Italian Dinner Rolls
Soft, flavorful Italian dinner rolls with garlic, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests with a warm, homemade touch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups flour, dry yeast, sugar, salt, and Italian seasoning; mix well.
- In a saucepan, heat milk, water, and butter until warm (120° to 130°), with butter not needing to melt; add to flour mixture.
- Add egg to the mixture.
- Blend at low speed until moistened; then beat for 3 minutes at medium speed.
- By hand, gradually stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and enough remaining flour to make a firm dough.
- Knead on a well-floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to grease the top.
- Cover and let rise in a warm oven (turn oven to lowest setting for 1 minute, then turn off) for 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your milk and water are at the right temperature to activate the yeast properly. If you don’t have garlic salt, you can substitute with regular salt and add fresh minced garlic. To enhance flavor, consider adding some herbs like rosemary or thyme. This dough can be made ahead and frozen for later use.
Serving Suggestions
These Italian dinner rolls are perfect as a side for hearty dishes like Pasta Broccoli Toss or served warm with a spread of butter. Consider pairing them with a light salad or using them to soak up sauces from dishes like Fettuccine A La Creme. They also make a delightful appetizer when served with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and slightly crisp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Dinner Rolls contains roughly 902 calories, with 14g protein, 130g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (43% of the Daily Value), protein (29% of the Daily Value), and iron (27% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 564mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
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 dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast in place of dry yeast. Use the same amount, but you can skip the proofing step. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients and proceed with the recipe.
What if I don't have Parmesan cheese?
If you're out of Parmesan, you can substitute it with Pecorino Romano for a similar flavor, or use a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for a different taste. Just be mindful that the texture will change slightly.
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, let it rise, shape the rolls, and then refrigerate them before the second rise. Just allow them to come to room temperature and rise for about 30 minutes before baking.
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).