If you are looking for a bread recipe that is quick, fluffy, and simply irresistible, this 30 Minute Dinner Rolls Recipe will become your new kitchen hero. Imagine warm, tender rolls with just the right golden crust, ready to enjoy in under half an hour from start to finish. Perfect for last-minute dinners or when you want to impress guests with freshly baked goodness, these rolls combine simple ingredients and a speedy method to deliver bakery-quality results that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are incredibly straightforward but play a crucial role in achieving those perfect dinner rolls. Each one works together to create that soft texture, rich flavor, and inviting color that make this dish special.
- Warm water (1 cup + 2 Tablespoons): Activates the yeast and provides moisture for the dough.
- Vegetable oil (1/3 cup): Keeps the rolls tender and soft.
- Active dry yeast (2 Tablespoons): The magic behind the rise and fluffiness.
- Sugar (1/4 cup): Feeds the yeast and adds just a touch of sweetness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the flavors and enhances the overall taste.
- Egg (1): Adds richness and helps with the dough’s structure.
- Bread flour (3 1/2 cups): Gives these rolls their sturdy yet soft crumb.
How to Make 30 Minute Dinner Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by setting your oven to 400 degrees so it will be hot and ready once the dough has risen. Having a warm oven is key to baking these rolls perfectly in just 10 minutes.
Step 2: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, vegetable oil, yeast, and sugar. Allow this mixture to rest for 5-10 minutes. You’ll see it become bubbly and frothy, which means the yeast is alive and kicking—essential for fluffy rolls.
Step 3: Mix the Dough
Using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, add salt, egg, and the first 2 cups of the bread flour to the yeast mixture, mixing until just combined. Then, gradually add the remaining flour 1/2 cup at a time. The dough will be a bit sticky—that’s perfect, as it ensures your rolls stay soft and tender.
Step 4: Shape the Rolls
Spray your hands lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then divide the dough into 12 even pieces. Shape each into a smooth ball, giving you evenly sized and beautiful rolls.
Step 5: Rise and Bake
Place the dough balls onto a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spacing them so they can puff up nicely. Let them rise for 10 minutes—just a quick rest before baking. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the tops turn a lovely light golden color. Finish by brushing the warm rolls with melted butter for that irresistible shine and rich taste.
How to Serve 30 Minute Dinner Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Brushing the rolls with melted butter right out of the oven is a classic. You can elevate them even further by sprinkling freshly chopped herbs like rosemary or parsley on top. For a savory touch, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or garlic powder before baking adds incredible flavor.
Side Dishes
These rolls make the perfect companion to hearty soups, stews, or roasted meats. Think creamy mashed potatoes, a fresh garden salad, or your favorite holiday roast. Their soft texture and mild flavor mean they complement just about any meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your 30 Minute Dinner Rolls Recipe in a basket lined with a cozy cloth napkin, encouraging everyone to pull rolls apart fresh and warm. For a fun twist, split the rolls and turn them into sliders packed with roast chicken, melted cheese, or tangy barbecue sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store your dinner rolls in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature. They should stay fresh and soft for up to two days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy them again.
Freezing
Want to keep these rolls for longer? Freeze them once completely cooled by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer bag. Frozen rolls will keep their fluffy texture for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To bring your rolls back to life, heat them in a warm oven at 350 degrees for about 5-7 minutes or microwave individually with a damp paper towel for 15-20 seconds. This restores their softness and fresh-baked warmth in no time.
FAQs
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Absolutely! While bread flour gives a chewier texture with better rise, all-purpose flour will still work nicely for these rolls, though the texture might be a little softer and less chewy.
Do I have to use active dry yeast?
You can also use instant yeast if that’s what you have on hand. Just reduce the amount slightly and mix it directly with the flour instead of activating it in water.
Why is my dough sticky?
A slightly sticky dough is normal for this recipe and actually helps keep the rolls moist and tender. Just use lightly oiled or sprayed hands to handle it, and it will shape easily.
Can I make the dough by hand instead of a mixer?
Definitely! It will just require a bit more elbow grease for kneading, but the dough consistency and baking time remain the same.
What if my rolls don’t rise much during the 10-minute rest?
If your kitchen is cool, the dough might rise a bit slower. You can let it rest a few extra minutes or place the baking dish in a slightly warm place, like an oven with the light on, to encourage rising.
Final Thoughts
This 30 Minute Dinner Rolls Recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy fresh homemade bread with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. From the first warm bite to the last, these rolls bring that special homemade touch that brightens any meal. Grab your ingredients and give it a go—you’ll wonder why you ever bought rolls from the store!
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30 Minute Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These 30 Minute Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and perfect for any meal. Made with simple ingredients and requiring minimal rise time, they come together quickly in less than an hour. Ideal for busy weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings, these rolls bake up golden and tender, then are brushed with melted butter for an irresistible finish.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (+ 2 Tablespoons)
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 egg
Dry Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 1/2 cups bread flour
For Finishing
- Melted butter, for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s fully heated and ready for baking the rolls later.
- Activate the yeast. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of warm water with the vegetable oil, active dry yeast, and sugar. Stir lightly and let the mixture rest for 5-10 minutes, allowing the yeast to activate and become frothy.
- Mix the dough. Using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, add the salt, egg, and 2 cups of bread flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until combined. Gradually add the remaining bread flour 1/2 cup at a time, continuing to mix. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- Shape the rolls. Lightly spray your hands with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Divide the dough into 12 even pieces and shape each into a round roll.
- Proof the dough. Place the shaped dough pieces on a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover loosely and let them rise for 10 minutes until slightly puffed.
- Bake the rolls. Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until the tops turn lightly golden brown.
- Brush with butter. Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush the tops with melted butter for a rich, buttery finish and shine.
Notes
- Use warm water that is about 110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can mix the dough by hand but knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth.
- For softer rolls, cover them with a clean kitchen towel during the rise and baking process to retain moisture.
- These rolls are best served warm but can be stored in an airtight container for 2 days or frozen for longer storage.
- You can substitute bread flour with all-purpose flour, though bread flour yields a chewier texture.
