Best Dinner Rolls

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Since we’re finally settled in our new home, I’ve had the entertaining bug. I want EVERYONE to come over. I’m sure this is also due to the impending arrival of Lucille Amelia. But sadly I find there is never enough time in one week to host all the friends and family my heart desires. If I had it my way, all obligations would vanish except menu planning, grocery lists, and afternoons in the kitchen.

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These dinner rolls were one of many recipes I tried these past few weeks. The other batches of rolls weren’t necessarily bad…they just weren’t necessarily great either. I guess I’m still adjusting to bread-baking in Colorado. The altitude and the lack of humidity makes bread-making a more difficult task than it was in Austin. But I’m happy to say that these rolls are delightful. Light and fluffy, they rose easily and baked up beautifully in my oven. Is there anything as satisfying as taking a peek into your oven and seeing a loaf or a dozen rolls rising and browning like the ideal form should?

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These rolls are also special in that my 10-year-old niece, Halley, helped form them on Sunday morning. She’s been staying with Ryan and me this weekend, and we’ve made pancakes, rolls, lemon bars, and calzones. We both love to bake, and I’ve enjoyed every minute with her.

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So if you’re hosting a dinner party in the next few weeks and you’re looking for a delicious, fail-proof dinner roll, this is the answer to your quest. Without any doubt, your guests will eye the bread basket as you pass around the entree. They’ll ask themselves, “Is it wrong for me to take three rolls, four?” Because good bread with good butter is one of life’s simplest pleasures. And for me, the baking of good bread might be even better.

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Best Dinner Rolls

1 (1/4-ounce) package dry active yeast

1 cup warm water, about 110 degrees F

1/2 cup sugar

1 egg, beaten

2 teaspoons salt

1 cup whole milk, scalded but cooled to warm

4 ounces melted butter (1 stick), plus 2 ounces

6 cups flour, plus more, as needed (substitute 2 cups whole wheat flour for a light wheat roll)

In a standing mixing bowl with dough hook, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let sit until lightly foamy, then stir in sugar and add egg, salt, warm milk, and 4 ounces of butter. Slowly add 6 cups flour, adding more as needed to make an elastic dough. Mix well and knead dough for about 5 minutes (either with dough hook or by hand).

Place dough in buttered or oiled bowl, cover with towel, and set in a warm place to rise until double in bulk, about 1 hour.

Lightly oil two standard muffin pans. Punch down dough and form dough into 1-inch balls. Place 3-4 balls in each muffin tin. Fill muffin pans, cover with towel, and allow to rise an additional 1/2 hour.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Brush rolls with remaining melted butter. Bake in preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, until golden brown.

Monet

Anecdotes and Apple Cores

30 thoughts on “Best Dinner Rolls

  1. Monica

    Homemade dinner rolls from the oven sounds just wonderful! I can feel all the love in your new home and kitchen! Great pics of you and your lovely niece. : )

  2. Pam

    The rolls look delicious and they’re a must try! You are so right about good bread. You look great and your niece and pup are adorable! Have a good week, Monet!

  3. LisaR @ Who Stole My Baby?

    Looks like another recipe from your blog that’s going to end up in my permanent rotation. This + the wheat challah + the garlic and thyme flatbread will be staples. Also, what kind of dog is that? That is the cutest dog EVER.

  4. Jeannie

    I believe you when you said these are best dinner rolls! made with lots of tlc, so should taste really good! Your niece is so lovely!

  5. Gina

    Looks like both buns are rising nicely. I love baking with my nieces, it’s the best. So is warm rolls. Lucy is going to be here before you know it and then you will have another baking helper.
    -Gina-

  6. Jessie

    I’ll take five of these gorgeous rolls, please 😉 These rolls are beautifully browned and would look incredible on any dinner table! So glad you and Ryan could spend time with your niece – she’s a cutie 🙂

    Enjoy your week, Monet!

  7. Ilke

    They look so inviting, Monet… I can understand being on an entertainment kick when you have so much good to share in your life , including these rolls 🙂

  8. Annie

    That sounds like a terrific visit with your niece. A visit that produced many delicious sounding things and these rolls look perfect!

  9. Nancy @ gottagetbaked

    Hi Monet, thanks for visiting my blog and leaving that lovely comment. I’m always happy to find other blogs too, especially when they look as fabulous as yours. Your niece is adorable and is that your dog Margot she’s holding? She’s so freaking cute. Congrats on the new addition coming to your family soon. As for these dinner rolls, I loooooove baking bread at home so I can just imagine how amazing your kitchen smelled while these were baking. They’re the perfect thing to eat at any meal.

  10. Donalyn

    Monet, those rolls are SO pretty and look delicious. You will get used to baking in Colorado with a little practice – the altitude does change things, but once you get used to it, it’s no big deal. I lived there a long time ago, so I don’t remember specifics anymore, but there is a ton of info online. Always fun to learn something new!

  11. Natalie @ Once Upon a Cutting Board

    I haven’t found the perfect dinner roll recipe yet so I’ll definitely be keeping this one for the next time I need to make rolls (which isn’t that often, I’m not much of an entertainer!). That’s so sweet that your niece bakes with you!

  12. Bonnie Banters

    Looks like you’re settling in your new home very nicely. I see little Lucille is coming along very well too. She’s a lucky little girl to have a mommy who’ll teach her to bake such wonderful things as these perfect dinner rolls! You’re right…nothing is more satisfying than fresh, hot bread and butter!

  13. Joanne

    The.Boy and I are probably going to be having a housewarming soon and perhaps these shall be on the menu! who doesn’t love a good dinner roll?!

  14. Jacqueline@HowtobeaGourmand

    You are looking in very good health Monet 🙂 These look and sound like a great recommendation for baking bread rolls. I’ve still to have a crack at baking my own bread. I should really give it a try!

  15. Nami | Just One Cookbook

    I can imagine the nice smell in the kitchen when these come out of the oven. Homemade dinner rolls are such nice treat for the house guests! Hmm good butter and these rolls will make me very happy!

  16. Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking

    Congratulations on getting settled in your new home, Monet! These dinner rolls look fluffy, fabulous and perfect for celebrating with friends and family. I love how easy they are and that you can substitute whole wheat, too!

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