Soft Dinner Rolls Recipe

You can create soft and fluffy dinner rolls that will impress guests at any occasion. This Soft Dinner Rolls Recipe is simple yet delivers exceptional flavor and texture. These rolls are perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even as a delightful addition to your holiday table. With just seven ingredients, you can whip up a batch that rivals any bakery’s offering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Fluffy Texture: The rolls turn out incredibly soft and airy, providing the ideal accompaniment to any meal.
• Versatile Usage: Enjoy them with soups, stews, or as a base for sliders; these rolls fit seamlessly into various dining experiences.
• Freezing Options: Make ahead and freeze for later use! Simply thaw and warm them before serving.
• Customizable: Add herbs or cheese to the dough for added flavor, catering to your personal taste.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect soft dinner rolls, you’ll need a few essential tools in your kitchen. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or large mixing bowl
• Dough hook or wooden spoon
• Bench scraper
• Baking pan (9×13 inch) or cast iron skillet

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand Mixer: Speeds up the mixing process significantly and ensures even dough consistency.
• Dough Hook: Helps knead the dough effectively without tiring your arms.
• Bench Scraper: Makes dividing and shaping dough easier while minimizing mess.

Ingredients

You only need 7 ingredients to make these dinner rolls. Flaky, soft, and buttery, these fresh dinner rolls outshine any main dish. See recipe notes for freezing and overnight instructions. You can also reference my Baking with Yeast Guide for answers to common yeast FAQs. This recipe is also in my cookbook, Sally’s Baking 101.

Ingredients:
– 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
– 2 and 1/4 teaspoons Platinum Yeast from Red Star instant yeast (1 standard packet)
– 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
– 1 large egg
– 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp; 56g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature and cut into 4 pieces
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 3 cups (390g) all-purpose flour or bread flour (spooned & leveled)
– optional topping: 2 Tablespoons (28g) melted unsalted butter mixed with 1 Tablespoon honey

How to Make Soft Dinner Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Whisk the warm milk, yeast, and 1 Tablespoon of sugar together in the bowl of your stand mixer. Cover and allow to sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add the remaining sugar, egg, butter, salt, and 1 cup flour.
3. With a dough hook or paddle attachment, mix/beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a silicone spatula.
4. Add the remaining flour gradually until you achieve a soft but slightly sticky dough.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

1. Keep the dough in the mixer and beat for an additional 5 full minutes or knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for about the same time.
2. If too sticky during kneading, sprinkle with flour as needed.
3. Test readiness by poking it; if it bounces back slowly, it’s ready.

Step 3: First Rise

1. Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or nonstick spray.
2. Place dough in the bowl, cover it with foil or a towel, then let rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape the Rolls

1. Punch down the risen dough gently to release air.
2. Divide into approximately equal pieces (14-16) using a bench scraper.
3. Shape each piece into smooth balls and arrange them in your prepared baking pan.

Step 5: Second Rise

1. Cover shaped rolls again with foil or a towel.
2. Allow them to rise until puffy—about another hour.

Step 6: Bake the Rolls

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C), adjusting rack position lower in the oven.
2. Bake rolls for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown on top; rotate halfway through baking.
3. Optionally brush with honey butter topping after removing from oven.

Enjoy your freshly baked soft dinner rolls! They are sure to be a hit at any meal!

How to Serve Soft Dinner Rolls Recipe

Soft dinner rolls are versatile and can complement a variety of meals. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a casual family meal, these rolls are sure to impress. Here are some delightful serving suggestions.

With a Savory Dip

• Herb-infused Olive Oil: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil mixed with fresh herbs for a fragrant dip.
• Garlic Butter: Melted garlic butter adds rich flavor and pairs perfectly with warm rolls.

As a Sandwich Base

• Turkey and Avocado: Layer sliced turkey with creamy avocado for a delicious sandwich.
• Chicken Salad: Fill the rolls with chicken salad for a quick lunch option.

Alongside Soup or Salad

• Creamy Tomato Soup: Serve warm rolls with creamy tomato soup for a comforting combination.
• Caesar Salad: Use rolls to scoop up Caesar salad dressing, enhancing your dining experience.

With Breakfast Dishes

• Scrambled Eggs: Pair soft dinner rolls with fluffy scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast.
• Fruit Jam: Spread your favorite fruit jam on warm rolls for a sweet morning treat.

How to Perfect Soft Dinner Rolls Recipe

Achieving the perfect soft dinner roll is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you master this recipe.

• Use Warm Milk: Warm milk activates the yeast effectively, ensuring your rolls rise beautifully.
• Knead Thoroughly: Proper kneading develops gluten, making the dough elastic and giving the rolls their soft texture.
• Allow Adequate Rising Time: Letting the dough rise until it doubles in size is crucial for fluffy rolls; patience pays off!
• Check Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated correctly to avoid uneven baking.
• Cover During Second Rise: Keep the shaped rolls covered to retain moisture, which helps them rise well before baking.

Best Side Dishes for Soft Dinner Rolls Recipe

Soft dinner rolls pair wonderfully with various side dishes, making them an excellent addition to any meal. Here are some top choices:

1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Smooth and buttery mashed potatoes complement the fluffy texture of the rolls.
2. Vegetable Medley: A colorful mix of roasted or steamed vegetables adds freshness and nutrition to your meal.
3. Beef Stew: Hearty beef stew provides a rich sauce perfect for soaking into warm dinner rolls.
4. Grilled Chicken Breast: Juicy grilled chicken offers protein that balances nicely with soft bread.
5. Coleslaw: Crisp coleslaw brings a crunchy contrast that enhances the overall meal experience.
6. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers can be served alongside for a satisfying dish that pairs well with bread.
7. Baked Macaroni and Cheese: Comfort food at its best, this cheesy delight is always welcome on the table next to dinner rolls.
8. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with savory dinner rolls, creating harmony on your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making soft dinner rolls can be easy, but common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results.

• Using cold ingredients: Always warm your milk and ensure that your egg is at room temperature. Cold ingredients can hinder yeast activation and affect the dough’s rise.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Spoon and level your flour for accuracy. Too much flour can make the rolls dense instead of soft.
• Skipping the kneading process: Kneading develops gluten, which is essential for a good structure. Make sure to knead for the recommended time.
• Overproofing the dough: Allowing the dough to rise too long can cause it to collapse. Watch for it to double in size, then move on to shaping.
• Baking at the wrong temperature: Preheat your oven properly and bake on a lower rack. This ensures even cooking and prevents burning.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Keep in a cool place to maintain freshness.

Freezing Soft Dinner Rolls Recipe

• Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing quality.

Reheating Soft Dinner Rolls Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C) and heat rolls for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over low heat, add a little butter, and warm the rolls until soft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Soft Dinner Rolls Recipe that might help you out.

How do I know when my dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size. You can also gently poke it; if it springs back slowly, it’s ready for shaping.

Can I make this Soft Dinner Rolls Recipe vegan?

Yes! Replace the egg with a flaxseed meal or applesauce, use plant-based butter, and substitute milk with almond or oat milk.

What can I add to customize my Soft Dinner Rolls Recipe?

Feel free to add herbs like rosemary or garlic powder for flavor or incorporate cheese for richness.

Can I prepare these rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can shape them and refrigerate overnight before baking. Just allow them to come to room temperature before baking.

Final Thoughts

These soft dinner rolls are perfect for any meal. Their fluffy texture makes them an ideal side dish, while their versatility allows for customization with various flavors. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or experiment with different ingredients, these rolls are sure to impress at your dinner table!