce – The tartness of cranberry sauce provides a refreshing contrast to the fluffy rolls.
- Glazed Carrots – Sweet glazed carrots add color and sweetness that pairs beautifully with dinner rolls.
- Fall Salad – A mixed greens salad with seasonal fruits offers freshness to balance heavy dishes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making dinner rolls can be a delightful experience, but common mistakes can ruin the outcome.
- Skipping the yeast activation: Always activate your yeast in warm liquid before mixing it into the dough. This ensures that your rolls rise properly.
- Using cold ingredients: Make sure your milk and butter are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can hinder the rising process and result in dense rolls.
- Overworking the dough: Mix until just combined and smooth. Overworking can lead to tough rolls instead of light and fluffy ones.
- Not covering the dough while rising: Covering your dough with plastic wrap prevents it from drying out, allowing it to rise effectively.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Preheat your oven adequately before baking. An incorrect oven temperature can lead to unevenly baked rolls.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Place a damp paper towel on top of the rolls before sealing to maintain moisture.
Freezing Thanksgiving Recipes | Dinner Rolls
- Wrap each roll in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Thanksgiving Recipes | Dinner Rolls
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place rolls on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individual rolls for 10-15 seconds at a time until warmed through. Use a damp paper towel for best results.
- Stovetop: Place rolls in a covered skillet over low heat for a few minutes, ensuring they do not dry out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Thanksgiving Recipes | Dinner Rolls.
Can I make these dinner rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight before baking. Just bring it back to room temperature before proceeding with the recipe.
What if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough fails to rise, check if your yeast is active by proofing it with warm water and sugar. If it doesn’t bubble, it’s no longer good.
How can I customize these dinner rolls?
You can add herbs like rosemary or garlic powder for extra flavor. Cheese or seeds can be sprinkled on top before baking as well.
What is the best way to serve Thanksgiving Recipes | Dinner Rolls?
Serve them warm with butter or alongside your favorite soups and stews. They also pair well with gravy!
Final Thoughts
These Thanksgiving Recipes | Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and versatile enough for any occasion. They complement various dishes beautifully and are easy to customize according to personal tastes. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!
Thanksgiving Recipes | Dinner Rolls
These Thanksgiving Recipes | Dinner Rolls are the ideal complement to your festive meals, delivering a soft and fluffy texture that everyone will love. Ready in about an hour, these homemade dinner rolls are versatile enough to accompany soups, salads, or stand alone as a delicious treat. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can create these warm, golden-brown delights that bring comfort and joy to any gathering.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 36 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 16 rolls 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 to 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons table salt
- 3/4 cup water
- 2/3 cup whole milk
- 4 tablespoons salted butter (diced)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Olive oil for brushing during rise
- 2–3 tablespoons melted butter for brushing after baking
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°F. In a stand mixer bowl fitted with a whisk attachment, mix together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- In a microwavable bowl, heat the water, milk, and diced butter until it reaches 115°F. Stir well.
- Pour the warm mixture into the dry ingredients along with the lemon juice. Switch to the dough hook attachment and mix on low speed until smooth (3-4 minutes). Add more flour if necessary until the dough is elastic.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, grease a 13×9 baking dish.
- Cut the dough into 16 equal pieces and shape them into balls. Place them in the prepared dish with smooth sides facing up.
- Brush with olive oil and cover again with plastic wrap. Let them rise in a turned-off oven for about 25 minutes.
- Once risen, preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake rolls for about 14-16 minutes until golden brown on top. Brush with melted butter before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
