Looking for a last-minute bread side that doesn’t require yeast, rising time, or a complicated dough process? These 2 Ingredient Dinner Rolls are the ultimate pantry hack. Made with just self-rising flour and Greek yogurt, they’re fluffy, golden, and shockingly good. I’ve tested dozens of quick bread recipes over the years, and this one continues to surprise me every single time—especially with how soft and satisfying the texture is.
Even my husband, who’s more of a meat-and-potatoes guy, couldn’t believe these rolls didn’t have eggs, oil, or yeast. And Ariya and Cameron? They devour them warm with a little melted butter or dipped into soup. It’s become a go-to in our house, especially when I’m juggling dinner prep while holding a baby on my hip. Let’s dig into why these rolls work so well—and why you’re going to want to keep this recipe close for those busy weeknights.
What Are 2 Ingredient Dinner Rolls?
These dinner rolls are made with just self-rising flour and plain Greek yogurt. That’s it. No yeast. Contains no eggs. No sugar. No kneading machines. Just a bowl, a spoon, and a hot oven. The self-rising flour provides structure and lift thanks to the built-in leavening agents, while the Greek yogurt adds moisture, richness, and that fluffy interior that feels like a cross between a biscuit and a traditional roll.
They’re not flaky like Southern buttermilk biscuits, and they’re not chewy like yeasty dinner rolls. Instead, they land somewhere in the middle: soft, fluffy, slightly tangy, and truly satisfying.
When to Serve These
These rolls are the definition of versatile. I serve them:
- With soup and stew on chilly nights (especially potato soup, chili, and chicken noodle)
- Next to roast chicken or pork chops for an easy weeknight dinner
- At brunch with honey butter and jam
- In lunchboxes as a soft bread option with turkey or ham
- As an emergency bread basket when I forget to thaw frozen rolls or don’t have time for yeast dough
They’re also perfect for holiday meals if you’re in a pinch, especially when everything else is taking up space in the oven and you need something fast and easy.
Why You’ll Love These
- Only 2 ingredients! You likely have them already.
- No yeast required. No rising or proofing time—just mix and bake.
- Ready in 30 minutes. From bowl to table in half an hour.
- Soft and fluffy. Despite their simplicity, the texture is shockingly good.
- Customizable. They’re a blank canvas—serve them sweet or savory.
- Budget-friendly. A seriously affordable side with pantry staples.
Ingredient Breakdown
Self-Rising Flour
This is the magic that makes these rolls rise without yeast. It’s a blend of all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. If you don’t have it, you can make your own: for every 1 cup of all-purpose flour, add 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and ¼ teaspoon of salt.
Plain Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt adds moisture, tenderness, and a slight tang. It also provides protein and fat, giving these rolls richness without butter or eggs. Full-fat works best, but you can use low-fat if needed. Avoid non-fat—it tends to make the dough too dry.
Variations
Even though the base is just two ingredients, you can play around a little:
- Cheesy Rolls: Mix in ½ cup shredded cheddar or Parmesan before shaping the dough.
- Garlic Herb: Add 1 tsp garlic powder and 2 tsp dried Italian herbs for a savory twist.
- Everything Bagel: Brush with melted butter after baking and sprinkle with Everything Bagel seasoning.
- Mini Sandwich Rolls: Shape smaller and bake 10–12 minutes for slider-sized rolls.
Troubleshooting Tips
My dough is too sticky.
Add a little more self-rising flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it’s soft but workable. You should still expect a slightly tacky texture.
My rolls didn’t rise much.
Check the date on your self-rising flour. Old baking powder loses potency. Also, be sure your oven is fully preheated before baking.
The dough won’t come together.
If your yogurt is extra thick (some brands are), add 1 tablespoon of water to loosen it. Stir gently until a shaggy dough forms.
Rolls are dry.
Don’t overbake! Keep an eye on the tops and remove when they’re golden.
Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
Even though this recipe is as simple as it gets, here are a few common pitfalls to watch for:
- Using the wrong type of yogurt: Make sure you’re using thick, plain Greek yogurt. Regular yogurt is too runny and will make your dough sticky and hard to handle. Full-fat works best for flavor and structure.
- Not kneading the dough enough: A quick 1–2 minute knead helps the flour hydrate and creates structure. Don’t skip this step, even if the dough comes together quickly.
- Over-kneading: You don’t want to work the dough for too long either. This isn’t a yeast bread that needs heavy kneading. Overworking the dough can make the rolls tougher.
- Skipping the chill (if dough is too sticky): If your kitchen is humid or your yogurt is extra wet, chilling the dough for 10–15 minutes can help make it easier to shape and roll.
- Crowding the pan too tightly: Leave a little space between rolls to give them room to puff and bake evenly.
