The Ultimate Soft Everything Dinner Rolls: Fluffy, Buttery & Irresistible
Prepare to be amazed by these Soft Everything Dinner Rolls! They are truly the BEST – incredibly light, wonderfully fluffy, and perfectly buttery, making them utterly irresistible. Ideal for your everyday mini-sandwiches, yet elegant enough to proudly grace your most festive holiday table, these rolls are a testament to the simple joy of homemade bread.
Discover Your New Favorite: The Best Soft Everything Dinner Rolls
Sometimes, the best things are worth waiting for, and these magnificent dinner rolls are no exception. I’ve been eager to share this recipe since last Thanksgiving, but held back intentionally. During the holiday season, with countless recipes flooding the internet, I wanted these rolls to truly shine and receive the attention they deserve. And now, just in time for your Easter dinner celebrations, Mother’s Day brunch, or simply a comforting weeknight meal, I’m thrilled to introduce you to your new go-to recipe: the ultra-fluffy, decadently buttery Soft Everything Dinner Rolls. As they say, better late than never, especially when the result is this spectacular!
The journey to perfecting these rolls began last year when I was tasked with bringing dinner rolls to my sister and brother-in-law’s Thanksgiving feast. With my nephew, a talented student from the Culinary Institute of America, among the guests, I knew I needed a recipe that was absolutely flawless and guaranteed to impress. The pressure was on to deliver something truly exceptional.
My search led me to the trusted Red Star Yeast website, where I stumbled upon their recipe for Homemade Dinner Rolls. As I meticulously read through the steps, a familiar name caught my eye at the bottom: Sally from Sally’s Baking Addiction. That was all the confirmation I needed. Sally’s recipes are renowned for their reliability and delicious outcomes, so I instantly knew this was the one. My only personal touch was to enhance these already perfect rolls with the irresistible flavor and texture of everything bagel seasoning, transforming them into something truly unique and unforgettable.
Since that initial holiday triumph, these dinner rolls have become a staple in my kitchen. I’ve made them countless times, experimenting with various toppings and flavors. Sometimes I keep them classic and plain, letting their inherent buttery goodness speak for itself. Other times, I embrace the savory crunch of the everything bagel seasoning, which adds a wonderful dimension. And for those moments when garlic calls, a simple garlic butter topping creates an incredibly aromatic and flavorful twist.
My culinary adventures with this dough don’t stop there! I’ve even ventured into sweeter territory, creating a delightful version with added cinnamon, walnuts, and raisins. While those sweet rolls are a story for another day, rest assured, that recipe will be making an appearance on the blog soon. The versatility of this base dough is truly remarkable, allowing for endless creative possibilities.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
There’s a special magic in baking bread from scratch, and this recipe for Soft Everything Dinner Rolls perfectly encapsulates that joy. You’ll be delighted to discover that you only need a handful of basic ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. The process, while requiring a bit of patience for the dough to rise, is incredibly rewarding. The aroma filling your kitchen as these rolls bake is simply intoxicating, a promise of the deliciousness to come.
Forget bland, store-bought rolls. These homemade treasures boast an unparalleled texture – light as air, incredibly soft, and with a delicate chew that melts in your mouth. The addition of everything bagel seasoning isn’t just a garnish; it infuses each roll with a savory, garlicky, and oniony crunch that elevates them from simple bread to a truly gourmet experience. Whether served alongside a hearty meal or enjoyed on their own, these rolls are guaranteed to impress and satisfy everyone at your table. They’re more than just bread; they’re an experience in comfort and flavor.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Rolls
Crafting these delectable rolls requires a precise balance of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that signature soft, fluffy, and buttery texture:
- Whole Milk: Warmed to the right temperature, it activates the yeast and contributes to the rolls’ rich flavor and tender crumb.
- Red Star Platinum Yeast: This premium yeast is highly active and reliable, ensuring a consistent and robust rise.
- Granulated Sugar: A small amount is divided to feed the yeast and to add a touch of sweetness to the dough, enhancing its overall flavor.
- Large Egg: Adds richness, moisture, and helps create a soft, golden crust.
- Unsalted Butter: At room temperature and cut into pieces, it’s incorporated into the dough for unparalleled tenderness and that wonderful buttery taste. Melted butter is also used for brushing the baked rolls.
- Table Salt: Essential for balancing the flavors and controlling yeast activity.
- All-Purpose Flour or Bread Flour: You have the flexibility to choose. Bread flour will yield a slightly chewier roll due to its higher protein content, while all-purpose flour will result in a softer texture.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: The star topping that provides a burst of savory flavor and satisfying crunch.
