There is something so comforting about the smell of fresh bread baking in the oven. It fills the whole house with warmth. But often, making homemade rolls feels like an all day project. All that waiting for dough to rise can be a real hassle.
What if I told you that you could have warm, pillowy Soft Dinner Rolls on your table in about 30 minutes? It sounds too good to be true, but this Quick Yeast Dinner Rolls (Ready in 30 Minutes!) recipe is the real deal. It’s simple, fast, and gives you amazing results every single time.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First and foremost, these rolls are fast. Seriously fast. You get all the satisfaction of working with yeast without the long waiting periods. This makes them a fantastic addition to any weeknight meal when you are short on time.
The texture is absolutely wonderful. We are talking incredibly Soft Dinner Rolls that are light, airy, and just melt in your mouth. They pull apart beautifully and are perfect for soaking up sauces or just enjoying with a bit of butter.
This is a great beginner recipe. If you have been intimidated by baking with yeast, this is the perfect place to start. The steps are straightforward and the dough is very forgiving. You do not need any fancy equipment either.
Finally, these Quick Dinner Rolls are so versatile. Serve them alongside a hearty soup, a big family pasta dinner, or use them to make small sandwiches the next day. They truly fit in anywhere.
Ingredients
The ingredients for this bread rolls recipe are simple pantry staples. You likely have most of them on hand already. Here is what you will need to gather.
- 1 cup warm water
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 1 tablespoon pure butter or plant based butter, softened
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 to 4 cups all purpose flour (start with 3 cups and add more as needed)
- ⅛ cup milk, room temperature
A quick note on the water temperature. It should be warm to the touch, like a comfortable bath. If it is too hot, it can harm the yeast. If it is too cold, the yeast might not activate properly.
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to get baking? Let’s walk through how to make these wonderful Quick Yeast Dinner Rolls (Ready in 30 Minutes!). It is easier than you think.
Step 1: Get The Oven Ready And Activate The Yeast
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F or 204°C. While it is heating up, grab a large bowl. Combine the warm water, vegetable oil, sugar, and active dry yeast. Give it a gentle stir and then let it sit for about 8 minutes.
You will know the yeast is working when the mixture gets foamy and bubbly on top. This step is super important because it proves your yeast is alive and ready to make your rolls rise.
Step 2: Mix The Wet Ingredients
Once your yeast mixture is looking bubbly, it is time to add the other wet ingredients. Stir in the beaten egg, the softened butter, and the salt. Mix everything together until it is well combined. The softened butter should mix in easily.
Step 3: Add The Flour
Now for the flour. Whether you are using a stand mixer with a dough hook or just a wooden spoon, start adding the flour one cup at a time. Begin with 3 cups and mix until a soft dough starts to form.
The dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl. If it still feels very sticky, add a little more flour, a few tablespoons at a time, until it is soft but not sticky to the touch.
Step 4: Knead The Dough
Kneading develops the gluten in the flour, which gives the bread rolls recipe its structure and chew. If you are using a stand mixer, let it knead the dough for about 5 minutes.
If you are kneading by hand, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 10 minutes, pushing and folding the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. It is a great little workout.
Step 5: Shape And Rise
Divide the dough into 18 even pieces. I like to roll the dough into a log and cut it, but you can also just pinch off pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball. Place the balls into a greased baking pan.
Cover the pan with a piece of parchment paper and then a clean kitchen towel. Let the rolls rise in a warm spot for just 10 minutes. This short rise is the key to these Quick Dinner Rolls. You can let them rise longer if you have time, up to 40 minutes for even fluffier rolls.
Step 6: Bake To Golden Brown
After the short rise, gently brush the tops of the rolls with milk. This will give them a lovely golden color and a soft crust. Place the pan on the middle rack of your preheated oven.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You are looking for a light golden brown color on top. They will look and smell amazing. Once they are done, you can brush them with melted butter for an extra touch of flavor.
How To Store Leftovers
If you are lucky enough to have any leftover rolls, storing them is easy. Let the rolls cool completely to room temperature before you store them. This prevents them from getting soggy.
Place the cooled rolls in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. They will stay fresh at room temperature for about 2 to 3 days. There is no need to refrigerate them, as that can actually make them go stale faster.
For longer storage, these rolls freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them inside a freezer safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, just let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven.
Tips
Want to make your dinner rolls even better? Here are a few handy tips to keep in mind for this bread rolls recipe.
- Add Some Herbs: Feel free to mix in some dried herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough for extra flavor. A little bit of garlic powder is also a great addition.
- Watch The Flour: The amount of flour you need can vary based on humidity and your brand of flour. Always start with the lower amount and add more only as needed to get a soft, workable dough.
- Warm Rising Spot: A great place for your rolls to rise is on top of your preheating oven. The gentle warmth helps give the yeast a little boost.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough, shape the rolls, and then cover and refrigerate them before the final rise. Just let them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking.
- Shiny Tops: For a shinier crust, you can use an egg wash instead of milk. Just beat one egg with a tablespoon of water and brush it on the rolls before baking.
Conclusion
And there you have it. Delicious, homemade rolls that are ready in a flash. This Quick Yeast Dinner Rolls (Ready in 30 Minutes!) recipe proves that you do not need hours to enjoy freshly baked bread at home. It is a straightforward recipe that delivers consistently amazing results.
These Soft Dinner Rolls are sure to become a new family favorite. They are the perfect finishing touch to any meal and so satisfying to make from scratch. So go ahead, give this recipe a try and fill your home with the wonderful aroma of baking bread.
FAQ
Can I Use A Different Type Of Flour?
Yes, you can experiment. Bread flour will give you a slightly chewier roll. You could also substitute about one cup of all purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture. You may need to adjust the total liquid slightly.
My Yeast Did Not Get Bubbly. What Went Wrong?
This usually happens for two reasons. The most common is that the water was too hot and it harmed the yeast. The other possibility is that your yeast is old or expired. It is always a good idea to check the date on your yeast packet.
Can I Make These Rolls Ahead Of Time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the dough and shape the rolls. Then, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then brush with milk and bake as directed.
Do I Need A Stand Mixer?
Not at all. A stand mixer makes the kneading process a bit faster, but you can absolutely make this bread rolls recipe by hand. Kneading by hand is a relaxing process and helps you get a good feel for the dough.
How Do I Know When The Rolls Are Fully Baked?
The most reliable sign is a beautiful, light golden brown color across the tops of the rolls. You can also gently tap on the top of a roll. If it sounds hollow, it is a good indicator that they are done baking all the way through.
Quick 30-Minute Dinner Rolls
Enjoy warm, fluffy homemade dinner rolls in about 30 minutes. This simple, beginner-friendly recipe yields soft, light rolls that are perfect for any weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). In a large bowl, combine the warm water, vegetable oil, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 8 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
- Stir the beaten egg, softened butter, and salt into the yeast mixture until well combined.
- Gradually add 3 cups of flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour, a few tablespoons at a time, until it is soft and manageable.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes (or in a stand mixer for 5 minutes) until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Divide the dough into 18 even pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place them in a greased baking pan. Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place for 10 minutes.
- Gently brush the tops of the rolls with milk. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until light golden brown. For an extra touch, brush with melted butter after baking.
Notes
For extra flavor, mix dried herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough with the flour.
For a shinier crust, use an egg wash (one egg beaten with a tablespoon of water) instead of milk before baking.
The dough can be prepared ahead. Shape the rolls, cover, and refrigerate. Let them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking.
Nutrition
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