If you’re craving that perfect homemade bread experience with minimal fuss, these Quick Dinner Rolls: Easy Recipe for Homemade Bread Recipe are exactly what you need. Soft, golden, and just slightly sweet, these rolls have the magical power to bring any meal to the next level. Whether it’s a weekday dinner or a special gathering, these fluffy rolls are comfort food at its finest and a true joy to make from scratch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping this recipe simple is part of its charm. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating those soft, fluffy rolls with a tender crust and a rich, buttery aroma.
- Warm milk (1 cup): The warmth activates the yeast, ensuring your rolls rise beautifully.
- Active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons): This little packet is the magic behind the airy texture.
- Large egg, lightly beaten: Adds richness, color, and tenderness to the dough.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Feeds the yeast for a lively rise and adds a touch of sweetness.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances flavors and strengthens the dough’s structure.
- Unsalted butter, melted and cooled (4 tablespoons): Gives the rolls that melt-in-your-mouth buttery flavor.
- All-purpose flour (4 cups, plus more): The sturdy foundation that forms the dough’s texture.
How to Make Quick Dinner Rolls: Easy Recipe for Homemade Bread Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Begin by combining the warm milk and yeast in a large bowl. Let this mixture sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy on top. This step confirms your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic in creating the perfect fluffy rolls.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Once the yeast is foamy, whisk in the beaten egg, sugar, and salt. This blend adds richness and flavor, setting the stage for the softness and slight sweetness that make these rolls addictive.
Step 3: Add Butter
Stir in the melted butter until it’s fully incorporated. The butter adds moisture and a rich, buttery note that will make your rolls oh-so-delicious.
Step 4: Combine with Flour
Gradually add the flour one cup at a time, mixing each addition until a shaggy dough forms. This slow addition keeps the dough from becoming too stiff too quickly, allowing for a perfect knead later.
Step 5: Knead the Dough
Turn your dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Adding flour sparingly here helps achieve the ideal consistency — soft but not sticky.
Step 6: First Rise
Grease a large bowl and place your dough inside, turning it to coat with oil. Cover and set the bowl in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until the dough doubles in size, which means it’s packed with air and ready for shaping.
Step 7: Punch Down and Shape
After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air pockets. Then, divide it into 12 equal pieces — using a kitchen scale can make this much easier. Shape each piece into a smooth ball, ready for their final rise.
Step 8: Second Rise
Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or baking sheet and space the rolls evenly. Cover them and let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until they’ve nearly doubled, signaling they’re ready to go into the oven.
Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 18 to 22 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown and sound hollow when tapped. This final bake seals in that irresistible soft crumb and buttery finish.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
Let the rolls cool in the pan briefly before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps avoid sogginess, ensuring every roll is perfectly fluffy from the first bite to the last crumb.
How to Serve Quick Dinner Rolls: Easy Recipe for Homemade Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate these rolls to star status. Imagine brushing them with garlic butter or sprinkling a bit of sea salt or fresh herbs like rosemary right after baking. These subtle touches bring out extra heartiness and flavor.
Side Dishes
Quick Dinner Rolls are the ideal companion to a wide array of dishes. Serve them alongside soups, stews, roasted meats, or your favorite holiday feasts. Their soft texture is perfect for sopping up gravies and sauces.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the rolls open for mini sandwiches filled with deli meats, cheese, or even a smoky pulled pork. You can also toast them lightly and top with jams or honey butter for an irresistible snack that’s both sweet and savory.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft for up to 2 days. Avoid refrigeration as it can dry them out, but if eaten quickly, they stay delightfully fresh.
Freezing
Wrap the cooled rolls tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag for longer storage. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months, making them a convenient option for preparing ahead of busy days.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or leftover rolls by warming them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, loosely covered with foil to keep moisture in. For a quick fix, microwaving wrapped rolls for 15 seconds also works, but watch they don’t dry out.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Substituting some or all of the flour with whole wheat will add a lovely nutty flavor and extra fiber. Keep in mind the rolls might be a little denser, so you might want to adjust the liquid slightly.
How do I know if the yeast is still active?
If your yeast mixture doesn’t foam or bubble after 10 minutes in warm milk, the yeast might be expired or the liquid too hot or too cold. Using fresh yeast and the right temperature is crucial for successful rising.
Can I make these rolls without an egg?
Yes, the egg adds richness but can be omitted if needed. You might want to increase the butter slightly or add a tablespoon of yogurt or milk for moisture to maintain softness.
What is the secret to soft crust rolls?
Brushing the rolls with melted butter immediately after baking traps moisture and softens the crust. Keep them covered with a clean kitchen towel as they cool to maintain that tender exterior.
Can these rolls be made gluten-free?
While this recipe relies on gluten development for structure, you can try gluten-free flour blends designed for bread baking. Expect some texture differences and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for best results.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe this Quick Dinner Rolls: Easy Recipe for Homemade Bread Recipe will become one of your go-to favorites. They’re just so easy to make and delightfully soft and flavorful, perfect for any occasion or just a simple family dinner. Give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear from your table!
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Quick Dinner Rolls: Easy Recipe for Homemade Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 13 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
Description
These Quick Dinner Rolls are an easy and delicious homemade bread recipe perfect for any meal. Soft, fluffy, and golden brown, these rolls come together quickly with simple ingredients and require just a bit of rising time. Ideal for family dinners or special occasions, they pair wonderfully with butter, soups, or salads.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Let it stand for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Whisk the beaten egg, sugar, and salt into the foamy yeast mixture until well combined.
- Add Butter: Stir in the melted and slightly cooled butter until fully incorporated into the mixture.
- Add Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour one cup at a time, mixing after each addition until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky.
- First Rise: Grease a large bowl with oil and place the dough inside, turning to coat it with the oil. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Punch Down Dough: Gently punch down the dough to release trapped air and prepare it for shaping.
- Divide Dough: Turn the dough back onto a floured surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Using a kitchen scale can help ensure even portions.
- Shape Rolls: Shape each piece into a smooth ball by rolling it gently between your hands or on the surface.
- Prepare Pan: Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or baking sheet. Arrange the rolls in the pan, leaving space between each for expansion.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until they have almost doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
- Bake Rolls: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool Rolls: Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use a kitchen scale for evenly sized rolls to ensure uniform baking.
- For a softer crust, brush the rolls with melted butter immediately after baking.
- If you prefer sweeter rolls, increase sugar to ⅓ cup.
- Keep milk temperature between 105-115°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Leftover rolls can be frozen in an airtight container and reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
