The Ultimate Guide to Making Perfect Homemade Dinner Rolls

There’s no denying the appeal of fresh, homemade dinner rolls. Soft, flaky, and buttery, these rolls are a must-have at any holiday table. Imagine tearing into a warm roll smothered in butter alongside a juicy Thanksgiving turkey – pure bliss!

But what makes these dinner rolls so special? It’s the perfect balance of soft, fluffy interior and golden, buttery exterior that sets them apart. And the best part? They’re incredibly easy to make with just a few pantry staples.

Why You’ll Love This Dinner Rolls Recipe

• Soft inside, golden outside: Each bite offers a delightful contrast between the sweet, flaky interior and the buttery, golden crust.
• Holiday-worthy: These rolls are a classic addition to any holiday table, perfect for sopping up gravy and sauces.
• Easy dough: With just a few simple ingredients like milk, sugar, yeast, egg, butter, and flour, you can create these delicious rolls in no time.
• Short rises: This recipe keeps the rising times short, making it perfect for beginners or anyone looking to whip up fresh rolls quickly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for what’s known as rich dough, which means there’s more fat in the dough compared to lean dough recipes. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Milk: Warmed to 110°F, preferably whole milk.
• Sugar: Granulated or brown sugar.
• Yeast: Active dry yeast.
• Egg: One large egg at room temperature.
• Butter: Unsalted butter, softened to room temperature.
• Flour: All-purpose or bread flour.

How to Make Dinner Rolls

Making homemade dinner rolls is a simple and rewarding process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare the yeast mixture: Combine warmed milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit until frothy.
2. Mix the wet ingredients: Beat egg, sugar, salt, and butter together.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Add yeast mixture to egg mixture and gradually add flour to form a soft dough.
4. Knead the dough: Knead on a floured surface until smooth and elastic.
5. First rise: Let the dough rise until doubled in size.
6. Shape the rolls: Divide dough, shape into balls, and place in a baking dish.
7. Second rise: Let the shaped rolls rise until doubled in size.
8. Bake the rolls: Bake until golden brown, then brush with melted butter.
9. Serve: Enjoy warm with your favorite spreads.

Tips for Perfect Dinner Rolls

• Use warm (not hot) milk: The ideal temperature for milk is around 110°F to activate the yeast.
• Use fresh yeast: Check the expiration date on your yeast to ensure it’s active.
• Measure flour correctly: Too much flour can result in dense rolls. Spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off.
• Add more flavor: Experiment with ingredients like cheese, garlic, and herbs for added taste.
• Get creative: Use these rolls for sandwiches, sliders, or even mini meatball subs.

How to Store and Freeze Dinner Rolls

• Store: Keep baked rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days.
• Reheat: Wrap rolls in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.
• Freeze: Store cooled rolls in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

With this foolproof dinner rolls recipe, you’ll be well on your way to baking up a batch of warm, buttery rolls that will steal the show at any holiday gathering. The aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home is just an added bonus!