Dinner Rolls Recipe

All-purpose flour: The base of the dough, providing structure and texture.

Active dry yeast: A leavening agent that helps the dough rise and become fluffy.

Warm water: Activates the yeast and helps to form the dough.

Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a slight sweetness to the rolls.

Olive oil: Adds moisture and richness to the dough.

Salt: Enhances the flavor of the rolls.

In a mixing bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water and then stir in yeast. Let it sit until the yeast forms a creamy foam, about 5 minutes. Mix in the flour, salt, and olive oil. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth, about 8 minutes. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour. Punch down the dough, divide it into 12 equal pieces, and shape each piece into a roll. Place rolls on a baking sheet. Preheat the oven to 375°f (190°c). Let the rolls rise for another 20 minutes. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

When kneading the dough, use the heel of your hand to push the dough away from you, then fold it back over itself. This helps develop the gluten, giving your dinner rolls a better texture.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, making the rolls healthier.

• active dry yeast - Substitute with instant yeast: Instant yeast can be mixed directly with dry ingredients and doesn't need to be activated in water first.

• warm water - Substitute with plant-based milk: Plant-based milk like almond or soy milk can add a richer flavor and additional nutrients.

• sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup is a natural sweetener and adds a unique flavor to the rolls.

• olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a slightly sweet flavor and is a good source of healthy fats.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a more complex flavor and contains trace minerals.

• To keep your dinner rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, consider freezing. Allow the rolls to cool completely after baking.
• Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Place the wrapped rolls in a resealable plastic freezer bag or an airtight container. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the rolls at room temperature or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
• For a quick thaw, microwave each roll on a microwave-safe plate for about 20-30 seconds, but be cautious not to overheat, as this can make them chewy.
• If you prefer a crispy exterior, after thawing, brush the rolls lightly with olive oil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes until they regain their golden crust.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the dinner rolls in aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Place them on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are warmed through. This method will help maintain the rolls' soft texture and slightly crispy exterior.

• Microwave Method: Place the dinner rolls on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out. Microwave on medium power for about 20-30 seconds. Check if they are warm enough; if not, continue to heat in 10-second intervals. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can make the rolls chewy.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Lightly brush the dinner rolls with olive oil or vegan butter to add a bit of moisture. Place the rolls in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are warmed through. This method can give the rolls a slightly toasted exterior while keeping the inside soft.

• Steaming Method: If you have a steamer basket, this is a great way to reheat dinner rolls without drying them out. Bring a pot of water to a simmer and place the rolls in the steamer basket. Cover and steam for about 5 minutes, or until they are warmed through. This method keeps the rolls moist and soft.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Place the dinner rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 3-5 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are not getting too crispy. This method can give the rolls a nice, slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside warm and soft.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the ingredients and dissolve the sugar in warm water before adding the yeast.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the flour, water, sugar, and olive oil.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the salt and olive oil.

• Wooden spoon: Handy for stirring the yeast mixture and initial mixing of the dough.

• Damp cloth: Used to cover the bowl while the dough is rising to keep it moist.

• Baking sheet: Needed to place the shaped rolls on for baking.

• Oven: Preheated to 375°F (190°C) for baking the rolls.

• Pastry brush: Useful for lightly oiling the bowl where the dough will rise.

• Kitchen scale: Optional but helpful for dividing the dough into 12 equal pieces.

• Rolling pin: Optional, but can be used to help shape the dough if needed.

• Cooling rack: Used to cool the rolls after baking to prevent them from getting soggy on the bottom.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and set out all ingredients before starting. This minimizes interruptions and keeps the process smooth.

Use a stand mixer: If you have a stand mixer, use it to knead the dough. This saves time and effort compared to kneading by hand.

Warm place for rising: Speed up the dough rising by placing it in a slightly warm oven. Preheat the oven to 200°F (93°C) for a few minutes, then turn it off and place the dough inside.

Divide dough quickly: Use a bench scraper to quickly and evenly divide the dough into 12 pieces. This tool makes the process faster and cleaner.