- Expecting yeast-like rise or flavor: These rolls don’t taste exactly like traditional yeasted bread. They’re softer and denser—closer to a cross between a biscuit and a roll. Embrace their unique texture!
Storage and Serving Tips
To Store:
Keep leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re best fresh but can be revived if needed.
To Reheat:
Wrap in foil and place in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes, or microwave for 10 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel.
To Freeze:
Rolls can be frozen after baking. Let cool, then store in a zip-top freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge.
Best Served With:
Soup, chili, stews, casseroles, or just with butter and jam.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips
Make-Ahead Dough:
Mix and shape the dough up to 24 hours in advance and store in the fridge, covered. Bake directly from chilled.
Freeze Unbaked Dough:
Roll into balls, flash-freeze on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen, adding 3–5 minutes to the bake time.
Freeze Baked Rolls:
Let cool completely, then freeze. Warm in the oven or microwave before serving.
What Makes These Different from Other 2-Ingredient Recipes
There are a lot of viral 2-ingredient bread recipes out there—some are flatbreads, some are Greek yogurt bagels, and others mimic biscuits. But these rolls are unique because:
- They mimic dinner rolls, not pancakes, pizza crusts, or bagels.
- The texture is pillowy and soft, closer to a yeast roll than you’d expect from a no-yeast dough.
- They’re shaped and baked like pull-apart rolls, making them feel homemade and rustic.
- No eggs, no sugar, and no additional baking powder needed—just straight pantry staples.
This isn’t just another gimmick recipe—it’s actually a solid bread side that holds up to butter, gravy, and everything in between.
Why This Works Without Yeast
It might feel like magic, but here’s why these rise beautifully without a single packet of yeast:
- Self-rising flour already contains baking powder, which acts as a leavening agent. When it hits the moisture in the yogurt and the heat of the oven, it produces carbon dioxide bubbles—just like yeast, but instantly.
- Greek yogurt acts like a dough conditioner, tenderizing the flour and helping keep the structure soft and moist.
- No rising time is needed because the leavening action is chemical (not biological), meaning it activates immediately.
Yeast takes time to ferment and produce rise. Baking powder does it in minutes, which is what makes this recipe so fast and satisfying.
Lightened-Up Version
These rolls are naturally lighter than traditional dinner rolls, thanks to:
- No added oil or butter in the dough
- Greek yogurt instead of milk or cream
- No eggs
- Naturally low in sugar
You can also use low-fat Greek yogurt if you’re watching fat intake. Just avoid fat-free as it tends to dry out the dough.
Budget Breakdown
Here’s what it cost me (based on Virginia Beach grocery prices):
- Self-rising flour (store brand): $0.40 for 2 cups
- Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat, store brand): $0.90 for 1½ cups
- Butter for topping (optional): $0.30
Total cost: $1.60 for 8 rolls
That’s just $0.20 per roll—way cheaper than store-bought dinner rolls and much fresher.
My Personal Kitchen Notes
I’ve made these 2-ingredient dinner rolls dozens of times, and every single batch surprises me with just how easy and reliable they are. The dough is incredibly forgiving—even if you slightly under-mix or over-knead, the rolls still turn out soft and satisfying. The key is using full-fat Greek yogurt, which gives the rolls a subtle tang and helps keep the texture moist and fluffy, even without yeast.
In my kitchen, I love brushing the tops with a little melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven. If I have fresh herbs or garlic on hand, I’ll sometimes infuse the butter before brushing for an extra savory finish. My daughter Ariya loves tearing into them warm with a little butter, and Cameron recently started dunking them into soup with his chubby baby hands—it’s messy, but adorable.
Final Thoughts
When you need a quick, cozy side that doesn’t involve proofing dough, dirtying a mixer, or running to the store, these 2 Ingredient Dinner Rolls are a game-changer. They come together fast, bake up beautifully, and hit that sweet spot between rustic and comforting. It’s the kind of shortcut I keep in my back pocket for those hectic days—and it never lets me down.
And the best part? These are made from two things I almost always have in the kitchen. No frills, no fancy techniques, just good, honest food that brings everyone to the table.
More Recipes To Try Out
- Hawaiian Dinner Rolls
- Pull Apart Dinner Rolls
- Homemade Garlic Knots (Soft & Buttery)
- Homemade Croissants
2 Ingredient Dinner Rolls
Ingredients
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- 1 1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt full-fat works best
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line an 8×8″ baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease.
- In a large bowl, mix self-rising flour and Greek yogurt until a dough forms.
- Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead 1–2 minutes until smooth.
- Divide dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll into balls and place in the baking dish.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and rolls are puffed.
- Optional: Brush warm rolls with melted butter for a soft, glossy finish.
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