When it comes to rolls, you might think you know what to expect, but the five best roll recipes can surprise you. Each one offers a unique twist, whether you're in the mood for something classic and buttery or a bit more adventurous with flavors like garlic and cheese. You'll find that these recipes are not just simple sides; they can enhance any meal. Curious about which rolls are worth your time? Let's investigate the standout options that could transform your next gathering or dinner.
Classic Dinner Rolls
Classic dinner rolls are a staple at many family gatherings and holiday feasts, known for their soft, fluffy texture and buttery flavor. These rolls are perfect for sopping up gravy, served alongside a warm bowl of soup, or simply enjoyed with a pat of butter.
With just a few simple ingredients and some patience for rising, you can create homemade rolls that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing on top)
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk mixture and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
Next, add the softened butter, eggs, and salt to the bowl, mixing well. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and allow it to rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size. Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place them in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Brush the tops with melted butter before serving.
Extra Tips:
To guarantee your rolls turn out perfectly fluffy, make sure your yeast is fresh and active. If you have a warm spot in your kitchen, like near the oven, that's a great place for the dough to rise.
You can also experiment with adding herbs or cheese for a twist on the classic flavor. If you want to prepare the rolls ahead of time, you can shape them and place them in the fridge overnight; just bring them to room temperature before baking.
Enjoy your warm, homemade rolls!
Cinnamon Sugar Rolls
Cinnamon Sugar Rolls are a delightful treat that combines the warm flavors of cinnamon and sugar with a soft, fluffy dough. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, these rolls are guaranteed to impress family and friends alike.
With a rich buttery filling and a glaze that adds the perfect finishing touch, these rolls aren't only delicious but also relatively easy to make. Follow this simple recipe to create your own batch of irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Rolls.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast, letting it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
Add in the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and salt, mixing until well combined. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Once risen, roll the dough out into a rectangle, spread softened butter over it, and sprinkle cinnamon and brown sugar evenly across the top.
Roll the dough tightly into a log, slice it into individual rolls, and place them in a greased baking dish. Allow the rolls to rise again for about 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
For the glaze, mix powdered sugar and milk until smooth and drizzle it over the warm rolls before serving.
Extra Tips:
To guarantee the best results, make sure your milk is warm but not too hot, as high temperatures can kill the yeast.
When rolling out the dough, use enough flour to prevent sticking, but avoid adding too much, as it can make the rolls tough.
For an added flavor twist, consider adding chopped nuts or raisins to the filling.
These rolls can also be prepared ahead of time; simply refrigerate the shaped rolls overnight and bake them in the morning for a fresh treat.
Enjoy your homemade Cinnamon Sugar Rolls!
Garlic Parmesan Knots
Garlic Parmesan Knots are a deliciously addictive treat that are perfect for any occasion, whether it's as a side dish for dinner or a snack for game day.
These soft, buttery knots are infused with garlic flavor and topped with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, making them irresistible. They're easy to make from scratch using simple ingredients, and once you taste them, you'll want to make them again and again.
Ingredients:
- 1 package of refrigerated pizza dough
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and cut it into strips, about 1 inch wide. Take each strip and tie it into a knot, placing the knots on the prepared baking sheet.
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over each knot, then sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over them.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the knots are golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture for a little heat.
If you have time, let the knots rise for an additional 15-30 minutes before baking to achieve a fluffier texture.
These Garlic Parmesan Knots are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container for a day or two, and reheating them in the oven will bring back their delightful texture.
Sweet Hawaiian Rolls
Sweet Hawaiian Rolls are a delightful treat that can enhance any meal or serve as a perfect snack on their own. These rolls are soft, fluffy, and have a subtle sweetness that makes them irresistible.
Whether you serve them with butter, use them for sliders, or enjoy them with a meal, making your own Sweet Hawaiian Rolls at home is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with a wonderful aroma and creates a dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F to 115°F)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional for extra sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, granulated sugar, and yeast; let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Add in the melted butter, eggs, and crushed pineapple if using, and mix well. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
Once risen, punch down the dough, divide it into 12 equal pieces, and shape each piece into a roll. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover them again, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Brush the tops with melted butter before serving.
Extra Tips:
For an even richer flavor, consider adding a bit of coconut milk to the warm milk or sprinkling some shredded coconut into the dough.
Verify your yeast is fresh for the best rise, and if your kitchen is cool, you can create a warm environment by turning on your oven for a couple of minutes, then turning it off and placing the dough inside to rise.
These rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but you can also freeze them after baking; simply reheat them in the oven when you're ready to serve.
Herb and Cheese Rolls
Herb and Cheese Rolls are a delightful addition to any meal, combining the savory flavors of fresh herbs with the creaminess of cheese, all wrapped in a soft, fluffy roll. These rolls are perfect as a side dish, an appetizer, or even a snack on their own.
The aromatic herbs infuse the dough, creating a fragrant experience that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether served warm out of the oven or at room temperature, these rolls are sure to impress family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs (parsley, chives, or basil), finely chopped
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Cooking Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Gradually add the warm water and olive oil while mixing until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Once risen, punch down the dough and fold in the shredded cheese and herbs. Divide the dough into equal portions and shape each piece into a roll.
Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover, and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Brush the tops of the rolls with beaten egg for a golden finish, then bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Extra Tips:
For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding minced garlic or a sprinkle of your favorite seasoning blend to the dough.
You can also experiment with different cheese types or a mix of cheeses for a unique flavor profile. If you want to make the rolls in advance, you can prepare the dough and shape the rolls, then refrigerate them overnight before allowing them to rise again and bake.
Enjoy these rolls warm for the best taste, and they can be stored in an airtight container for a few days, though they're best enjoyed fresh.