Are you tired of serving store-bought, lackluster dinner rolls that barely elicit a polite nod from your guests? It’s time to take matters into your own hands and unleash your inner baker! Imagine the look of awe on your friends’ faces as you present them with a basket of warm, homemade dinner rolls that are fluffy, golden, and bursting with flavor These rolls are my all-purpose bread, used for anything and everything. Kids will snack on them with butter and jam, and sometimes they make sandwiches with cold cuts and cheese. Often, I will make sliders with some chicken and cheese for dinner. We rarely have these go stale. But if I do have stale bread, then I cut them into cubes and toast them like croutons with a sprinkle of milk, butter, and parmesan. The kids feast over those croutons.
Best dinner rolls recipe
Yeast – In a large bowl of the stand mixer with the dough hook attachment. Combine the warm milk (110 F), yeast, and sugar. Combine -Add the flour and salt. Combine well on medium-high speed for 2 to 3 minutes until all the flour is well incorporated.Pro-tip – if you do not like kneading by hand I highly recommend using a stand mixer
Knead – Continue to knead on medium speed for 8 to 10 minutes. Then, add the butter and continue to knead for 5 to 8 minutes more until you have a soft, smooth, and elastic dough. Pro-tip – avoid the temptation to add more flour. We want soft, light, and fluffy rolls, and this is only possible when the dough is soft, elastic, yet slightly sticky Bowl – When the dough is soft, and shiny, but still slightly sticky shape it into a ball. Place the dough in an oiled bowl seam side down. Coat the surface with cooking spray to prevent drying. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Rise – Leave in a warm place. Let rise for 60 to 90 minutes until doubles in volume.Pro-tip – in winter you may need 90 minutes or more but in summer the dough may double in 45 minutes. If you can’t attend to it at that moment. De-gas, reshape, and let double in volume again.
Punch – When the dough is double in volume transfer it to a well-dusted floured work surface. Punch down and reshape into a ball. Then roll it into a small log.Pro-tip – at this point there is no need for additional flour. So use a light dusting of flour. Divide – Using a dough scraper divide this log into three portions and then each of those portions into 3 again. This should give you 9 dinner rolls.Pro-tip – the odd number 9 is because we are using a square baking pan. you can also divide into 8 medium or 12 small rolls, using an 8-inch round or quarter sheet pan.
Shape and bake
Shape – Hold each piece of dough in your hand and gather all the seams together. Pinch the seams at the bottom then place the ball on a non-floured surface while still holding it in your hand.Loosen the grip on the dough and roll it back and forth into a tight circle against the work surface. You will feel the dough become tight and smooth.Pro-tip – the goal is to create a tight, smooth ball. If you overdo the rolling you will rip the top surface which will give a rough, not smooth roll. Proof – Grease or spray a 9 x 9 square baking pan. Place the rolls in the pan. Seam side down. Cover with a clean kitchen cloth or plastic wrap and leave in a warm place for about 45 minutes until almost double in size.Pro-tip – Spray the plastic wrap with oil to prevent it from sticking to the rolls. Oven – When the rolls are almost double in volume at about 30 minutes, preheat the oven to 375°F /190°C / Gas Mark 5 Egg wash – Brush the rolls with milk, cream, or egg wash.Pro-tip– Egg wash is a full egg with 2 tbsp of water. An egg wash will give a nice golden brown color. Bake for about 20 to 22 minutes until lightly golden on top. When baked brush with melted butterPro-tip – this is optional but adds a nice flavor and keeps the top crust soft. Cool – Take them out of the pan and cover them with a clean kitchen cloth for at least 5 minutes to keep them softPro-tip – do not leave the rolls in the pan for too long as the steam will make the bread soggy on the bottom
Creative variations
One way to add a burst of flavor to your dinner rolls is by incorporating herbs and spices into the dough. Consider mixing in chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil for a savory twist. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika. You can even experiment with aromatic spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to create a unique and unexpected flavor profile. I love to add grated cheese such as cheddar cheese, emantle, or parmesan to the dough after the first rise. If you’re looking to make your dinner rolls visually appealing, try adding some colorful ingredients to the dough. Chopped sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or even grated carrots can lend a vibrant touch to your rolls. Sprinkling sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or flaky sea salt on top before baking can also enhance their appearance and provide an extra layer of texture. I love roasted garlic but a few crushed fresh garlic cloves added to the dough make wonderful garlic rolls. Try my garlic rolls or Parmesan garlic rolls For those with a sweet tooth, there are endless possibilities to explore. Consider adding a handful of raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts to the dough for a delightful surprise with each bite. You can also incorporate ingredients like shredded coconut, chocolate chips, or even a swirl of Nutella for an indulgent treat. To cater to different dietary preferences, you can experiment with alternative flours or grains. Replace a portion of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or oats for a healthier option. Gluten-free flours like almond flour or rice flour can be used as substitutes to make these rolls suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Lastly, don’t be afraid to get creative with the shape and size of your dinner rolls. Instead of the traditional round shape, try shaping them into twists, knots, or even tiny sliders. You can also make larger rolls for burger buns or slider-sized rolls for bite-sized appetizers.
Creative ways to serve dinner rolls
One way to make your dinner rolls stand out is by offering a variety of spreads and toppings. Instead of just plain butter, consider serving flavored butters such as garlic herb or honey cinnamon. These spreads can be easily made by mixing your favorite ingredients with softened butter. Additionally, you can create a build-your-own sandwich station with an assortment of deli meats, cheeses, and condiments. This allows your guests to get creative and customize their dinner rolls to their liking. Another way to add a unique twist to your dinner rolls is through innovative presentation ideas. Instead of serving them on a regular plate, consider using a bread basket lined with a clean kitchen towel. This not only adds a rustic touch but also keeps the rolls warm. For a more elegant presentation, you can arrange the dinner rolls in a decorative tiered tray or place them in individual mini cast-iron skillets. Furthermore, you can incorporate themed presentations based on the occasion or season. For a summer gathering, serve the dinner rolls in a picnic basket along with checkered napkins and mini jars of homemade jam. During the holiday season, arrange the dinner rolls in the shape of a Christmas tree. You can also sprinkle powdered sugar on top to mimic snow. These creative presentations will not only impress your guests visually but also enhance the overall dining experience.
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