Homemade Dinner Rolls

Prep: 30 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Homemade dinner rolls are soft, fluffy, and golden-brown, perfect for any meal or special occasion. Their warm, buttery aroma and tender crumb make them a comforting addition to family dinners or gatherings, appealing to bread lovers and those seeking freshly baked, deliciously simple bread at home.

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Ingredients

  • 2 pkg. yeast
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 8 cups flour
  • 4 cups milk, scalded
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup melted butter or margarine

Instructions

  1. Dissolve yeast in warm water.
  2. Beat eggs in a large mixing bowl. Add sugar, yeast mixture, and oil.
  3. Mix well.
  4. Add 6 cups of flour, salt, and scalded milk alternately to the mixture.
  5. Beat until the mixture is satiny looking.
  6. Let the dough rise until doubled in bulk.
  7. Turn onto a bread board sprinkled with 2 cups of flour and knead.
  8. Roll out the dough and cut into biscuits or rolls.
  9. Brush the tops with melted butter.
  10. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, make sure your water is warm but not hot, as excessive heat can kill the yeast. If you want to reduce sugar, try using 1 cup of honey instead for a natural sweetness. For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of garlic powder or herbs to the dough. These rolls are perfect for pairing with dishes like Zesty Cheese Ball.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these delicious dinner rolls warm with a pat of butter or alongside your favorite soups and salads. They are particularly wonderful with hearty dishes like Scuppernong Pie or as a base for sliders. Consider pairing them with a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover dinner rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and soft.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Homemade Dinner Rolls contains roughly 1634 calories, with 15g protein, 159g carbohydrates, and 105g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (61% of the Daily Value), calcium (57% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1252mg per serving (54% of the Daily Value).

1634 kcal 82% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 14.7g 29% DV
Total Fat 105.1g 100% DV
Carbs 158.8g 58% DV
Fiber 2.7g 10% DV
Sugar 73.6g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1251.7mg 54% DV
Potassium 681.3mg 14% DV
Cholesterol 332.4mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 401.6mcg 45% DV
Vitamin C 36.9mg 41% DV
Vitamin D 2.7mcg 14% DV
Calcium 743.5mg 57% DV
Iron 11mg 61% DV
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast in place of active dry yeast. Simply mix it directly with the dry ingredients without needing to dissolve it in water first. This can save time and still yield fluffy rolls.

How can I ensure my rolls rise properly?

To help your rolls rise, make sure to place the dough in a warm, draft-free area. You can create a warm environment by turning on your oven for a minute and then turning it off, allowing the dough to rise inside. Covering the bowl with a damp cloth can also help retain moisture.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise, then punch it down and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to bake, allow the dough to come to room temperature, shape it, and let it rise again before baking for fresh rolls.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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