Yeast Dinner Rolls

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Whether you’re making a holiday dinner, a Sunday dinner or spread for a dinner party, these fluffy Yeast Dinner Rolls are a must!

When it comes to fluffy buttery rolls, they are difficult to resist. Whether they are slathered with whipped black pepper butter or dunked in homemade gravy, they are a must at just about every holiday meal. Really, anytime you want to add a little carb comfort to your meal, yeast dinner rolls are the way to go.

I used to be intimidated by making my own rolls when it came to Thanksgiving dinner. Often resorting to the frozen rolls at the grocery store for ease and convenience. And while they are fine and I never got any complaints, I wanted to give making my own a go. And guys, they are so much easier than I thought.

Today I am going to show you how to do it too.

First let’s talk about the ingredients you’ll need.

Yeast Dinner Rolls Ingredients:

One of the great things about dinner rolls, is that there aren’t actually that many ingredients involved. You’ll probably have all of the ingredients on hand.

• FLOUR: No need for specialty flour, you can make these yeast dinner rolls with all purpose flour.
• YEAST: I use active dry yeast because that is what I have on hand.
• MILK: Adding milk to breads and rolls enriches them. It gives them flavor and helps them become golden brown.
• BUTTER: Helps create pockets of air as the rolls cook.
• SUGAR: This helps activate the yeast.
• WATER
• SALT: Added to the dough and sprinkled on top after baking for flavor.
• THYME: This is totally optional but I wanted to add a touch of herb flavor to the rolls. I use dried thyme in the dough and fresh thyme in melted butter brushed over the top of the rolls after baking.

Step by Step Photos and Instructions:

Follow along with these Step by Step Photos and Instructions to see just how easy yeast dinner rolls are to make.

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STEP #1: Heat milk, butter and water in a small saucepan over low heat until the butter melts. Remove from heat and allow to cool to 120 degrees. If it is too warm the yeast will die if it’s too cold the yeast won’t activate.

STEP #2: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, combine flour, yeast, salt, sugar and thyme. Stir together.

STEP #3: With the mixer running slowly add in the warm milk mixture. Mix on low speed just until the dough starts coming together.

STEP #4: Place dough on a lightly floured surface and knead a few times until the dough forms a ball.

STEP #5: Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover and allow to rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 40 minutes . You can use a clean towel or plastic wrap to cover the bowl.

STEP #6: After dough as risen, divide into 12 even pieces and form into rolls. Place in a 10 inch cast iron skillet (or other similar sized baking dish). The rolls need to be close together to they can support each other during the rising and baking process. Cover and let rise a second time.

STEP #7: After rising a second time, bake rolls at 375 degrees for 15 – 20 minutes or until golden brown.

STEP #8: While rolls are baking melt 2 – 3 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan. Once melted add 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves. Cook 30 seconds then brush over the top of rolls. Sprinkle with salt. Serve warm.

Storage and Leftovers:

Keep any leftover rolls at room temperature. They will stay fresh for a few days.

My family loved these yeast dinner rolls and I loved that they gave me a new confidence in the kitchen when it comes to bread making. They’ll be on our holiday table this year and I hope they will be on yours too!

Looking for more Thanksgiving side dish recipes? Try these:

• Homemade Mashed Potatoes. 3 ingredients is all you need!
• The Best Easiest Stuffing: My mom’s recipe and a tradition in our home every year!
• Brussels Sprouts Gratin has been on almost every one of our holiday tables since I first developed the recipe. Always a hit!
• And we can’t forget the homemade Fresh Cranberry Sauce!