If you have ever dreamed of warm, fluffy bread straight from your oven without spending forever kneading dough, then you are in for a treat with this Soft No-Knead Dinner Rolls Recipe. These rolls come out perfectly soft, lightly golden, and tender every single time, making them an absolute showstopper at any meal. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to bake these irresistible rolls again and again for family dinners, holiday feasts, or simply a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Soft No-Knead Dinner Rolls Recipe relies on a few simple, classic ingredients that work beautifully together to create flavor, texture, and that unmistakable homemade aroma. Each element plays its role — from the yeast that leavens and lightens the dough, to the butter that enriches it with luxurious softness.
- Dry yeast: Activates the dough and gives the rolls their airy rise.
- Caster sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a delicate sweetness; superfine sugar dissolves quickly, but regular white sugar works fine too.
- Warm water: Helps dissolve the yeast and sugar, creating a perfect environment for fermentation.
- Bread flour: Provides high gluten content for structure and chewiness; extra flour is handy for dusting.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor; kosher or cooking salt is preferred.
- Lukewarm milk: Adds moisture and richness, resulting in soft crumb.
- Unsalted butter: Melted and cooled, it tenderizes the dough and adds buttery flavor.
- Eggs: Bring richness, color, and contribute to the tender texture.
- Melted butter (for brushing): Adds shine and a delicate buttery crust post-baking.
How to Make Soft No-Knead Dinner Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Begin by placing the dry yeast and about 2 teaspoons of caster sugar into a medium bowl. Pour in the warm water and let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This step confirms your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic on the dough.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the bread flour, the remaining sugar, and salt. This blend ensures that your dough will have balanced sweetness and proper seasoning throughout.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients with Dry
Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add in the lukewarm milk, melted butter, beaten eggs, and the frothy yeast mixture including all the froth. Using a sturdy wooden spoon, stir everything together until just combined. The dough will look thick and sticky, somewhere between muffin batter and bread dough—not pourable, but definitely sticky.
Step 4: First Rise
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rest in a warm spot for about 1 to 2 hours. The dough will expand and puff up nicely without any kneading. This long, gentle fermentation is what gives the rolls their soft, airy texture and depth of flavor.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Once risen, lightly flour your hands and work surface. Gently tip the dough out and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a smooth ball by tucking edges underneath while being careful not to press out all the air. Arrange the rolls on a greased or parchment-lined baking tray, leaving some space for them to expand.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the shaped rolls loosely once more and allow them to rise for 30 to 45 minutes. They should look puffy and almost double in size after this second rest.
Step 7: Bake and Finish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter to encourage a beautiful golden crust. Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped. Remove from the oven and, if you like, brush again with melted butter for that extra shine and rich flavor.
How to Serve Soft No-Knead Dinner Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
While these rolls are divine on their own, adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme on top before baking can elevate their aroma and flavor, turning simple dinner rolls into something truly special. For a subtle sweetness, try brushing with honey butter after baking for a delightful contrast.
Side Dishes
Soft No-Knead Dinner Rolls Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. They are the perfect companion to hearty soups like butternut squash or creamy chicken chowder, and equally suited to classic comfort food such as roasted meats or a cheesy pasta bake. They’re reliable crowd-pleasers at any table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a memorable centerpiece, try arranging the rolls in a circular pattern in a cast iron skillet or bundt pan to create pull-apart bread. This makes sharing fun and adds a rustic charm to your meal presentation. You could also slice them in half and transform the rolls into mini sliders or sliders stuffed with savory ingredients.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover rolls, the best way to keep them soft is to store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. Avoid refrigeration, which can dry out the bread quickly.
Freezing
For longer storage, these rolls freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually or arrange them in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. They can be frozen for up to 3 months, giving you fresh-tasting bread any time you want with minimal effort.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen or leftover rolls, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, wrapped in foil to keep moisture in. Alternatively, microwave rolls for 20 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel for a quick soft roll fix.
FAQs
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Absolutely! All-purpose flour can be used if you don’t have bread flour. The rolls might be slightly less chewy but will still be deliciously soft and tender.
Do I need to knead the dough at all?
No kneading is required at all with this Soft No-Knead Dinner Rolls Recipe. The long rising time develops the gluten and texture naturally, saving you time and effort.
Can I make these rolls vegan?
Yes! Swap the milk for a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk, and replace the butter with a vegan margarine. You can also substitute the eggs with flax eggs or another egg replacement to suit your needs.
Why are my rolls dense instead of soft and fluffy?
Dense rolls usually result from using water that is too hot or cold, or yeast that isn’t fresh. Be sure your liquids are lukewarm to activate the yeast properly. Also, allowing sufficient rising time is key to light and fluffy rolls.
Can I add herbs or cheese in the dough?
Definitely! Feel free to mix fresh herbs, grated cheese, or even garlic powder into the dough for flavorful variations. Just fold them in gently after combining the wet and dry ingredients.
Final Thoughts
Making homemade bread has never felt easier or more rewarding than with this Soft No-Knead Dinner Rolls Recipe. It’s a fantastic go-to for anyone who loves fresh, tender rolls but doesn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite baking ritual that fills your home with warmth and irresistible aromas every time.
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Soft No-Knead Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Soft No-Knead Dinner Rolls are effortlessly fluffy and tender, made without any kneading. Combining simple ingredients like yeast, flour, milk, eggs, and butter, this recipe yields 12 light and delicate rolls perfect for any meal. The dough is mixed until just combined and left to rise, making it ideal for beginners or anyone wanting fresh homemade rolls with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 tbsp dry yeast
- 1/4 cup caster/superfine sugar (or substitute normal white sugar)
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 4 cups bread flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 1/2 tsp salt (cooking/kosher salt)
- 1 cup lukewarm milk (whole or low fat)
- 50g / 3 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 eggs, at room temperature, beaten with fork
Topping
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Place the yeast and 2 teaspoons of sugar in a medium bowl, then pour in the warm water. Leave the mixture for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, remaining sugar, and salt thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the lukewarm milk, melted butter, beaten eggs, and the frothy yeast mixture with all the froth included.
- Mix Dough: Using a wooden spoon, mix the ingredients until just combined. The dough will be thick and sticky, similar to a thick muffin batter, not pourable.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size and is bubbly on the surface.
- Shape Rolls: Lightly flour your hands and a work surface. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and gently shape each into a round ball. Place the balls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or a greased baking dish, spacing them slightly apart.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped rolls with a clean cloth and let them rise for another 30 to 45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake Rolls: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter for a golden crust. Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown on top.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the rolls from the oven and brush with more melted butter if desired. Allow them to cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
- Use bread flour for the best texture; all-purpose flour can be substituted but rolls may be less chewy.
- Ensure milk and water are warm (not hot) to properly activate the yeast.
- Do not overmix or knead; this recipe relies on minimal effort and a sticky dough consistency.
- For softer tops, brush with melted butter before and after baking.
- The dough can be prepared the night before and refrigerated for a slow rise, then baked the next day.
