Dine and Dish

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Recipe: The Best Buttery Dinner Rolls

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This is our all-time favorite best Buttery Dinner Rolls recipe made with instant yeast in your bread machine or by hand. This is definitely a staple for holidays and family dinners in our house!

The Best Buttery Dinner Rolls by www.dineanddish.net - this is our go to holiday dinner bread recipe!

Like many young people, who leave the nest and head off to college, I gained the “Freshman Fifteen”. I can pinpoint my extra pounds to one thing… it certainly wasn’t from the not so great dorm food. It wasn’t even because I partied hard and consumed my calories in beer. Just about every single extra pound came from the most delicious, fluffy, buttery soft dinner rolls at the restaurant where I waitressed.

I think I have bad eating habits now…when I was in college my eating habits were pretty awful. The restaurant I worked at had a bakery with these giant dinner rolls that were served fresh from the oven, with loads of melted butter dripping off the golden brown tops. The aroma of the homemade rolls wafted through the restaurant and man… it was impossible to resist. On my short breaks, I would always grab a roll (or a couple) to quickly snarf down so I could get back to my tables.

basket of dinner rolls with brick background

Homemade bread, especially homemade rolls, has always been my weakness.

As soon as I had a home and kitchen of my own, I decided to try and perfect making the rolls from my college days. I scoured the internet for the perfect homemade dinner rolls recipe and finally came upon an easy recipe that seemed very doable. I loved that I could use my bread machine to make the dough or I could use my stand mixer with a dough hook to make the process easier as well.

This Buttery Dinner Roll Recipe is from Food.com and is one I’ve been using for the past 10 years for our family Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts. It is simply the best dinner roll recipe I’ve ever tried so I haven’t felt the need to stray too far looking for anything better. In fact, I really really love these other yeast bread recipes, but this recipe I’m sharing today is the one my family begs for the most.

soft and fluffy white dinner rolls

What Type of Yeast Should I Use When Making Dinner Rolls?

Red Star Yeast recently launched a revolutionary yeast they have called “Platinum Superior Baking Yeast“. They sent me some to try out and I am so amazed! Each loaf of bread I’ve made using this yeast has risen and yielded the most amazing loaves of bread. From the Red Star Yeast website: “This simple-to-use yeast strengthens and improves your dough, increasing oven spring and finished volume of any recipe.” I love this yeast for bread baking perfection, but you can use any other active dry yeast as well.

I know so many of you might be scared of working with yeast but trust me. Yeast wary friends can rejoice as this yeast seems to be the no fail answer to your bread baking prayers!  You can feel comfortable knowing that with this recipe, you’ll produce some of the best yeast rolls without a lot of effort the very first time. It’s a great beginner recipe and one that you’ll keep forever and ever. 

What Equipment Does This Recipe Require?

The following list may contain affiliate links where if a purchase is made we’d earn a small amount at no additional cost to you.

For best results, the following equipment is recommended when making this dinner rolls recipe:

If you decide to use your bread machine for this recipe, it’s best to simply follow the instructions for the order of ingredients from your ABM’s manufacturer. 

Here Are Some Ideas for Additional Items To Serve

I personally think there’s nothing better than soft and fluffy dinner rolls and would be happy to call this dinner. However I know not everyone is as bread obsessed as I am. For additional recipes to make your table complete, check out these links:

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family has and it becomes one you make time and time again! Enjoy!

Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

The Freshman Fifteen {Recipe: The Best Buttery Dinner Rolls}

The best buttery dinner roll recipe around. Bread Machine version can be found on this post Original recipe can be found at Food.com

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water plus
  • 1 tablespoon water 70-80 F
  • 1 large egg
  • 4 1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 3 1/4 cups bread flour
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 2 tablespoons shortening optional

Instructions

  • Combine all the ingredients, minus the shortening and butter, in the bowl of your stand mixer in the order listed in the ingredients. Knead with the dough hook until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set aside to rise until the dough has doubled in size, about an hour.
  • Once dough has risen, remove from bowl onto a lightly floured surface. Shape into 15 uniformed sized balls (you may have to have shortening on your hand as you do this to keep from sticking)
  • Lightly butter a 9x13 baking pan. Place rolls onto baking pan, cover and let rise until double in size (approximately 30 minutes).
  • Bake in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes or until a light, golden brown.
  • After removing from the oven, brush with melted butter. Serve warm.

collage with basket of white dinner rolls

This is a sponsored post on behalf of Red Star Yeast. All opinions expressed are my own.

