Irresistible Dinner Rolls Alrightwithme

Soft pillowy dinner rolls are the ultimate comfort food alongside any meal and this recipe delivers every time with just the right touch of sweetness and golden buttery tops These rolls come together with simple ingredients and always disappear fast at my table whether I am serving family weekend chicken soup or a holiday spread

On a cold night I first made these to go with a big pot of chili and the scent brought everyone running into the kitchen They quickly became my go to for every holiday table

Gather Your Ingredients

• Water: just warm activates the yeast but not too hot Quality tap or filtered water works
• Butter: melted for the dough and brushing adds richness Choose real unsalted butter for best flavor
• Milk: gives extra softness plus tenderness in the crumb Whole milk is ideal
• Honey: brings subtle sweetness and helps brown the tops Use local raw honey if possible
• Active dry yeast: makes the rolls rise Look for fresh yeast that smells pleasant
• All purpose flour: the base for structure Make sure flour is fresh and not compacted
• Fine sea salt: brings out flavor and helps the yeast Work with any fine salt
• Extra melted butter: for brushing gets those shiny flavorful tops Use unsalted

How to Make It

Proof the Yeast:

Sprinkle yeast over just warm water in a large mixing bowl Let it sit for five minutes until it looks foamy on top A gentle stir helps dissolve stubborn bits This ensures your yeast is alive and your rolls will rise

Mix Wet Ingredients:

Add melted butter milk and honey to the yeast mixture Stir to combine fully making sure the honey does not settle at the bottom The mix should look creamy and uniform

Add Dry Ingredients:

Stir in salt and three and a half cups flour Add more flour only as needed until a soft sticky dough forms The dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl but still feel tacky Avoid over flouring as this keeps rolls light

Knead the Dough:

Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface Knead by hand for eight to ten minutes until smooth and elastic The dough should bounce back when gently pressed Kneading builds structure and fluffy texture

First Rise:

Place dough in a clean oiled bowl Cover with a cloth or plastic wrap Let rise in a warm spot until doubled about thirty to forty minutes This step makes your rolls light and airy

Shape the Rolls:

Punch down the risen dough and divide into twelve even pieces Roll each into a ball and set in a buttered baking dish Place snugly for pull apart sides

Second Rise:

Cover dish loosely and let rolls rise again until nearly doubled about twenty minutes This gives a softer texture and higher lift

Bake:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F Bake rolls fifteen to twenty five minutes until deep golden brown and rolls sound hollow when tapped on top Rotate dish as needed for even browning

Brush and Serve:

As soon as rolls come out brush tops with more melted butter for shine and flavor Cool a few minutes in the pan Serve warm for the softest texture

I always look forward to brushing the warm tops with butter right out of the oven Honey and butter melting together is my favorite memory from making these rolls with my kids They love sneaking into the kitchen just as they are done for a warm bite

Flavor Boosters

You can use instant yeast just skip the blooming step and mix straight into the flour If you need dairy free swap in a neutral oil and nondairy milk like oat or almond For a savory twist replace honey with a drizzle of olive oil

Serving Suggestions

Pair with soups stews salads or alongside any roast dinner Split and fill with ham and cheese for lunch The soft texture also makes these ideal for little sliders at parties

Creative Twists

In spring add chopped chives to the dough for a hint of green In autumn brush with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar before baking For festive holidays tuck small cubes of cheese in the center of each roll before shaping for a melty surprise

These rolls never last long and always bring smiles Serve them warm and enjoy every soft buttery bite

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ What makes these rolls extra soft?

The combined use of milk, melted butter, and honey ensures a soft, tender crumb, while kneading develops the dough's structure for light, fluffy rolls.

→ Can I prepare these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can shape the dough and refrigerate overnight. Let them rise at room temperature before baking for best texture and flavor.

→ Is it possible to substitute honey?

If you prefer, substitute honey with sugar or maple syrup, adjusting for sweetness to maintain the rolls’ soft and moist consistency.

→ What flour works best for these rolls?

All-purpose flour delivers the right balance of texture and structure, making the rolls airy yet substantial.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Once cooled, store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for two days, or freeze for longer shelf life.