Why You’ll Love Dinner Rolls Recipe
These dinner rolls are wonderfully straightforward and deliver impressive results without a long ingredient list. The dough is easy to work with, the rolls bake into neat individual portions, and their mild flavor pairs well with almost any meal. They are ideal when you want fresh bread on the table that feels special but does not require complicated steps.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
325 g water
7 g instant dry yeast
500 g hard flour, plus extra for the bowl and work surface
10 g salt
Directions
Add the water and instant dry yeast to the bowl of a stand mixer. Whisk them together well until the yeast dissolves.
Add the flour and salt, then knead with the dough hook until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If needed, lightly flour the bowl or work surface to help manage the dough, but avoid adding too much extra flour.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured bowl, cover it, and let it rise until puffy and doubled.
Move the dough to a lightly floured work surface and use a rolling pin to shape it into a 25×25 cm square.
Cut the dough into 16 equal square pieces and transfer them to a baking pan, leaving a little space between each one.
Cover the pieces and let them rise again until slightly puffed.
Score the top of each roll with a sharp knife.
Place a pan of water on the lower rack of the oven to create steam, then bake the rolls until golden and cooked through.
Serve warm with butter, olive oil, or your favorite spread.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 16 dinner rolls.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Waiting time: 90 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Variations
You can sprinkle the tops with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or flaky salt before baking for extra texture and flavor.
For a more aromatic version, brush the warm rolls with olive oil infused with rosemary or thyme.
To make them a little softer and shinier, brush the tops lightly with water before baking.
You can also shape the dough into slightly rounder buns instead of keeping them square if you prefer a more classic dinner roll appearance.
Storage/Reheating
Store the cooled rolls in an airtight container or bag at room temperature for up to 2 days.
For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
To reheat, warm them in a 160°C oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. You can also wrap them in foil before reheating to keep them extra soft.
FAQs
Can I make these dinner rolls without a stand mixer?
Yes. You can mix the ingredients in a large bowl and knead the dough by hand until it becomes smooth and elastic.
What type of flour works best for this recipe?
Hard flour works best because it helps create structure and gives the rolls a nice chewy softness.
Can I use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, but you will need to convert the amount properly. Fresh yeast usually requires a larger quantity than instant dry yeast.
Why do the rolls need two rises?
The first rise develops the dough and flavor, while the second rise helps create a lighter texture before baking.
Why is a pan of water placed in the oven?
The steam helps the rolls bake with a better texture and prevents the crust from becoming too dry too quickly.
Can I shape these into round rolls?
Yes. You can divide the dough into 16 portions and shape each one into a round ball instead of cutting squares.
How do I know when the rolls are done?
They should be lightly golden on top and feel set when touched. The bottoms should also have a light golden color.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes. After kneading, you can refrigerate the dough for several hours or overnight, then bring it back toward room temperature before shaping.
What can I serve with these rolls?
They go well with soups, salads, roasted meats, pasta dishes, and holiday meals. They are also delicious with butter or herb-infused olive oil.
Can I freeze the baked rolls?
Yes. Let them cool completely, then freeze them in a tightly sealed bag or container. Reheat after thawing for the best texture.
Conclusion
These dinner rolls are a great example of how a few simple ingredients can turn into something incredibly comforting and delicious. With their soft interior, light crust, and easy method, they are the kind of homemade bread recipe you will want to make again and again. Whether you serve them at a holiday feast or an everyday dinner, they bring warmth and freshness to the table every time.
Dinner Rolls
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and fluffy individual dinner rolls, perfect for serving alongside any meal. These Greek-style bread rolls have a light texture and a golden crust.
Ingredients
- 500 g all-purpose flour
- 7 g dry yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 300 ml lukewarm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 egg (for brushing)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the lukewarm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until activated.
- Add the flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Divide the dough into small equal portions and shape into rolls.
- Place the rolls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can sprinkle sesame seeds or herbs on top before baking for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Freeze baked rolls for longer storage and reheat before serving.
- Use whole wheat flour for a healthier variation, adjusting water as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
