How To Make Homemade Dinner Rolls

Fresh warm dinner rolls are absolutely amazing. They can really add a filling element to any meal and greatly round out meat and potato types of meals and a flat out essential for holiday dinners. If you are looking for the perfect flying tender dinner rolls you will love this simple dinner roll recipe.

As you plan your holiday meals for the season make sure you take the time to learn how to make your own dinner rolls to lower costs and provide your family with a better quality.

What you need to make your own dinner rolls

1 cup warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
Additional melted butter for brushing (optional)

Prepare Your Rolls

In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy and bubbly.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, salt, and egg. Add the activated yeast mixture and mix well.

Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, while mixing continuously. Continue to mix until the dough comes together and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.

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

After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide it into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into a smooth ball.

Place the shaped rolls onto a greased baking dish or a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover them and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they’ve puffed up.

Baking Your Dinner Rolls

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on top.

If desired, brush the warm rolls with melted butter for a glossy finish.

Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm with butter or as a side to your favorite dishes.

Creative ways to serve dinner rolls

Sliders: Slice dinner rolls in half and use them as buns for sliders or mini sandwiches. Fill with your choice of meats, cheeses, and condiments. Try these turkey and cheese sliders or these yummy ham and cheese sliders to use up leftovers.

Set up a “make-your-own sliders” station with a variety of toppings, condiments, and proteins for a fun and customizable meal to use up leftovers and prevent food waste.

Stuffed Rolls: Hollow out the center of dinner rolls and fill them with ingredients like spinach and artichoke dip, chili, or cheese for a tasty appetizer.

Pull-Apart Bread: Arrange dinner rolls in a baking dish, leaving them slightly touching. Brush with butter and sprinkle with herbs or cheese. Bake until golden brown, and serve by pulling apart the individual rolls.

Bread Bowl for Soup or Stew: Hollow out the center of a larger dinner roll and use it as a rustic bowl for serving soup or stew. This is a great way to make a meal more filling.

Breadsticks or Twists: Roll out the dough into thin strips, twist them, and bake for homemade breadsticks. Brush with garlic butter for extra flavor.

Garlic Knots: Tie the dough into knots before baking, and toss them in a mixture of garlic butter and herbs after they come out of the oven.

Bread Pudding: Cube leftover dinner rolls and use them as a base for a sweet or savory bread pudding.