Step-By-Step Guide to Baking Soft Everything Dinner Rolls
Follow these detailed instructions to create perfectly soft, fluffy, and flavorful dinner rolls that will become an instant favorite:
- Activate the Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm whole milk (ensure it’s around 110°F, or comfortably warm to the touch but not hot), the packet of Red Star Platinum Yeast, and one tablespoon of granulated sugar. Gently whisk the mixture, then cover the bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes. This allows the yeast to activate and bloom, creating a foamy surface – a clear sign your yeast is alive and ready to work. If you don’t have a stand mixer, this step and subsequent mixing can be easily done by hand using a large mixing bowl and a sturdy wooden spoon or rubber spatula.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: To the yeast mixture, add the remaining one tablespoon of sugar, the large egg, the softened unsalted butter pieces, the table salt, and one cup of your chosen flour (all-purpose or bread flour). Attach the dough hook to your stand mixer and mix on low speed for 30 seconds to incorporate. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are mixed. Then, gradually add the remaining flour, mixing until just combined.
- Knead the Dough to Perfection: Increase the mixer speed to medium and continue to beat the dough for approximately 2 minutes. During this time, the dough should begin to pull away from the sides of the bowl, forming a cohesive ball. The dough should still be slightly sticky to the touch, which is normal for soft rolls. However, if it appears excessively wet, add an additional tablespoon or two of flour, one at a time, until it reaches the right consistency. Continue to beat the dough for an additional 2 minutes, or if kneading by hand, transfer it to a lightly floured surface and knead for 2 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Lightly grease a large clean bowl with nonstick cooking spray or a touch of oil. Transfer the kneaded dough to this bowl, turning it over once or twice to coat all sides lightly with the oil. This prevents the dough from sticking and drying out. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Place the bowl in a warm, draft-free spot (like a slightly warmed oven turned off, or near a sunny window) and allow the dough to rise for 1 to 2 hours, or until it has visibly doubled in size. This slow rise develops deep flavor and a tender crumb.
- Shape the Rolls and Second Rise: While the dough is on its first rise, prepare your baking pan. Spray a 9×13 inch baking pan generously with nonstick spray and set it aside. Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the trapped air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 15 equal pieces. A kitchen scale can help ensure even sizing for uniform baking. Shape each piece into a smooth, tight ball by cupping it in your hand and rotating it on the counter. Arrange the shaped dough balls evenly in the prepared baking dish. Cover the rolls again with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let them rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until they look puffy and nearly doubled in size.
- Bake and Finish: Adjust your oven rack to a lower-middle position and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until their tops are beautifully golden brown. To ensure even browning, rotate the pan halfway through the baking time. If you notice the tops are browning too quickly before the rolls are fully cooked, lightly tent the pan with aluminum foil. Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven. Immediately brush the tops generously with the two tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, and then sprinkle them liberally with the everything bagel seasoning. Allow the rolls to cool in the pan for a few minutes before serving. This brief cooling period helps them set and makes them easier to handle.
- Storing Leftovers: If you happen to have any rolls left (a rare occurrence!), cover them tightly with foil and store at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, see the “Tips for Perfect Rolls” section.
Tips for Perfect Rolls Every Time
Achieving bakery-quality dinner rolls at home is entirely possible with a few key considerations:
- Yeast Activation is Key: Ensure your milk is the correct temperature (105-115°F or 40-46°C). Too cold, and the yeast won’t activate; too hot, and it will kill the yeast. A kitchen thermometer is your best friend here. Look for a foamy layer on top after 5 minutes – this indicates active yeast.
- Don’t Skimp on Kneading: Proper kneading develops the gluten, which is essential for the rolls’ soft, airy texture. Whether by hand or mixer, knead until the dough is smooth, elastic, and passes the “windowpane test” (you can stretch a small piece thin enough to see light through it without tearing).
- The Warm Rise: Yeast loves warmth! A warm, draft-free environment is crucial for efficient rising. If your kitchen is cool, place the covered bowl in a slightly warmed (then turned off) oven, or a sunny spot.
- Don’t Over-Flour: A slightly sticky dough leads to softer rolls. Resist the urge to add too much extra flour during kneading or shaping, as this can result in dry, dense rolls.
- Even Roll Size: For consistent baking, try to make your dough balls uniform in size. A kitchen scale can be very helpful for this.
- Adjust Baking Time: Ovens can vary. Keep an eye on your rolls, especially towards the end of baking. If they’re browning too fast, a foil tent is a great trick.
Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Meal
These Soft Everything Dinner Rolls are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a wide array of dishes. Beyond being a holiday showstopper, consider these ideas:
- Holiday Feasts: They are a natural complement to Thanksgiving turkey, Christmas ham, or Easter lamb, perfect for soaking up gravies and sauces.
