If you’ve ever wanted to make soft, pillowy bread that feels like a warm hug straight out of the oven, you’re in for a treat with this Quick Dinner Rolls: Easy Recipe for Homemade Bread Recipe. This delightful recipe is simple enough for beginners but delivers bakery-quality rolls that are golden, tender, and utterly irresistible. Whether you’re serving a family dinner, impressing guests, or just craving fresh bread, these rolls come together with straightforward ingredients and a few easy steps that will have your kitchen smelling heavenly in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role in creating those irresistibly soft and flavorful rolls. From the warm milk that activates the yeast to the melted butter that gives each roll that delicate richness, these pantry staples come together in perfect harmony.
- Warm milk (1 cup): Use milk heated to about body temperature (105-115°F) to wake up the yeast gently for the best rise.
- Active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons): This packet of yeast is the magical ingredient that makes your dough light and fluffy.
- Large egg (1, lightly beaten): Adds structure and tenderness to the dough, giving the rolls their soft crumb.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Sweetens slightly to balance the flavor and helps feed the yeast during rising.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for flavor enhancement and controlling yeast activity.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, melted and cooled): Imparts wonderful richness and moistness to the rolls.
- All-purpose flour (4 cups plus more for dusting): Forms the structure of the dough; add extra flour sparingly to keep rolls tender.
How to Make Quick Dinner Rolls: Easy Recipe for Homemade Bread Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining the warm milk and active dry yeast in a large bowl. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it’s foamy and bubbly. This step assures your yeast is alive and ready to make your rolls rise beautifully.
Step 2: Mix in the Wet Ingredients
Whisk the beaten egg, sugar, and salt into the foamy yeast mixture until it’s smooth and uniform. Then, stir in the melted butter to add richness to your dough, making sure it’s not too hot or it might kill the yeast.
Step 3: Add the Flour and Form the Dough
Gradually add the all-purpose flour, one cup at a time. Mixing after each addition will create a shaggy dough that’s ready to be kneaded. Resist adding all the flour at once to avoid a dense dough.
Step 4: Knead Until Smooth and Elastic
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 to 7 minutes. The dough should become smooth and stretchy, which indicates gluten development. Add a touch more flour if the dough feels too sticky, but not too much.
Step 5: First Rise
Lightly grease a large bowl with oil and place your dough inside, turning it to coat all sides. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and leave it to rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, until it doubles in size. This is where the magic happens!
Step 6: Shape the Rolls
After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the trapped air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth round ball, which will bake into the perfect roll shape.
Step 7: Second Rise
Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or baking sheet and arrange the rolls so they have a little breathing room. Cover them loosely and let them rise for another 30 to 45 minutes until nearly doubled again. This second rise guarantees soft rolls with a fluffy texture.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 18 to 22 minutes until they are golden on top and sound hollow when tapped. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling. This yields that warm, tender crumb we all love.
How to Serve Quick Dinner Rolls: Easy Recipe for Homemade Bread Recipe
Garnishes
While these rolls are perfect on their own, adding a pat of melted butter or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving takes them to the next level. You can also brush them with garlic butter for an aromatic twist that’s irresistible.
Side Dishes
These rolls are wonderfully versatile and go with everything from hearty stews and creamy mashed potatoes to fresh salads and roasted vegetables. They’re the ideal accompaniment to soak up sauces and gravy, making any meal feel special.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, arrange the rolls in a circle or a pull-apart cluster on a serving platter. You can cut a small slit in each and fill it with herb butter or cheese before baking for a fun surprise inside. Presentation makes the meal memorable, and these rolls shine no matter how you serve them.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Quick Dinner Rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to two days. This helps them maintain their softness without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these rolls later, they freeze beautifully. Wrap cooled rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to three months and thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy. It’s like having fresh bread on demand anytime!
Reheating
Reheat rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore that just-baked warmth and softness. For a quick microwave fix, wrap a roll in a damp paper towel and heat for 15-20 seconds, but the oven method offers the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for part of the all-purpose flour for a nuttier flavor and heartier texture, but use no more than half whole wheat to keep the rolls tender and light.
What if my dough doesn’t rise?
If the dough doesn’t rise well, it could be due to old or inactive yeast, or the milk was too hot or too cold. Be sure to use fresh yeast and warm milk between 105-115°F to activate the yeast properly.
Can I make the dough in a stand mixer?
Absolutely! Use the dough hook attachment and knead on medium speed for about 5 minutes. This can save time and mess while achieving the same smooth, elastic dough.
Why are my rolls dense instead of fluffy?
Dense rolls may result from adding too much flour or under-kneading the dough. Be careful to add flour gradually and knead until smooth and elastic for that airy, soft texture.
Can I add herbs or cheese to the dough?
Yes! Mixing in chopped fresh herbs or shredded cheese during the kneading step adds wonderful flavor to your rolls, making this Quick Dinner Rolls: Easy Recipe for Homemade Bread Recipe even more special.
Final Thoughts
Making your own dinner rolls might seem daunting, but this Quick Dinner Rolls: Easy Recipe for Homemade Bread Recipe proves it’s truly simple and rewarding. With just a handful of ingredients and a little patience, you’ll have warm, fluffy rolls that elevate every meal. Trust me, once you try these homemade rolls, reaching for store-bought bread will feel like a thing of the past. So roll up your sleeves and bake some love into your next dinner!
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Quick Dinner Rolls: Easy Recipe for Homemade Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 13 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These quick dinner rolls are a simple and easy homemade bread recipe perfect for any meal. Soft, fluffy, and golden brown, these rolls come together with basic ingredients and minimal effort, making them ideal for beginners and busy cooks alike.
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 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Whisk in the lightly beaten egg, granulated sugar, and salt into the yeast mixture until well combined.
- Add Butter: Stir the melted and slightly cooled unsalted butter into the mixture until fully incorporated.
- 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 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic, adding more flour if necessary to prevent sticking.
- First Rise: Grease a large bowl with oil, place the dough inside, turning it to coat with oil. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until it has doubled in size.
- Punch Down Dough: Gently punch down the dough to release trapped air bubbles.
- Divide Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Using a kitchen scale is helpful for even portions.
- Shape Rolls: Shape each piece into a smooth ball by pulling the edges underneath and pinching together the seams.
- Prepare Baking Pan: Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or baking sheet and arrange the dough balls evenly with space between each to allow expansion.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise for 30-45 minutes until nearly doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the rolls complete their second rise.
- Bake Rolls: Bake the rolls for 18-22 minutes until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool Rolls: Remove the pan from the oven and let the rolls cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Ensure milk is at the right temperature (105-115°F) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Use a kitchen scale to divide dough evenly for uniform rolls.
- Do not skip the second rise; it is essential for light and fluffy rolls.
- These rolls can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
- Brush with melted butter after baking for a softer crust, if desired.
