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These quick 30 minute dinner rolls transform humble pantry ingredients into fluffy, golden pillows perfect for any meal. I turn to this recipe whenever I crave fresh bread without waiting hours for dough to rise or making complicated doughs by hand. The results are soft with just a hint of sweetness and a comforting aroma that fills your kitchen.
I first tested this recipe after a long Monday when I forgot to pick up bread and my kids were asking for rolls. Now it is on our weekly dinner rotation and always disappears quickly.
Gather Your Ingredients
- Warm water: Essential for activating the yeast. Make sure it is just warm to the touch and not hot so you do not kill the yeast
- Sugar: Feeds the yeast and gives a subtle sweetness. Plain white sugar works perfectly here
- Active dry yeast: Drives the rise and fluffiness. Look for fine granules and check that your packet is not expired
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the crumb soft and makes shaping easier. Use any mild oil like canola or sunflower
- Salt: Balances flavor and enhances the dough. Opt for fine sea salt to blend evenly
- Egg: Binds the dough and enriches its taste. Pick a fresh large egg
- All purpose flour: Gives structure with an ideal tender crumb. Use unbleached flour for best flavor and check that it is fresh
How to Make It
- Line the Pan:
- Prepare your baking pan by lining a 9 by 13 inch dish with parchment paper or lightly greasing it. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy
- Proof the Yeast:
- In the bowl of your stand mixer combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit undisturbed for 2 to 5 minutes until it looks foamy and bubbly. This step ensures your yeast is alive and ready to make the dough rise
- Mix the Dough:
- Add the oil, salt, egg, and flour one cup at a time to the yeast mixture. Using the stand mixer, mix until everything is incorporated. Let the machine knead the dough for about 4 minutes. The dough should be soft but not very sticky. Avoid adding extra flour here or your rolls will turn out dense
- Shape the Rolls:
- Spray your hands lightly with baking spray, which makes shaping easier and prevents sticking. Pinch off pieces of dough and roll into 15 equal balls. Place each ball gently in your prepared pan
- First Rise:
- Cover the filled pan with a clean dish towel. Place it somewhere warm. If your oven is preheating you can set the pan on top to catch the gentle heat. Let the rolls puff up while the oven warms
- Bake the Rolls:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the rolls have risen and the oven is hot, bake for about 20 minutes until the tops turn golden brown. Resist opening the oven door too early so they bake evenly
This recipe brings back memories of lazy Sunday afternoons when my family would gather around the table to carve roast chicken. The smell of these rolls baking would always draw everyone to the kitchen for a taste test before dinner.
Flavor Boosters
Finish with melted butter for extra flavor. Try adding a pinch of dried herbs like rosemary or thyme for a savory note, or brush the tops with honey for a touch of sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
These rolls pair perfectly with hearty soups, salads, or classic roast dinners. For breakfast, try splitting and toasting them, then adding jam or whipped honey. They also make excellent mini sandwiches for leftover turkey or ham.
Creative Twists
Swap half of the flour for whole wheat to make them heartier. For a dairy-free version, use oil and skip any butter garnish. Bread flour can also be used for an even chewier texture.
No matter how busy your day, these easy dinner rolls will bring everyone to the table. They are sure to become a favorite side at your family's meals.
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → How do I make dinner rolls rise faster?
Let the dough rise in a warm place, such as on top of a preheating oven. This speeds up yeast activity, helping the rolls rise quickly and bake up fluffy.
- → Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast. Mix it directly with the dry ingredients. The rise time may be even shorter, but the results will be similar.
- → What makes these dinner rolls so soft?
Using warm water, vegetable oil, and egg in the dough keeps the rolls tender and introduces richness, while not adding excess flour prevents dense results.
- → How do I shape dinner rolls easily?
Spray or oil your hands before dividing the dough into balls. This makes shaping easier, prevents sticking, and helps achieve smooth, round rolls.
- → How do I store leftover dinner rolls?
Cool completely, then keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. For longer storage, freeze and reheat as needed.