Soft, fluffy dinner rolls are a quintessential part of any hearty meal. Perfectly golden on the outside and pillowy on the inside, these rolls elevate any dinner occasion from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you're serving them for a family gathering, holiday feast, or simply a cozy weeknight meal, this recipe for soft dinner rolls promises to deliver delightful results every time. In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything from the ingredients to the storage tips, ensuring that you achieve the perfect rolls with ease.
Introduction
Dinner rolls have been a beloved staple at the dinner table for generations. Their soft texture and subtle sweetness make them the perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes, from roasted meats to hearty stews. The key to making the perfect soft dinner roll lies in the ingredients, technique, and a little bit of patience. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, so even if you're new to baking bread, you'll find success with these rolls.
Ingredients
To make these soft dinner rolls, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the rolls. For best results, use unbleached flour.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness and helps with browning.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast: The leavening agent that makes the rolls rise.
- 1 cup warm milk: Activates the yeast and helps create a soft texture. Ensure it's not too hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor. It should be softened but not melted.
- 1 large egg: Provides structure and moisture to the dough.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the rolls.
- 1/4 cup warm water: Used to dissolve the yeast.
- 1 tablespoon melted butter: For brushing on top of the rolls before baking to give a golden, shiny finish.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Yeast
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
2. Mix the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Mix well.
- Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, warm milk, softened butter, and egg.
- Stir the mixture with a wooden spoon or dough hook attachment until a dough begins to form. The dough will be slightly sticky but should come together into a ball.
3. Knead the Dough
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
- Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Mix on low speed for about 6-8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning it once to coat all sides with oil.
- Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Shape the Rolls
- Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface and divide it into 12-15 equal pieces.
- Shape each piece into a smooth ball by rolling it between your hands or on the surface.
- Place the shaped rolls onto a greased baking pan or line it with parchment paper. Arrange them close together, as this helps them rise taller.
6. Second Rise
- Cover the rolls with a clean towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they have doubled in size again.
7. Bake the Rolls
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
8. Cool and Serve
- Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Perfect Rolls
- Warm Ingredients: Ensure that the milk and water are warm, not hot, as excessive heat can kill the yeast.
- Kneading: Proper kneading is crucial for developing the gluten in the dough, which gives the rolls their structure.
- Rising Time: Allowing the dough to rise adequately is key to achieving light and fluffy rolls. Don’t rush the process.
- Shaping: For uniform rolls, try to shape them into even balls to ensure even baking.
Nutritional Information
Per roll (based on 15 rolls):
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 3g
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.)
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store the rolls in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, freeze the rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat frozen rolls, thaw them at room temperature, then warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. For fresh rolls, simply warm them in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
Conclusion
These soft dinner rolls are a delightful addition to any meal, offering a comforting, homemade touch that’s sure to please everyone at the table. By following this recipe and paying attention to the key steps, you’ll be able to bake rolls that are consistently soft, fluffy, and full of flavor. Enjoy these rolls fresh from the oven, or savor them as leftovers with soups, salads, or as a simple snack. Happy baking!
Tags:
DESSERT