30 minute dinner rolls Recipe

If you’ve ever wished for a buttery, fluffy bread to accompany your meals but felt like you just didn’t have the time, these 30 minute dinner rolls are about to become your new best friend. Soft on the inside with a slightly golden crust, they come together quickly with simple ingredients and a clever rising trick using your oven’s warmth. Perfectly portioned for sharing or savoring all by yourself, these rolls are the ultimate quick-fix bread that feels like a warm hug at the dinner table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in these rolls plays an essential role, crafting that irresistible texture and flavor you’ll crave. From the warm water waking up the yeast to the egg adding richness, each component is simple but crucial for a perfect batch.

• 1 1/4 cups warm water: Warming activates the yeast, kickstarting the rise for fluffy rolls.
• 1/4 cup sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and feeds the yeast for better fermentation.
• 2 Tbsp. active dry yeast: The magic leavening agent that makes the dough rise quickly.
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the rolls moist and tender with a subtle richness.
• 1 tsp. salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• 1 egg: Gives the dough structure and a beautiful golden color on the crust.
• 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the body and soft crumb of the rolls.

How to Make 30 minute dinner rolls

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly greasing it. This simple step ensures your rolls won’t stick and will come out effortlessly after baking.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

In a stand mixer bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let this sit for 2 to 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, showing the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic in your dough.

Step 3: Mix the Dough

Add the vegetable oil, salt, egg, and gradually mix in the flour—about one cup at a time. Use the stand mixer to knead the dough for about four minutes; don’t worry if it feels soft and slightly sticky. That softness is key to keeping your rolls light and fluffy instead of dense.

Step 4: Shape the Rolls

Spray your hands with baking spray or lightly oil them to prevent sticking. Form the dough into 15 equal-sized balls and place them into your prepared baking pan, fitting snugly but not overcrowded.

Step 5: Rise During Oven Preheat

Cover the pan with a dish towel and set it on top of your oven as it preheats to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. The gentle heat helps the dough rise quickly as your oven warms, saving you precious time.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for about 20 minutes until the tops of the rolls turn a lovely golden brown. This baking time locks in the soft crumb and creates a slightly crisp exterior.

Step 7: Finish with Butter

Right out of the oven, brush the rolls with melted butter for that irresistible sheen and buttery flavor that makes these rolls impossible to resist.

How to Serve 30 minute dinner rolls

Garnishes

A light sprinkle of sea salt or a dash of freshly chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme on top of the warm rolls makes for a fragrant, gourmet touch that guests will rave about.

Side Dishes

These rolls pair beautifully with soups, hearty stews, or a fresh salad. Their soft texture soaks up sauces and juices, making every bite an explosion of complementary flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve them in a rustic basket lined with a cloth napkin for a charming farmhouse vibe, or stack them in a small tower on your dinner table as a beautiful bread centerpiece that invites everyone to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover rolls, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to retain softness and freshness.

Freezing

Wrap the rolls tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing them in a sealed bag. This method preserves their quality for up to three months, perfect for planning ahead.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy frozen rolls, thaw them at room temperature and warm them in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. Brush with a touch of melted butter after heating for that fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

Can I make 30 minute dinner rolls without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can mix and knead the dough by hand, just be prepared to put a little elbow grease in for about 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Why are my rolls dense and not fluffy?

Using too much flour can make the rolls dense. Remember, the dough should be slightly sticky and soft to ensure fluffiness after baking.

Can I substitute vegetable oil with butter?

Yes, melted butter can be used for a richer flavor, but it may slightly change the texture, making the rolls more tender and buttery.

Is it possible to make these rolls gluten-free?

You could experiment with a gluten-free flour blend, but keep in mind that yeast dough behavior changes and rising time may vary, so results might differ from the classic rolls.

Can I add herbs or cheese to the dough?

Definitely! Incorporate finely chopped herbs or grated cheese into the dough for an extra burst of flavor that personalizes your 30 minute dinner rolls.

Final Thoughts

These 30 minute dinner rolls are a game-changer when you want fresh homemade bread without the wait or fuss. I encourage you to give them a try and watch how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something truly delightful. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a special gathering, these rolls will become a beloved staple you’ll reach for again and again.

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