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- Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top of the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly. This means your yeast is activated and ready to use. If the mixture doesn’t foam, your yeast might be expired, and it’s best to start over with fresh yeast. - Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Stir everything together until a dough begins to form.
Once the dough starts coming together, transfer it to a clean, floured surface and knead it for about 5-8 minutes. You’re looking for a smooth, elastic dough that’s not too sticky. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour; if it feels too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time until it comes together. - First Rise:
Once the dough is kneaded, shape it into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl (use vegetable oil or olive oil). Turn the dough once in the bowl to coat it in the oil, which helps prevent it from drying out.
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This is your first rise, which allows the dough to develop its flavor and texture. - Shape the Rolls:
After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer it to a floured surface and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a small ball, tucking the edges underneath to create a smooth top.
Arrange the dough balls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, placing them close together for soft, pull-apart rolls. Alternatively, you can use a round cake pan or any similar-sized baking dish. - Second Rise:
Cover the shaped rolls with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let them rise for 30-45 minutes. During this time, the rolls will puff up and fill the pan, so be sure to leave a little room between each roll to allow for expansion. - Bake the Rolls:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the rolls are rising.
Once the rolls have risen and look fluffy, bake them in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes. The rolls should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Halfway through the baking time, you can brush the rolls with melted butter to help them brown beautifully and add that irresistible buttery flavor. - Optional: Top with Garlic Butter or Sea Salt:
For an extra touch, you can top the rolls with garlic butter or a sprinkle of sea salt once they come out of the oven. For garlic butter, melt about 2 tablespoons of butter and mix in 1-2 minced garlic cloves. Brush this onto the hot rolls for an added layer of flavor. - Serve and Enjoy:
Let the rolls cool slightly before serving, or dive right in while they’re still warm! These rolls are perfect for dipping in gravy, pairing with a hearty soup, or just enjoying on their own with a bit of butter.
Tips for Perfect Dinner Rolls:
Use Warm, Not Hot, Liquids: Yeast is sensitive to heat. Make sure the milk and water are warm (about 110°F/45°C), not too hot, to prevent killing the yeast. A kitchen thermometer can be helpful for accuracy.
Don’t Skip the Rising Time: Letting the dough rise properly is key to achieving soft, fluffy rolls. Be patient during both the first and second rises; they help the dough develop flavor and texture.
Shape the Rolls Tightly: When shaping the dough into balls, try to keep them as tight as possible. Tucking the edges underneath creates a smooth top and helps the rolls bake up beautifully.
Make Them Ahead: You can prepare the dough a day in advance. After shaping the rolls, place them in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, allow the rolls to come to room temperature and rise for 30 minutes before baking as usual.
Serving Suggestions:
Perfect with Soup: These rolls are wonderful served alongside your favorite soups and stews. Their soft texture makes them perfect for sopping up broth or dipping into creamy soups like tomato bisque or chicken noodle soup.
Holiday Feast: Serve these rolls with your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner for an extra touch of comfort. They pair wonderfully with roast turkey, mashed potatoes, and gravy.
Quick Breakfast: Toast them lightly and serve with jam, honey, or peanut butter for a simple breakfast or snack.
With Pasta: Serve them with pasta dishes like spaghetti bolognese, lasagna, or garlic butter shrimp pasta for an extra indulgent meal.
Final Thoughts:
These Delicious Dinner Rolls are a must-try for anyone who loves soft, pillowy bread with a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth flavor. With just a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can create rolls that rival those from a bakery and impress your family and guests alike. Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner, holiday gathering, or just enjoying them with a weeknight meal, these rolls will always be a crowd favorite.
So, grab your ingredients, let the dough rise, and bake up a batch of these irresistible, homemade dinner rolls. You won’t regret it!
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