Soft Dinner Rolls

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Soft dinner rolls with a tender crumb and buttery flavor, perfect for family meals or special occasions. Their fluffy texture and warm aroma make them a crowd-pleaser, complementing everything from hearty soups to festive dinners, and they are easy to customize with additional herbs or toppings.

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Ingredients

  • 4 Tbsp. butter
  • 3 Tbsp. sugar
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 2 c. scalded milk
  • 2 pkg. active dry yeast
  • 1/4 c. warm water
  • 1 egg
  • 5 1/2 c. flour

Instructions

  1. Add butter, sugar, and salt to the scalded milk. When lukewarm, dissolve the yeast in the warm water and add it to the mixture.
  2. Add the beaten egg and stir in the flour gradually to form a soft dough.
  3. Knead the dough for 2 minutes, then cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
  4. Shape the risen dough into rolls and place them on a baking sheet.
  5. Let the rolls rise again until puffy.
  6. Bake in a 450°F (232°C) oven until golden brown.

Tips & Substitutions

For softer rolls, ensure the milk is scalded and lukewarm before adding the yeast, as too hot can kill the yeast. If you're out of active dry yeast, you can substitute with instant yeast, but adjust the quantity. Consider adding herbs or garlic powder for flavor variations. To make the dough easier to work with, flour your hands lightly when shaping the rolls.

Serving Suggestions

These soft dinner rolls are perfect served warm with butter or paired with soups and salads, such as a light cucumber salad or a hearty vegetable stew. They also make a great base for sliders. Try them alongside dishes like Plantation Pumpkin Pie for a complete meal experience.

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 zip-top bag for up to a month. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and soft.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Soft Dinner Rolls contains roughly 561 calories, with 49g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (110% of the Daily Value), protein (97% of the Daily Value), and iron (24% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 668mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).

561 kcal 28% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 48.7g 97% DV
Total Fat 13.8g 18% DV
Carbs 79.5g 29% DV
Fiber 30.7g 100% DV
Sugar 2.4g 5% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 668.5mg 29% DV
Potassium 1135.6mg 24% DV
Cholesterol 25.7mg 9% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 12.6mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 2.5mg 3% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 71.5mg 5% DV
Iron 4.4mg 24% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat
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 make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After kneading, let it rise until doubled, then punch it down and refrigerate it overnight. When you're ready to bake, shape the rolls and allow them to rise again before baking.

What type of flour is best for these rolls?

All-purpose flour works best for soft dinner rolls, providing the right balance of structure and tenderness. If you prefer a healthier option, you can substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but expect a denser texture.

How do I know when the rolls are done baking?

The rolls are done when they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Additionally, you can check the internal temperature; it should be around 190°F (88°C) when fully baked.

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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