Homestyle Dinner Rolls

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 18 min
🍽 Serves: 12
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Homestyle Dinner Rolls are the quintessential comfort food that brings warmth to any meal. Their soft, buttery texture makes them a perfect side dish for family gatherings or a cozy night in. Let's dive into a recipe that will fill your home with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread.

Ingredients for Homestyle Dinner Rolls

Warm whole milk is the backbone of a soft, tender roll, providing the necessary moisture and richness. Granulated sugar serves as food for the yeast, helping the dough rise beautifully. Active dry yeast is the magic ingredient that gives the rolls their fluffy texture by creating tiny air pockets during fermentation. Unsalted butter adds a rich flavor and ensures the dough is tender. Eggs contribute to the structure and color of the rolls, making them delightfully golden. All-purpose flour is the main structure builder, providing the necessary gluten for a well-formed roll. Lastly, a touch of salt enhances the overall flavor.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure your milk is at the right temperature (110°F) to activate the yeast without killing it.
  • If your kitchen is cold, let the dough rise in a slightly warm oven (turned off) to speed up the process.
  • Kneading is key. If kneading by hand, use the heel of your hand to push the dough away and fold it back over itself.

Serving Suggestions

These rolls are perfect alongside a hearty soup or stew. Consider serving them with a garlic herb butter for an extra burst of flavor. They also make excellent sliders when filled with your favorite meats and cheeses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge. Bring it to room temperature before baking.
What if I don't have whole milk?
You can substitute with 2% milk or a mix of half-and-half and water for similar results.
Can I freeze these rolls?
Absolutely! Once baked, let them cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven before serving.

Homestyle Dinner Rolls Recipe Walkthrough

Start by combining 1 cup of warm whole milk and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar in a large bowl. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Once dissolved, sprinkle 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast over the milk mixture. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is activated and ready to work its magic.

Next, whisk in 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter and 2 large eggs until everything is well combined. Gradually add 4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt, mixing with a wooden spoon until a dough begins to form. The dough will start to pull away from the sides of the bowl and form a cohesive mass.

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8 minutes. You’re looking for a smooth and elastic consistency. Once kneaded, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about an hour.

After the first rise, punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and place them on a greased baking sheet. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise again until doubled, which should take about 30 minutes.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 15-18 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. Once out of the oven, brush them with 2 tablespoons of melted butter for that extra touch of flavor and shine. Serve warm and enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry.
  • Easy-to-follow steps that make baking accessible for everyone.
  • The rolls are perfect for any occasion, from holiday dinners to casual lunches.
  • Customizable with herbs or cheese for extra flavor.

Ingredients

1 cup warm whole milk (110°F)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar, stirring until sugar dissolves.
2. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk mixture and let it sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the melted butter and eggs to the yeast mixture, whisking until combined.
4. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing with a wooden spoon until a dough forms.
5. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
7. Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place on a greased baking sheet.
8. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
9. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
10. Bake the rolls until golden brown, about 15-18 minutes.
11. Remove from the oven and brush with melted butter before serving.

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