Nothing elevates a meal quite like freshly baked dinner rolls. Soft, fluffy, and slightly buttery, these Easy Bread Machine Dinner Rolls are the perfect addition to any dinner table. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday feast or just want to impress your family on a regular weeknight, this recipe is a foolproof way to get homemade rolls with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is ideal for busy home cooks who want fresh bread without spending hours kneading and proofing. The bread machine does the heavy lifting, mixing and kneading the dough to perfection. You only need to shape the rolls and let them rise before baking them to golden perfection.
These rolls are soft, slightly sweet, and incredibly versatile. They pair well with soups, stews, or even as a base for sliders. Plus, they are freezer-friendly, making meal prep a breeze.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup water
- 3 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 3 ½ cups White Lily All Purpose Wheat Flour (or more as needed)
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 ¼ teaspoons salt
- 1 (0.25-ounce) package dried active yeast
- Crisco Original No-Stick Cooking Spray
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Bread machine
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoon
- Serrated knife or pizza cutter
- Baking pan (13×9-inch)
- Cooking spray
- Wire cooling rack
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough in the Bread Machine
Place water, butter, egg, 3 cups of flour, sugar, salt, and yeast into the bread machine pan in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Select the Dough/Manual cycle. During the initial mixing cycle, open the lid and scrape down the sides as needed. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add additional flour until a soft, pliable dough forms.
Step 2: Shape the Rolls
Once the dough cycle is complete, remove the dough from the bread machine pan and place it on a lightly floured surface. Coat a 13×9-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. Pat the dough into a rectangle and cut it into 15 equal pieces using a pizza cutter or serrated knife. Roll each piece into a ball and place them evenly in the prepared pan.
Step 3: Let the Rolls Rise
Cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise in a warm place until they have doubled in size, about 35 to 45 minutes.
Step 4: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the rolls have risen, uncover them and bake for about 15 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Tips for the Best Dinner Rolls
- Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the dough mix evenly and rise better.
- Don’t over-flour the dough: A soft dough creates the fluffiest rolls.
- Check the dough consistency: Depending on humidity, you may need to add a little more or less flour.
- Let the dough rise in a warm spot: If your kitchen is cold, place the covered dough in an oven with the light on or near a warm stovetop.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Storing Leftovers
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep in an airtight bag for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap rolls in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- Oven: Warm at 300°F for 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat for 10-15 seconds for a quick fix.
Variations & Substitutions
- Whole Wheat Rolls: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
- Herb Butter Rolls: Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder and dried herbs before baking.
- Cheese Rolls: Mix in shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese for a cheesy twist.
- Sweet Rolls: Increase the sugar to ½ cup and add a cinnamon-sugar topping.
Food & Drink Pairings
These dinner rolls are incredibly versatile! Here are some delicious pairings:
- Soups & Stews: Pair with classic chicken noodle soup, creamy tomato bisque, or hearty beef stew.
- Holiday Dinners: Serve alongside turkey, ham, or prime rib.
- Sliders: Use these rolls as mini buns for pulled pork or ham and cheese sliders.
- Breakfast: Slice in half, toast, and spread with butter and jam for a quick morning treat.
FAQ
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! If using instant yeast, you can skip dissolving it in water and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
How do I know if my dough has the right consistency?
The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but pull away from the sides of the bread machine pan easily.
What if I don’t have a bread machine?
You can knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer using a dough hook. Let it rise in a warm place until doubled, then follow the remaining steps.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! After shaping the rolls, cover and refrigerate overnight. Let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
How do I make these rolls extra soft?
Brushing the rolls with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven helps keep them extra soft and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
These Easy Bread Machine Dinner Rolls are a game-changer for home bakers who want delicious, homemade bread with minimal effort. Perfect for holidays, special dinners, or even casual weeknights, they’re guaranteed to be a hit at your table.
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