There’s something timeless and comforting about pulling a tray of freshly baked dinner rolls out of the oven. Golden brown on the outside and soft, airy on the inside, homemade yeast dinner rolls are the perfect addition to any meal—from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts.
In this post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about dinner rolls recipes with yeast. You’ll learn what makes these rolls so irresistible, how to use yeast properly, and the step-by-step process for creating buttery, fluffy rolls that rival any bakery.
Why Yeast is Essential for Dinner Rolls
The magic behind soft and fluffy dinner rolls lies in yeast. This single-cell organism feeds on sugar and releases carbon dioxide, which causes the dough to rise. As the dough expands and ferments, it develops the light texture and complex flavor that define a good roll.
There are three main types of yeast used in baking:
- Active dry yeast: Most commonly used in home baking. Needs to be dissolved in warm liquid before use.
- Instant yeast (also known as quick-rise or rapid-rise yeast): Does not require proofing and can be mixed directly with dry ingredients.
- Fresh yeast: Also called cake yeast, this is typically used by professional bakers and has a short shelf life.
For beginners and home bakers, active dry yeast or instant yeast is most accessible and reliable.
Classic Dinner Rolls Recipe with Yeast
This tried-and-true recipe for homemade yeast rolls is simple yet produces bakery-quality results. Perfectly soft with just a hint of sweetness, they pair well with everything from roast chicken to a Thanksgiving turkey.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed to about 110°F
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (plus more for brushing)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon honey (for a slightly sweet flavor)
Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture and stir gently. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step confirms that the yeast is alive and active.
2. Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the foamy yeast mixture, egg, and melted butter. Stir until a soft dough forms. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook on medium speed for about 5 minutes. If mixing by hand, use a wooden spoon to combine, then knead by hand.
3. Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. You can also continue using the stand mixer for this step.
4. First Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Shape the Rolls
Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12–15 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and place them in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish or onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Second Rise
Cover the rolls and let them rise again for about 30–45 minutes, until they are puffy and almost doubled in size.
7. Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 15–20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the rolls sound hollow when tapped.
8. Finish with Butter
Brush the warm rolls with melted butter for an extra-soft and glossy finish. Let them cool slightly before serving.
Tips for the Best Yeast Dinner Rolls
- Temperature matters: Make sure your milk is warm but not hot (around 105°F–110°F). Too hot and it could kill the yeast.
- Don’t rush the rise: Giving your dough enough time to rise will result in lighter, fluffier rolls.
- Use fresh yeast: Always check the expiration date on your yeast. Old yeast won’t rise properly and could ruin your dough.
- Add flavor: You can enhance your rolls with herbs (like rosemary or thyme), garlic, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top.
Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic dinner rolls recipe with yeast, you can try a few fun variations:
- Garlic butter dinner rolls: Add minced garlic to your melted butter topping.
- Honey butter rolls: Mix honey into your butter before brushing.
- Whole wheat dinner rolls: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
- Cheesy dinner rolls: Fold shredded cheddar or mozzarella into the dough before shaping.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Instructions
- Make-ahead: After shaping, you can refrigerate the rolls overnight. Let them come to room temperature and complete the second rise before baking.
- Freezing baked rolls: Once cooled, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes.
- Freezing unbaked dough: Shape the rolls, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Let thaw and rise before baking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about baking your own bread, and dinner rolls recipes with yeast are a great place to start. With just a few pantry staples and some patience, you can create soft, buttery rolls that elevate any meal. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering or simply making dinner for your family, these rolls are sure to become a favorite at your table.
Did you try this recipe? Share your results in the comments or tag me on social media with your dinner roll creations. Happy baking!
