Best soft dinner rolls recipe

French

Soft, fluffy, and irresistibly buttery, these dinner rolls are the perfect addition to any meal.

With their golden crust and pillowy texture, they melt in your mouth, offering a warm and comforting bite every time.

Golden baked brioche-style dinner rolls, soft and fluffy, with one roll opened to reveal its light and airy crumb

BEST Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe

Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, these soft and fluffy dinner rolls are guaranteed to impress.

Made with simple ingredients and a foolproof recipe, they’re easy to bake and even easier to devour. Get ready to elevate your table with this delicious classic!

This recipe has been my trusted favorite for years, consistently delivering the softest, fluffiest, and most buttery dinner rolls imaginable.

What makes it even more special is its simplicity—both in ingredients and process. With a streamlined ingredient list, this recipe is wonderfully accessible, even for those new to baking.

The dough is incredibly versatile and can be prepared effortlessly by hand or with a stand mixer, giving you flexibility based on your preference and kitchen setup.

On top of that, it’s a lifesaver during the holidays when you’re juggling multiple dishes and need a reliable recipe that doesn’t require constant attention.

The rolls bake up perfectly golden and soft every single time, filling your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of homemade bread.

Homemade soft dinner rolls, golden brown from the oven, arranged side by side on a red and white checkered cloth

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I know how disappointing it can be to try a bread recipe and end up with rolls that are hard or dry.

But with this recipe, that’s a thing of the past! These dinner rolls turn out light, fluffy, and unbelievably soft.

I use simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, and the method is straightforward enough for anyone to follow.

Just follow my tips, and you’ll have perfect dinner rolls every time!

Tray of homemade soft dinner rolls, golden and shiny, placed side by side on a red and white checkered cloth

Ingredients for the Best Homemade Soft Dinner Rolls

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour – The main base of the dough, providing structure and texture.
  • 1 packet instant yeast – Helps the dough rise, creating a light and airy crumb.
  • ¼ cup potato flakes – (use instant mashed potato flakes) Makes the rolls extra soft and helps retain freshness.
  • 3 tablespoons powdered milk – Adds a subtle sweetness and enriches the texture of the bread.
  • 1 tablespoon sugar – Feeds the yeast and brings a hint of sweetness.
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt – Enhances flavor and balances the taste.
  • 4 tablespoons softened butter – Brings tenderness and a rich, buttery flavor.
  • ⅔ cup warm water – Adjust as needed depending on the dough’s texture (you may need a little more).
  • ½ cup warm milk – Complements hydration and softens the crumb.

Well-risen bread dough in a bread machine, ready to be shaped after fermentation

Step by step to make dinner buns ?

1- Combine all the ingredients until the dough comes together.

  • Kneading by hand: Knead for about 15 minutes until the dough is very soft. It may stick to your hands, so use the butter sparingly to help knead and detach it from your hands.
  • Using a mixer: Knead for about 7 minutes.
  • Using a bread machine: Select the dough program and let the machine handle it while you relax!

If kneading by hand or with a mixer, shape the dough into a ball, place it in a buttered container, and let it rise until it doubles in size (about 60–90 minutes).

2- Once risen, gently punch down the dough to remove air and divide it into 16 pieces to form 16 buns.

3- Lightly butter 23 cm (9-inch) baking pans. Arrange the buns as desired:

  • For buns that stick together, place them close in the pan.
  • For separate buns, use larger pans for more space between them.

4- Cover the pans and let the buns rise again until they are puffy and touching each other (about 60–90 minutes).

5- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).Bake the buns for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown.

6- Remove from the oven and immediately brush the buns with 1–2 tablespoons of melted butter for a shiny, irresistible finish.

Steps in making homemade dinner rolls: dough balls arranged in round and square pans, shown before and after rising

How to Store Soft Dinner Rolls

This is a question I get asked often—and I totally get it! Here are my best tips to keep your rolls tender and flavorful for days:

  • At room temperature: Place the rolls in an airtight freezer bag or wrap them in a clean kitchen towel. They’ll stay fresh for 2 to 3 days.
  • In the freezer: For longer storage, freeze the rolls as soon as they’ve completely cooled. Store them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
  • Bonus tip: To bring back that soft, fluffy texture, pop the rolls in the microwave for a few seconds, covered with a damp paper towel. It works like magic!

Homemade soft dinner rolls, golden from the oven and displayed on a red and white checkered cloth, with one roll opened to reveal a light, airy crumb

how to serve dinner rolls

Dinner rolls are versatile and can be served in various ways to complement any meal. Here are some ideas:

Classic Pairings :

  • With Butter: Serve warm rolls with softened butter, either plain or flavored with herbs, honey, or garlic.
  • With Dips: Pair with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, garlic aioli, or a creamy cheese spread for a delicious starter.

As a Side Dish :

  • Perfect for soaking up hearty broths, or creamy soups like this Green lentil creamy soup.
  • A must-have alongside roasted turkey, lamb, or beef, with gravy or cranberry sauce for added flavor.
  • Pair with grilled meats, salads, and barbecue sides for a well-rounded meal.

Creative Uses

  • Mini Sandwiches: Slice rolls and fill with deli meats, cheeses, or veggies for sliders or breakfast sandwiches.
  • Stuffed Rolls: Hollow out and fill with savory options like cheese and herbs or sweet choices like Nutella or jam.
  • Breakfast Side: Serve with scrambled eggs, shakshuka, or as part of a brunch buffet.

Homemade soft dinner rolls, golden from the oven and beautifully presented in a wicker basket lined with paper towels

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Soft dinner rolls

Dinner rolls easy recipe


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  • Author: Amour de cuisine
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 16 rolls

Description

Soft, fluffy, and irresistibly buttery, these dinner rolls are the perfect addition to any meal.


Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet instant yeast
  • 1/4 cup potato starch or instant dried mashed potato
  • 3 tablespoons dried milk
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 tablespoons softened butter
  • 1 cup warm water more or less, depending on the flour’s quality
  • 1/2 cup warm milk


Instructions

  • Combine all the ingredients until the dough comes together.
  • Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a buttered container, and let it rise until it doubles in size (about 60–90 minutes).
  • Once risen, gently punch down the dough to remove air and divide it into 16 pieces to form 16 buns.
  • Lightly butter 23 cm (9-inch) baking pans. Arrange the buns as desired:
  • – For buns that stick together, place them close in the pan.
  • – For separate buns, use larger pans for more space between them.
  • Cover the pans and let the buns rise again until they are puffy and touching each other (about 60–90 minutes).
  • Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).Bake the buns for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven and immediately brush the buns with 1–2 tablespoons of melted butter for a shiny, irresistible finish.
  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 15 min
  • Category: bread

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bun
  • Calories: 145 kcal

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