Name: Amazing Soft Dinner Rolls in 30 Minutes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¼ cups warm water (115–125 °F); ¼ cup granulated sugar; 2 Tbsp active dry yeast; ⅓ cup vegetable oil; 1 tsp salt; 1 egg; 3 ¾ cups all‑purpose flour

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Soft dinner rolls have always been my go-to for a quick and comforting addition to any meal. I vividly remember my mom whipping up a batch of these fluffy

Amazing Soft Dinner Rolls in 30 Minutes - Soft Dinner Rolls - main visual representation

Why You’ll Love This Soft Dinner Rolls Recipe

Seriously, these are the rolls you’ve been dreaming of! They’re incredibly

How to Make Easy Soft Dinner Rolls

Whipping up these homemade soft dinner rolls is surprisingly simple, and the results are unbelievably delicious. They’re ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish, making them perfect for last-minute dinners or potlucks. Let’s get baking!

Step 1: Get your oven warmed up to 375°F (190–191°C). While it heats, line a 9×13 baking pan with parchment paper or give it a good grease. This prevents any sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: In the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the 1 ¼ cups warm water, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and 2 Tbsp active dry yeast. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 2 to 5 minutes. You’re looking for it to get nice and bubbly – that’s how you know your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic! For more on yeast activation, check out this guide to yeast.
Step 3: Now, it’s time to add the wet ingredients and some flavor. Pour in the ⅓ cup vegetable oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1 egg. Start adding the 3 ¾ cups all‑purpose flour, about one cup at a time, mixing until everything is just incorporated.
Step 4: Attach the dough hook to your mixer. Knead the dough on medium speed for about 4 minutes. You want it to be soft and pliable, but not sticky. If it’s too wet, add a tablespoon of flour at a time; if too dry, a teaspoon of water. This is key for those light and fluffy dinner rolls!
Step 5: Lightly oil your hands – this makes handling the dough so much easier. Gently shape the dough into 15 equal-sized balls. They don’t have to be perfect spheres, just roughly round.
Step 6: Arrange the dough balls in your prepared baking pan, leaving a little space between them so they have room to expand. Cover the pan with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rest while your oven finishes preheating. This short rest helps them get that extra lift.
Step 7: Once the oven is at temperature and the dough has puffed up slightly, it’s time to bake! Pop the pan in the oven.
Step 8: Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the tops are beautifully golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely divine!
Step 9: As soon as they come out of the oven, brush the tops generously with melted butter. Serve these warm, buttery soft dinner rolls immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Best Ways to Serve Buttery Soft Dinner Rolls

These homemade soft dinner rolls are so versatile, they’ll become a staple at your table. Their slightly sweet, fluffy texture makes them a dream for soaking up rich gravies and sauces. Imagine them alongside a hearty pot roast or a comforting bowl of stew – pure bliss! For more comforting dinner ideas, check out these dinner recipes.

They’re also fantastic for creating mini sandwiches. Pile them high with pulled pork or turkey for a delightful lunch. And of course, you can never go wrong with simply slathering them with more butter or a honey butter spread. These simple soft dinner rolls truly elevate any meal!

Nutrition Facts for Soft Dinner Rolls

Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving for these delightful soft dinner rolls:

Calories: 169 kcal
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 200mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Light and Fluffy Dinner Rolls

Keeping these homemade soft dinner rolls fresh is super easy, even though they disappear fast! Once they’ve cooled completely on a wire rack, store any leftovers in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you find yourself with extra dough balls before baking, you can freeze them! Place them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. For already baked rolls, freezing is also a great option. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and then a layer of foil, and they’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 months. To reheat, you can gently warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds until they’re soft and warm again. These quick and easy dinner rolls are perfect for meal prep! You might also enjoy these easy breakfast rolls.

Frequently Asked Questions About Simple Soft Dinner Rolls

Can I make these yeast dinner rolls without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can totally make these homemade soft dinner rolls by hand. After combining the ingredients in step 3, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it’s soft and elastic. Alternatively, you can use the dough cycle on your bread machine. For tips on kneading by hand, see this guide to kneading dough.

How do I ensure my rolls are light and fluffy?

The key to light and fluffy dinner rolls is active yeast and proper kneading. Make sure your yeast is fresh and the water is the correct temperature (warm, not hot!). Don’t over-flour the dough; it should be soft and slightly sticky before kneading. Proper kneading develops the gluten, which gives the rolls their structure and airy texture.

Can I make these quick soft dinner rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough balls up to 24 hours in advance. Place them in the baking pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes while the oven preheats, then bake as directed. They might need an extra minute or two in the oven.

What can I serve with these soft dinner rolls?

These easy soft dinner rolls are perfect with almost anything! They’re fantastic alongside hearty soups and stews, roasted meats like chicken or pot roast, or even as a base for mini sandwiches. Don’t forget a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey! For more pairing ideas, consider these jerk chicken sides.

Variations of Soft Dinner Rolls You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe for these delicious homemade soft dinner rolls, you’ll want to try some fun variations! They’re so easy to adapt.

Vegan Soft Dinner Rolls: For a completely plant-based option, simply swap the egg for a flax egg (1 Tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 Tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes) and use your favorite plant-based milk and oil. The texture remains wonderfully light and fluffy.
Garlic Herb Savory Dinner Rolls: Mix 1 tablespoon of dried herbs (like rosemary, thyme, or Italian blend) and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder into the flour before adding it in Step 3. You can also brush the tops with melted garlic butter right after baking for an extra punch of flavor.
Sweet Cinnamon Swirl Rolls: After kneading, roll out the dough into a rectangle. Spread with softened butter, a generous sprinkle of cinnamon, and brown sugar. Roll it up tightly, slice into rounds, and bake as usual. These make a delightful sweet treat.
Gluten-Free Baking: While this recipe is designed for all-purpose flour, you can experiment with a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. You might need to adjust liquid slightly. These gluten-free soft dinner rolls will still be a crowd-pleaser! For gluten-free baking tips, consult Celiac.org.