Homemade Yeast Rolls

Homemade yeast rolls come out the oven fluffy, golden brown and buttery soft. Enjoy them warm, buttered and alongside your favorite meal for a tasty treat.

Similar recipes you may like to try are French bread rolls, Parker House rolls, cloverleaf rolls, cheddar chive rolls and 30-minute dinner rolls.

Why You’ll Love It           

Soft texture: These homemade bread rolls are perfectly fluffy inside.
Rich flavor: Butter, milk and sugar create the best flavor balance.
Easy bread recipe: Even a baking beginner should manage these with ease.
Make ahead: You can prep yeast rolls ahead for holidays or parties.

Homemade Dinner Rolls Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Bread flour: Gives the rolls structure and a light chew.
Active dry yeast: Makes the dough rise and stay fluffy. Read the yeast packages carefully. You need to use active dry yeast in bread recipes like this one, not instant yeast.
Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds mild sweetness.
Salt: Balances flavor and controls yeast activity.
Warm milk: Activates the yeast while adding moisture and richness.
Butter: Adds softness and buttery flavor. You can use salted or unsalted butter. It needs to be at room temperature.
Egg: Helps bind and enrich the dough. Use room temperature eggs.
Flaky sea salt: Adds texture and enhances flavor when finishing.
Nonstick spray: To grease the baking dish.

How to Make Quick Yeast Rolls

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Mix the dough: Combine flour, yeast, sugar, salt, warm milk, butter and egg in a stand mixer with a dough hook, scraping it down with a silicone spatula. Mix until just combined.
Add remaining flour: Gradually add more flour until a soft dough forms. Beat until smooth and elastic.
First rise: Transfer dough to a greased mixing bowl, cover with plastic wrap and rise until doubled.
Shape the rolls: Punch down the dough, form 12 equal balls and space them out in a greased baking pan or baking dish.
Second rise: Cover and let the yeast rolls rise again until puffy.
Bake: Bake until golden brown, then brush baked rolls with melted butter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

Substitutions and Variations

Another flour: Use bread flour for the best texture or substitute all-purpose flour if that’s what you have.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour.
Different milk: Use whole milk or 2% for richness, or almond milk for dairy-free rolls.
Instant yeast: Swap active dry yeast for instant yeast, but skip the first rise.
Different shapes: I made round homemade yeast rolls, but you can make different shaped rolls if you prefer.
Butter alternative: Use plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.
Add toppings: Brush the tops with garlic, sprinkle grated parmesan and finish with melted butter, for a savory version.
Sweet variation: Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey to the dough for a hint of sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

With meat: Roasted chicken, pot roast or Lipton meatloaf would be tasty with these homemade rolls.
With a spread: Serve rolls warm with cherry jam, cinnamon butter, honey butter or blueberry jam.
With a holiday meal: This is a great recipe to pair with your Thanksgiving, Christmas or Easter dinner, or any holiday meal.
Make sliders: Split baked rolls to make sloppy joe sliders or hot Italian sliders.
With soup or stew: Try them with Italian beef stew, sausage and potato soup or pumpkin apple soup.

How to Store Yeast Rolls

Store: Keep homemade yeast rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Wrap each roll in plastic wrap then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months without losing texture.
Thaw: Let frozen rolls sit at room temperature until soft, or place in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheat: If you want hot rolls, warm them in the oven at 325°F for 5 to 7 minutes or microwave for 10 to 15 seconds until soft and fluffy.