If you’ve been dreaming about warm, pillowy bread fresh from your own oven, these Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls are about to make your dinner table unforgettable. Soft and slightly nutty, with just a touch of sweetness from honey, each roll is a glorious balance of wholesome whole grains and down-home comfort. You’ll love how simple the process is and how heavenly your kitchen will smell as they bake! These rolls are a celebration of everything you adore about homemade bread—only healthier and even more satisfying. Whether you’re serving them with a holiday feast or as a cozy addition to a weeknight meal, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in these Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls does a bit of heavy lifting! From nurturing flavor to perfecting texture, they all count—just a handful of staples come together to create magic you can taste in every bite.
- Active dry yeast: Essential for a fluffy rise, make sure it’s fresh for the best results.
- Warm milk (about 110°F): Gives richness, moisture, and just the right environment to activate the yeast.
- Honey: Adds a natural touch of sweetness that pairs beautifully with whole wheat.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Offers tenderness and irresistible flavor—melt it so it blends smoothly.
- Egg: Binds everything together while adding a bit of lift and a lovely golden color.
- Salt: Don’t skip it! Just a little brings out all the other flavors.
- Whole wheat flour: The star of the show, giving these rolls extra nutrition and a hearty, nutty taste.
- All-purpose flour: Keeps the rolls soft and light—add gradually until the dough is just right.
How to Make Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Kick things off by combining your warm milk, honey, and active dry yeast in a large mixing bowl. Stir it gently, then let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes—watch for a foamy surface. This means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic, ensuring those Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls are soft and airy!
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
Once your yeast mixture is nice and bubbly, stir in the melted butter, large egg, and salt. This combination not only creates a rich flavor base, but the egg adds extra tenderness, helping your rolls hold together with that signature pull-apart softness.
Step 3: Add Flours and Form Dough
Start by adding the whole wheat flour, mixing thoroughly. Then, sprinkle in the all-purpose flour about a half-cup at a time. You want a soft, slightly tacky dough—stop adding flour once it pulls away from the sides of the bowl. The beauty of Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls is this balance between hearty and pillowy soft!
Step 4: Knead Until Smooth
Turn your dough onto a lightly floured surface or let your mixer’s dough hook do the honors. Knead for 6 to 8 minutes, aiming for a supple, smooth texture. This step develops gluten for that irresistible chew we love in homemade rolls.
Step 5: First Rise
Grease a large bowl and pop your dough inside, giving it a little roll to coat. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until it doubles in size. Watching this transformation always feels like a small kitchen miracle!
Step 6: Shape and Second Rise
Punch down your risen dough to release any air, then divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each portion gently into a ball and arrange in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise again for 30 to 40 minutes—they’ll puff up beautifully and fill the pan edge to edge.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and slide your pan in for 15 to 18 minutes. Look for a lovely golden brown top—your kitchen will smell heavenly! For an extra special touch, brush the hot rolls with a bit more melted butter as soon as they come out.
How to Serve Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls
Garnishes
Give your warm rolls a glossy finish by brushing them with melted butter straight from the oven. For a special pop, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, or even a pinch of fresh chopped herbs like rosemary or chives. This makes each Whole Wheat Dinner Roll look irresistible and taste a little extra gourmet.
Side Dishes
Pair these Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls with almost anything! They’re wonderful with soups and stews, a big salad, or comforting casseroles. Around the holidays, they’re the perfect companion to roasted meats and rich gravies—equally at home beside turkey as they are with meatloaf or veggie chili.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the rolls in a pretty bread basket lined with a napkin to keep them warm, or stack them high on a rustic wooden board for a charming, homey effect. For parties, consider mini sandwiches: just split the rolls and fill with ham, cheese, or roasted veggies for an effortless buffet hit.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls, simply store them at room temperature in an airtight container or zip-top bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days—though they rarely last that long in my house!
Freezing
Want to get ahead of the game? These rolls freeze beautifully. After shaping but before the second rise, pop them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw and complete their second rise before popping in the oven.
Reheating
Gently warm leftover rolls in a 300°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, wrapped in foil to prevent drying. If you’re short on time, a quick 15-second zap in the microwave works too—just add a mug of water beside them to keep that soft bakery texture.
FAQs
Can I make Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the milk for almond or oat milk, the butter for plant-based margarine, and use a flax egg in place of the regular egg. Honey can be replaced with maple syrup or agave—your rolls will still be fluffy and delicious.
Why are my rolls dense?
If your Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls turned out denser than expected, check that your yeast was fresh and your dough had enough time to rise fully. Over-measuring flour can also dry them out, so add gradually and stop when the dough is just soft and tacky.
Can I use all whole wheat flour instead of mixing with all-purpose?
While you can use 100% whole wheat flour, the rolls will be heavier and a bit more rustic. Mixing with all-purpose flour gives you a lovely soft texture while still keeping the nutty, wholesome flavor of whole wheat.
Is it possible to make Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls ahead of time?
Definitely! Shape your rolls and let them complete their second rise in the fridge overnight. When you’re ready to bake, let them come to room temperature while the oven preheats for the best rise and flavor.
Can I add seeds or herbs to these rolls?
Absolutely! Toss in poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or even some dried rosemary or thyme for extra flavor and crunch. Sprinkle extras on top right before baking for a beautiful finish.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a basket of fresh Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls gracing your table. They’re warm, soft, and made with love—and once you’ve had homemade, store-bought will never taste the same again. Give this recipe a try, and don’t be surprised when these rolls become a cherished favorite at your family’s meals!
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Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 38 minutes (including rising time)
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and perfect for any meal. Made with a combination of whole wheat and all-purpose flour, these rolls are a healthier alternative to traditional dinner rolls.
Ingredients
For the Rolls:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 to 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, honey, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Stir in melted butter, egg, and salt.
- Add Flours: Add the whole wheat flour and mix until combined. Gradually add all-purpose flour, ½ cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
- Knead and Rise: Knead the dough by hand or with a dough hook for 6–8 minutes. Let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape and Bake: Punch down the dough, divide into 12 pieces, shape into balls, and place in a baking dish. Let rise for 30–40 minutes. Bake at 375°F for 15–18 minutes.
- Finish: Brush with melted butter after baking, if desired.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use buttermilk instead of regular milk.
- Rolls can be made ahead and frozen after shaping—just thaw and let rise before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