- Soups and Stews: A warm, crusty roll is the ideal companion for a hearty bowl of chili, a creamy tomato soup, or a rich beef stew.
- Sandwich Sliders: Their perfect size makes them excellent for mini-sandwiches. Try them with the Curried Chicken Salad recipe I shared on Monday, or classic deli meats.
- Breakfast Bliss: Split and toast them, then spread with cream cheese or jam for a delightful breakfast treat, reminiscent of an everything bagel.
- Garlic Bread Upgrade: Instead of seasoning with everything bagel seasoning, infuse melted butter with minced garlic and brush over the hot rolls for a quick garlic bread.
- Butter Board Fun: Arrange them around a trendy butter board for an interactive and delicious appetizer.
They’re not just fun to make; they’re even better to eat! I genuinely hope you give this recipe a try. Please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below if you have any questions or just want to share your baking experience. Enjoy every single bite!
A Few Cook’s Notes for Soft Everything Dinner Rolls
For those aiming for the absolute best results, here are a few additional insights:
- Flour Choice Matters: As Sally wisely points out, you have the option of using either all-purpose flour or bread flour. I personally found that bread flour yielded an exceptionally tender yet slightly chewy roll, which I adore. However, all-purpose flour will still create a wonderful, soft roll. Feel free to experiment to find your preferred texture.
- The Power of Platinum Yeast: I highly recommend using Red Star Platinum Yeast, as Sally suggested. This type of instant yeast is known for its high activity and consistent performance, helping to ensure your dough rises beautifully and reliably. While regular active dry yeast can work, Platinum Yeast often provides a more robust and predictable rise, which is especially helpful for bakers of all skill levels.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning Simplified: Everything Bagel Seasoning has become incredibly popular, and most major grocery stores now carry pre-made versions in their spice aisle. It’s convenient and readily available. However, if you prefer to make your own or your local market doesn’t stock it, you can easily whip up a batch at home. Check out my recipe HERE for a homemade bagel seasoning blend that’s just as good, if not better, than store-bought.
More Delicious Bread Recipes to Enjoy
If you’ve discovered the joy of baking bread with these rolls, you’ll love exploring these other delightful recipes:
Homemade Naan Bread – Perfect for scooping up curries or dips.
Irish Soda Bread – A quick and rustic bread that requires no yeast.
Everything Bagels – For the ultimate everything bagel experience from scratch.
Soft Everything Dinner Rolls
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Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed to 110 degrees F (43 degrees C)
- 1 packet (0.25 oz.) Red Star Platinum Yeast
- 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar, divided
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temp and cut into 4 pieces
- 1 tsp. table salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, or bread flour
- 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
- 2 Tbsp. Everything Bagel seasoning
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the warm milk, yeast, and one tablespoon of the sugar. Cover the bowl and let the mixture sit for 5 minutes. The yeast should become foamy, indicating it’s active. (If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can perform all mixing steps by hand in a large bowl with a sturdy wooden spoon or rubber spatula).
- Add the remaining one tablespoon of sugar, the egg, the softened butter pieces, the salt, and 1 cup of the flour to the yeast mixture. With a dough hook attachment, mix on low speed for 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated, then add the remaining flour. Increase the speed to medium and beat until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl, approximately 2 minutes. The dough should be slightly sticky; if it’s too wet, add an extra tablespoon or two of flour until it reaches a manageable consistency.
- Continue to beat the dough for an additional 2 minutes, or knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for 2 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Lightly grease a large clean bowl with nonstick spray or a thin layer of oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it once to coat all sides in the oil. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with nonstick spray and set aside. Once the dough has completed its first rise, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 15 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and arrange them evenly in the prepared baking dish. Cover the rolls with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let them rise for a second time, for about 1 hour, or until they look visibly puffy.
- Adjust your oven rack to a lower-middle position and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. Rotate the pan halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking. If the tops are browning too quickly, loosely tent the pan with aluminum foil. Remove the rolls from the oven, immediately brush them with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter, and generously sprinkle with the Everything Bagel seasoning. Allow the rolls to cool for a few minutes in the pan before serving warm.
- Cover any leftover rolls tightly with foil and store at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, see the blog post’s “Tips for Perfect Rolls Every Time” section for freezing instructions.
Notes
I also opted for Red Star Platinum Yeast, as recommended by Sally, over regular active dry yeast for its consistent and reliable rise.
Most grocery stores now carry pre-made Everything Bagel Seasoning in the spice aisle. If it’s not available, you can easily make your own using my homemade bagel seasoning recipe found HERE.
Nutrition
Recipe adapted from Red Star Yeast and Sally’s Baking Addiction for enhanced flavor and texture.