The Best Homemade Dinner Rolls

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Few things rival the comforting aroma of fresh, warm bread drifting through the kitchen, and these homemade dinner rolls are truly the best. With their golden, buttery tops and pillowy soft interiors, they are the perfect complement to any meal—from a holiday feast to a casual weeknight dinner. Baked fresh from scratch, they offer that bakery-quality texture and flavor you just can’t find in a bag.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just learning the ropes, these rolls are delightfully simple to make. The dough is forgiving, the ingredients are basic, and the payoff is incredibly rewarding. Fluffy, buttery, and slightly sweet, they pair beautifully with soups, roasted meats, or just a dab of jam.

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What Kind of Flour Should I Use for the Best Homemade Dinner Rolls?

For the softest, fluffiest texture, all-purpose flour works beautifully in this recipe. It has enough protein to build structure but not so much that the rolls become dense. If you want slightly chewier rolls, you can substitute bread flour, but for that classic, tender crumb, stick with all-purpose.

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Ingredients for the Best Homemade Dinner Rolls

All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the dough, this gives structure while keeping the texture light and fluffy.

Active Dry Yeast: Provides the rise and lightness in the rolls. Be sure it’s fresh for the best results.

Milk: Adds richness and softness. Whole milk is ideal, but 2% works too.

Granulated Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness that enhances the flavor.

Salt: Essential for balancing flavors.

Egg: Contributes to the richness and softness of the dough.

Unsalted Butter: Infuses the dough with flavor and creates that shiny, golden finish when brushed on top after baking.

Warm Water: Helps activate the yeast and brings the dough together smoothly.

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How To Make the Best Homemade Dinner Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine warm water (about 110°F), sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This ensures your yeast is alive and ready to do its job.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, add the yeast mixture, warm milk, melted butter, egg, and salt. Begin mixing on low, then gradually add in the flour. Continue mixing until the dough comes together.

Step 3: Knead Until Smooth

Knead the dough by hand or using the dough hook attachment for about 8–10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.

Step 4: Let It Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

Punch down the dough and divide it into 12–16 equal portions, depending on your preferred roll size. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place them in a greased 9×13 baking dish.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover the rolls and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes, or until they’ve puffed up noticeably.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the rolls for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Brush with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven for that irresistible shine and flavor.

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How to Serve and Store Homemade Dinner Rolls

Serve these warm out of the oven with a pat of butter, alongside hearty meals like stews, roasts, or creamy soups. They also make fantastic sliders with ham or turkey for next-day leftovers.

To store, let the rolls cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or zip-top bag. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them individually or as a whole batch—just reheat in a 300°F oven until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my yeast is still good?

If your yeast doesn’t foam after 10 minutes in warm water with sugar, it may be expired or the water was too hot and killed it. Always check the date before starting.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! After the first rise, cover the dough and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping into rolls and allowing the second rise.

Why are my rolls dense instead of fluffy?

Over-measuring flour or under-kneading the dough can lead to dense rolls. Be sure to measure flour properly and knead until smooth and elastic.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

You can! Use the same amount, but skip the proofing step. Just mix it directly into the dry ingredients.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover dinner rolls?

Wrap them in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. You can also microwave them for 10–15 seconds each, but they may lose some of their texture.

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Want More Bread Ideas?

If you’re a fan of these soft dinner rolls, check out these other cozy bread and bake recipes:

• Cinnamon Sweet Alabama Pecanbread for a sticky-sweet twist on classic bread.
• Red Lobster’s Cheese Biscuit Loaf for a savory, cheesy side.
• Easy Pumpkin Muffins when you want something seasonal and spiced.
• Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole to complete your comfort meal.
• Parmesan and Spinach Cheese Twists for a flaky and elegant bread alternative.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can always come back to it later: Life with Jam Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how your rolls turned out. Did you shape them differently? Add garlic butter on top? Try freezing the dough?

Your feedback and creativity inspire others too—let’s bake better together!

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