Learn how to make these homemade, fluffy, pull-apart dinner rolls, which are soft, buttery, and perfect for any meal. This easy recipe with simple ingredients will impress their family and guests.
These dinner rolls use simple pantry ingredients you might already have. From serving a classic meatloaf dinner to a feast with holiday ham and all the fixings. These homemade pull-apart rolls are always a hit.
You can pair your rolls with butter, or take it to another level and pair with honey butter, cinnamon butter, or even your favorite jam or jelly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for bread beginners: Simple ingredients and straightforward techniques make this an approachable recipe.
- Make-ahead options: Prep the dough ahead of time for stress-free entertaining.
- Great for a double batch: This recipe can be easily scaled up for larger gatherings.
Recipe Ingredients
All-Purpose Flour: Use bread flour or experiment with different flour blends. I sometimes substitute up to 50% with whole wheat flour for a heartier roll.
Yeast: Active dry yeast or quick-rise/instant yeast both work well. I used quick-rise, but you can use active dry. Activating it is not necessary.
Water: The water temperature is critical. Too hot will kill the yeast, and too cold will not activate it.
Sugar: Sugar feeds the yeast and adds a slight sweetness to the bread. Honey can be used as a substitute.
Salt: Use kosher salt to enhance flavor and control gluten development. Table salt can also be used at a reduced amount.
Olive Oil: Adds moisture and tenderness to the dough.
Egg: Helps create a soft, fluffy, enriched dough.
Recipe Tips
- Watch dough consistency. Adding too much flour creates tough rolls.
- Make sure your water is warm and under 110 degrees, or it will kill off the yeast, and cause your dough to not rise.
- If your yeast is not fresh it can die, and it will not bubble and foam and allow your rolls to rise.
- Brush the rolls with egg wash for golden brown tops.
- Ensure you allow time for the dough to rise, otherwise, you will not have that super fluffy and light roll.
- For even rolls you can go the extra step and weight each dough ball to ensure they are the same size.
- Use a bench scraper for easy dough handling.
Storage & Reheating
Storage
Room Temperature: Store them in an airtight container for 2 days.
Refrigerator: Place them in a freezer bag for up to 5 days.
Freezer: I like to wrap them individually in foil and then place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Room Temperature Rolls: Warm them in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.
Refrigerated Rolls: Bring them to room temperature, then warm them for 7-8 minutes.
Frozen Rolls: Thaw them overnight, then warm them for 10 minutes.
Substitutions and Variations
- Flour: Use bread flour for a chewier texture or a mixture of whole wheat and bread flour.
- Water: Warm milk can be used instead.
- Oil: Any neutral oil or melted butter works.
- Sugar: Substitute it with honey, maple syrup, or agave.
- Yeast: You can use an instant yeast which requires no proofing which reduces the time of the first rise by up to 10 minutes.
- Egg: You can replace the egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce if you would like.
- Herbs and Spices: Mix in your favorite spices or herbs like rosemary or thyme, along with garlic for added flavor.
- Cheesy: Want a cheese roll? Add in 1/3 to 1/2 cup shredded cheese for a cheesy roll. Mix in the dough before you roll and let it rise. Cheddar, mozzarella or even parmesan are all great options.
So soft and buttery, if you’re looking for the best homemade dinner rolls that are soft, fluffy, and buttery, this is the recipe for you! These rolls come together easily, and the best part?
You don’t need any fancy ingredients—just simple pantry staples. Perfect for holidays, family dinners, or just because, these pull-apart rolls have a golden, buttery top and the most pillowy texture inside. Plus, they make your kitchen smell amazing while they bake!
Your Questions Answered
Can I freeze the shaped rolls before baking?
Yes, freeze them after shaping. I recommend thawing them overnight and allowing them to rise before baking. Then you will bake as directed. You might add a few extra minutes if you feel the rolls are not fully baked.
What’s the best way to make these ahead for a holiday meal?
Prepare the dough the day before, refrigerate it after the first rise, then shape and bake it the next day. That way you still have fresh rolls. You can then wrap the rolls in aluminum foil and warm them up for a few minutes in the oven for a fresh-out-of-the-oven style roll.
You can pair these rolls with your favorite ham, pea salad, funeral potatoes, or any other dishes you might be whipping up. These rolls are versatile.
What if I don’t have a stand mixer?
Knead the dough by hand in the bowl or on a floured work surface for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth. You don’t have to have a mixer, it just takes more work to make them without.
How do I know when they’re done?
The internal temperature of the rolls should reach 190°F, and the tops should be golden brown. You will also find that when you pull the rolls apart they are fluffy and cooked all the way through, and no dough shows.
More Bread Recipes
Pull Apart Dinner Rolls
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour plus up to 1/4 cup more as needed
- 2 tablespoons active dry yeast or rapid rise yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 cups warm water 110°F/45°C
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Extra flour for work surface
Instructions
- In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, yeast, salt, sugar, egg, warm water, and oil using clean hands or a dough hook. Mix until a soft dough forms, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and place it in a warm spot. Let the dough rise until it doubles in size, about 20 minutes.
- Once the dough has doubled, gently deflate it, then turn it out onto a work surface. You can flour the surface if needed.
- Using a bench scraper, divide the dough into 12 equal pieces (approximately 78 grams each). Gently shape them into smooth balls.
- Place the dough balls into a 9×13-inch baking pan, spacing them evenly. Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel.
- Let the rolls rise in a warm spot until they have doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the rack in the center.
- Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Their internal temperature should reach 190°F (88°C) for fully baked rolls. Cover them with aluminum foil if they are browning too quickly.
- Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy!
Equipment
Did you make this recipe?
Make sure to follow on Pinterest for more recipes!
Leave A Reply!