Quick Dinner Rolls (30 Minute Yeast Rolls)

Hello, my name is Jessica and I am a butter fanatic. One of my favorite things to slather butter on it a hot, soft roll. If they happen to be quick dinner rolls, then I am in true heaven.

 

While there are plenty of days that I have several hours to bake artisan breads, there are many more nights that I crave freshly baked bread to serve with dinner, but have limited time and this roll recipe solves the problem.

Why You’ll Love These Quick Dinner Rolls

Light, fluffy rolls are are easy to make and homemade- what’s not to love!

• Quick and easy – From start to finish, only 30 minutes for light and fluffy yeast rolls. It is a misconception that anything using yeast will require hours of rising time.
• Light and fluffy – The texture of these dinner rolls are perfectly light, fluffy and soft- exactly what you want in a roll.
• Serve with anything – Is there a dinner that doesn’t pair well with rolls? Not in my book. You can pair these rolls with anything you desire. If you need some inspiration, check out my complete list of dinner ideas!

Ingredients for This Easy Roll Recipe

Beyond maybe yeast, these are all pantry staples.

• Warm water – The key word here is warm. Warm water is what allows the yeast to bloom properly. If it is too hot, it can kill the yeast, too cold and it won’t activate.
• Rapid Rise Active Dry Yeast – You’ll want to make sure it is rapid rise. Rapid rise (aka quick rise or fast rising yeast) has smaller grains. This helps the instant yeast activate quicker than traditional yeast and will only require one rise.
• Sugar – While sugar isn’t necessary, it is helpful when allowing yeast to bloom. Plus it adds a touch of sweetness to our quick rolls.
• Vegetable oil– Some sort of fat helps them stay moist and soft, while also adding flavor. Other neutral oils can be used.
• Egg – When baking, it is always good practice to use a room temperature egg. It blends better with the other ingredients. Egg will also provides hearty flavor and loft.
• Salt – Salt helps to bring out the natural flavors of baked goods. I like to use sea salt for this recipe.
• Flour – All purpose flour is perfect for making these easy dinner rolls. No special flour needed.
• Butter – You will want cold butter to grease the pan and also melted butter to brush onto the tops of the baked rolls.

Variations for Easy Yeast Rolls

There are plenty of ways you can make these buttery dinner rolls your own. Here are a few suggestions.

• Small batch – You can half the recipe and just make 6 dinner rolls. Use a heaping teaspoon of yeast instead of the whole packet.
• Fresh herbs and flavor – For added flavor, throw in fresh herbs, garlic or sun dried tomatoes.
• Butters – Instead of traditional butter, try a fun compound butter. Some of my favorites are Texas Roadhouse Butter, Chile Lime Butter and Orange Sage Butter.
• Garlic knots – Turn them into garlic rolls by brushing the tops of the dinner rolls dough with garlic butter or even black truffle butter.
• Pani Popo– These are dinner rolls, but sweet with coconut milk.

How to Make 30 Minute Rolls

You won’t believe how easy it is to make homemade dinner rolls!

1. Let yeast bloom. In a large mixing bowl or a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, combine the sugar and yeast, giving a quick stir to combine. Add the warm water and allow to bloom. The mixture should be frothy and fragrant. If it is not, then the yeast is no good and you need to start again.
2. Prepare oven and baking pan. Preheat the oven and grease a 9×13 baking dish with a cold stick of butter.
3. Add remaining ingredients. Add the oil, egg and salt to yeast mixture, stir to combine. Add flour, half cup at a time, mixing between each addition. Do not over mix or it will over activate the gluten, making your rolls dense and chewy.
4. Knead. Knead dinner roll dough until bread comes together and slaps against the side of the bowl.
5. Divide dough. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into equally sized dough balls and place into baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap or clean kitchen towel and allow to rise in a warm place. This aids in the yeast blooming.
6. Bake until tops are golden brown. When you remove rolls from oven, baste the tops with melted butter. Serve warm.

Tips for Working with Yeast

Making homemade bread with yeast can sometimes be intimidating. Follow these easy tips to ensure you get the perfect bread every time.

• Check the expiration date. Make sure your yeast isn’t expired and it’s been kept in good storage conditions- not too hot or humid. Some folks like to keep their yeast in the refrigerator or freezer.
• Water temperature can’t be too hot or cold. The optimal temperature is 100°F and is just fairly hot tap water. No need to microwave or heat in a kettle.
• Store in the fridge. Store yeast in the refrigerator for best results.
• Sugar isn’t needed, but helpful. Yeast doesn’t have to have sugar, but it can be helpful. It sees it as food and can activate faster… don’t we all when we are hungry?

Storage & Freezing

How to Store Leftover Dinner Rolls

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container. Bake them whenever you have time and eat them at room temperature or warm slightly before serving. Just like the ones from the store. They are best within 1-2 days of baking since they do not have any additives or preservatives.

Can I Freeze Dinner Rolls?

Homemade dinner rolls are freezer friendly. Allow to thaw at room temperature. Do not defrost in the microwave, this makes bread rubbery.

Dinners to Serve with Rolls

Is there a dinner that doesn’t pair well with rolls? Not in my book. But here are some of our favorites.