Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe for Festive Feasts
Dinner rolls are a staple at many dinner tables, from casual weeknight meals to festive holiday feasts. These warm, fluffy rolls complement various dishes and are perfect for soaking up gravy and sauces. But what if you’ve run out of store-bought rolls or want to try making your own from scratch? Fear not, because making homemade dinner rolls is easier than you think.
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In this blog post, we’ll explore the step-by-step process of making delicious dinner rolls. They are sure to impress your guests. You can serve these rolls with your favorite stew, soup, casserole, barbeque, or any meal. So, get ready to roll up your sleeves, and let’s get baking!
How do I make vegan dinner rolls?
Yes, you can! Switching dairy and plant-based ingredients is the key to turning any recipe into a vegan one. For dinner rolls, replace dairy butter with coconut oil. Substitute dairy milk with plant-based milk like coconut or almond milk. If you are using an egg, replace it with flax seeds. You can enjoy a tasteful and perfectly fluffy vegan roll.
Can I add herbs and spices to the rolls?
Yes! Adding herbs and spices only adds more flavor to the ingredients. You can either add fresh or dried herbs to the rolls. I love adding Italian seasoning to these dinner rolls. It offers not just flavor but aroma as well.
Moreover, adding spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, or red chili flakes brings out more flavor. You can add these spices for warmth and flavor.
You can also add cheese to the dinner rolls, making them cheesy and tasty. Try adding shredded cheddar cheese or grated Parmesan cheese.
Can I make dinner rolls in advance?
I love this dinner roll recipe because it lets you prepare it beforehand. This cuts your load to a great extent. Here is how you can prepare these rolls in advance:
- If you are preparing for a family dinner, you have a lot on your plate. You can easily prepare the rolls in advance and leave the baking until the end to guarantee freshness. Simply follow the recipe until you have placed the balls on the baking tray. Instead of putting them in the oven, refrigerate the dinner balls until you can bake them. These balls will stay suitable for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Take them out at least 2 hours before baking so that they reach room temperature.
- You can also freeze dinner rolls. Instead of popping the baking tray in the oven, place it in the freezer. Simply thaw it first and then bake. You can freeze them for up to a month. This makes dinner rolls super convenient.
Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls

Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or dough whisk
- Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk about 110°F or 45°C
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
- Additional melted butter for brushing optional
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk mixture and let it sit for about 5 minutes, until it becomes frothy.
- Add 2 cups of flour, salt, egg, and softened butter to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined. Gradually add the remaining flour, ¼ cup, until a soft dough forms.
- **Knead the Dough:** Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elas
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball and place them on a parchment-lined or lightly greased baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.
- Cover the shaped rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise for about 45 minutes, or until puffy.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove the rolls from the oven and brush the tops with melted butter for a soft, flavorful crust
- Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm with your favorite meal.
Notes
- Vegan Adaptation: To make these rolls vegan, substitute the milk with plant-based milk (such as almond or coconut milk), replace the butter with coconut oil, and use a flaxseed mixture as an egg substitute.
- Adding Herbs and Spices: Incorporate herbs and spices into the dough to enhance the flavor. Fresh or dried herbs like Italian seasoning or spices like nutmeg or cinnamon can add a delightful twist.
- Make-Ahead Option: After shaping the rolls and placing them on the baking sheet, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 days before baking. Allow them to come to room temperature for about 2 hours before baking as directed.
- Freezing: To freeze unbaked rolls, place the shaped dough balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer bag and store them for up to a month. When ready to bake, thaw the rolls, let them rise until puffy, and bake as directed.