There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread rolls wafting through your home. These Classic Homemade Bread Rolls are soft, buttery, and wonderfully fluffy, perfect for pairing with any meal or enjoying on their own. This recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and easy techniques, making it ideal even for beginners in baking. Whether you’re making dinner rolls for a family gathering, a holiday meal, or just to elevate your daily bread, this recipe will be a delightful addition to your repertoire.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• Warm Water: 1 cup (110°F/43°C)
• Granulated Sugar: 2 tablespoons
• Active Dry Yeast: 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet)
• All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups (plus more for kneading)
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted
• Milk: 1 cup (warmed to room temperature)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and gently stir. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes foamy. This shows that the yeast is active and ready to use.
2. Mix the Dough
   • Add the all-purpose flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Pour in the melted butter and warmed milk, and stir until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
3. Knead the Dough
   • Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes. The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. If it sticks to your hands, sprinkle a little more flour and continue kneading.
4. First Rise
   • Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Shape the Rolls
   • Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces (or 16 for smaller rolls) and shape each piece into a smooth ball.
6. Second Rise
   • Arrange the dough balls in a greased baking dish or on a lined baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each roll. Cover with a towel and let the rolls rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until they have puffed up and nearly doubled in size.
7. Bake the Rolls
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 15-20 minutes or until the tops are golden brown. Brush the tops with additional melted butter for a shiny, buttery finish.
8. Cool and Serve
   • Let the rolls cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm with butter, or use them as a base for sliders, sandwiches, or as a side for soups and salads.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per roll, based on 12 rolls)

• Calories: 150
• Total Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 5mg
• Sodium: 170mg
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 4g

Note: Nutrition values can vary based on the exact ingredients and portion size.

Tips for Making the Perfect Homemade Bread Rolls

1. Activate the Yeast Properly: Make sure the water temperature is just right (around 110°F/43°C). Water that’s too hot can kill the yeast, while water that’s too cool won’t activate it properly.
2. Don’t Rush the Rise: Rising times may vary depending on the room temperature. Allow the dough to rise fully for fluffy, airy rolls. If you’re in a cold environment, try placing the dough in an oven with the light on to create a warm space.
3. Knead Until Elastic: Proper kneading develops the gluten in the dough, resulting in a soft and chewy texture. If kneading by hand, aim for about 8-10 minutes. If you’re using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed for about 5-6 minutes.
4. Brush with Butter: Brushing the rolls with melted butter both before and after baking adds flavor and gives them a soft, golden crust.
5. Experiment with Add-Ins: Try adding fresh herbs like rosemary, grated cheese, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top of each roll for added flavor and variety.

FAQs

1. Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, shape the rolls, let them come to room temperature, and allow for the second rise before baking.

2. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. Instant yeast doesn’t need to be dissolved in water first, so you can add it directly to the dry ingredients. The rise times may be slightly shorter with instant yeast.

3. Can I freeze these rolls?

Absolutely! These rolls freeze well. Bake and cool them completely before storing in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven for a few minutes.

4. What if my dough is too sticky?

If the dough is too sticky, add more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a soft, tacky consistency. Be careful not to add too much flour, as this can result in dense rolls.

5. Can I make these rolls dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute plant-based milk and use oil or a dairy-free butter alternative instead of butter.

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store the rolls in an airtight container or bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them soft, add a piece of parchment paper in the container to absorb moisture.
• Freezing: After baking, allow the rolls to cool completely, then freeze them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature or bake at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.
• Reheating: If you want that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste, pop the rolls in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes or in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds.

Conclusion

These Classic Homemade Bread Rolls are incredibly versatile, soft, and flavorful, making them the perfect addition to any meal. With a simple list of ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can make bakery-quality rolls right in your kitchen. Whether enjoyed warm with a pat of butter, used to make mini sandwiches, or served alongside a hot bowl of soup, these rolls are sure to become a favorite staple. Baking bread from scratch is a satisfying experience, and the reward of biting into a fluffy homemade roll is well worth the effort. Try this recipe for your next meal, and enjoy the comforting goodness of freshly baked bread!