Easy Homemade Bread Rolls

Easy Homemade Bread Rolls: The Perfect Soft and Fluffy Addition to Any Meal

There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your home. And when it comes to comforting, warm, and soft rolls, nothing beats the satisfaction of homemade bread rolls. Easy Homemade Bread Rolls are perfect for every occasion—whether it’s a cozy family dinner, a festive holiday meal, or just a simple addition to your weeknight meals. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create bakery-quality rolls that will melt in your mouth.

Why You’ll Love These Easy Homemade Bread Rolls

Soft and Fluffy: These rolls are light, airy, and perfectly soft. The texture is tender with a slight chew, making them ideal for serving with soups, stews, or as a side to any meal.
Simple Ingredients: You don’t need to be a baking expert or have special ingredients. These rolls require pantry staples like flour, yeast, butter, and sugar. With a few simple items, you can create a delicious batch of rolls from scratch.
Minimal Hands-On Time: While they require some time to rise, the actual hands-on time is minimal. Let the dough do most of the work, and you’ll be rewarded with fresh, warm rolls in no time.
Versatile: These rolls can be served with nearly any dish. Whether you’re serving them with a hearty soup, a roast, or enjoying them with butter and jam, they’re the perfect versatile addition to any meal.
Great for Sharing: These homemade rolls are perfect for sharing with family and friends. They have that “made with love” feeling, making them an instant hit at gatherings, potlucks, or special occasions.

Ingredients for Easy Homemade Bread Rolls

To make your own batch of easy homemade bread rolls, you’ll need the following ingredients:

4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F)
1 egg (optional, for an egg wash)
Additional melted butter, for brushing (optional)

Instructions for Making Easy Homemade Bread Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture

Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar, then sprinkle the yeast over the top. Stir gently, and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step ensures that the yeast is active and ready to help your dough rise.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Mix well to distribute the salt evenly throughout the flour. This helps ensure an even rise and texture in your rolls.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Once the yeast is activated and bubbly, pour the warm milk and melted butter into the bowl with the yeast mixture. Stir to combine the ingredients. If you’re adding an egg wash for a golden finish, you can beat the egg in a separate bowl.

Step 4: Make the Dough

Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry flour mixture. Stir with a spoon or your hands until the dough begins to come together. Once it’s combined, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5–7 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour a tablespoon at a time.

Step 5: First Rise

Place the dough in a large, greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm spot for about 1–1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size. This rise is important for giving your rolls their light, fluffy texture.

Step 6: Shape the Rolls

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Then, divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball by folding the edges underneath and pinching them together. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, placing them close together to encourage soft sides.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise again for about 30–45 minutes, or until they have puffed up and are touching each other. This second rise ensures the rolls will be tender and fluffy.

Step 8: Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you’d like, brush the tops of the rolls with a little beaten egg for a golden finish. Then, bake the rolls in the preheated oven for about 18–20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top.

Step 9: Finish with Butter

Once out of the oven, brush the rolls with a little melted butter to add extra flavor and shine. Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving.

Tips for the Best Homemade Bread Rolls

Proper Yeast Activation: Make sure the water you use to activate the yeast is warm but not hot—around 110°F is perfect. If the water is too hot, it could kill the yeast. If it’s too cold, the yeast won’t activate.
Kneading the Dough: Kneading the dough for 5-7 minutes helps develop gluten, which gives the rolls their soft, chewy texture. If you have a stand mixer, you can use the dough hook to knead the dough for you!
Don’t Rush the Rise: Give the dough enough time to rise. The longer the dough rises, the fluffier the rolls will be. If you’re in a hurry, try placing the dough in a warm oven (with the oven turned off) to speed up the process.
Brush with Butter: For an extra rich and flavorful finish, don’t skip brushing the rolls with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven. It adds a glossy look and a soft, buttery taste to each bite.
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