This blog post was originally published on November 2nd 2012 and updated November 14th 2019. 

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. Cassie | Bake Your Day says

    These rolls are perfect for the Platinum yeast, I loved the stuff! And dining hall rolls – only the BEST ever! I miss the dining hall for things like their rolls and never-ending supply of ice cream.

  7. Heather says

    I have started baking with yeast a lot lately! I have mostly been making sandwich bread but have been looking for a great roll recipe– it looks like I found it! So if I won, these rolls would be the first thing I would make (if I don’t make them before then!).

  8. Rachelle says

    (oops did I post in the wrong spot?) I would remake some gluten free cinnamon rolls, when I made them last yr for Christmas they flopped. lol

  10. Kathy Chips says

    I would make dinner rolls, I have been looking for a recipe to try and this would be my first time making them!!

  19. Rachelle Shockey says

    I would remake some gluten free cinnamon rolls, when I made them last yr for Christmas they flopped. lol

  20. Rachelle Shockey says

    I would remake some gluten free cinnamon rolls, when I made them last yr for Christmas they flopped. lol

  25. Cathy Rice says

    I would definately try out these hot rolls. Practice makes perfect…Gotta get ready for Thanksgiving!

  26. Jeffrey says

    I’d make some pizza dough. I make it about once a week and would like to see how this yeast performs compared to what I normally use.

  36. Alison says

    First thing I would make is cinnamon rolls! Nothing better than fluffy, sweet, cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven. YUM!

  40. Natalie G. says

    I would try it with my french baguette recipe, I’m sure it would make it even more awesome!

  41. Tammy says

    I would really like to make buns with the yeast. I have a child with sensory processing disorder, and simple white butter buns are some of the few foods he eats.

  44. Jan W. says

    I might try these, adding a little more sugar to make them taste more like those Hawaiian rolls. Mmmmm….

  45. Lisa P says

    The recipe sounds good but your new website is harder for me to read. The print isn’t dark enough.

  48. Les in NE says

    My great-grandmother used to make the most delicious Parker House dinner rolls every Thanksgiving and Christmas. I’ve followed her recipe, but they’ve never turned out as fluffy as the ones she used to make. I’m going to look for this yeast at the market today! Yes, my name is Lesley and I’m addicted to bread, rolls and anything with yeast. 🙂

  49. Deborah says

    Hey – if I’m going to gain 15 lbs, I can’t think of a better reason! These rolls look so good, and I’ve been hearing such great things about this yeast!

  51. Tracy Molina says

    I would make the Buttery Roll recipe with the new Red Star Plantinum yeast. Hopefully they would rise better than my rolls usually do.

  52. Ken G. says

    My daughters are spoiled by homemade pizza, so the first on the list would have to be pizza dough. I long for the days when I could come home from work and get one delivered to keep the natives happy.

  57. Julie says

    I love to make fresh rolls for dinner, so my first recipe using the Platinum yeast would be your Buttery Dinner Rolls!

  59. Jen W. says

    I made my own rolls for the first time last year and, after one failed batch, they turned out GREAT! Going to be making them again this year for Thanksgiving.

  64. CONSUELA says

    I MAKE THESE ROLLS ALL THE TIME. MY FAMILY IS ADDICTED TO THEM. I HAVE BEEN MAKING THEM FOR OVER 30 PLUS YEAR’S AND YOU WOULD THINK THEY WOULD TIRE OF THEM. WHEN I HURT MY SHOULDER YEAR’S AGO MY DAUGHTER BOUGHT ME A BREAD MAKER NOW ALL I HAVE TO DO IS ADD EVERYTHING IN ORDER IN THE BREAD MAKER THEN WHEN READY SHAPE THEM. VERY, VERY EASY AND FAST. ON A COLD DAY SOUP OR STEW COOKING AND ROLLS BAKING NEED I SAY MORE..LOL DING DONG COMPANY’S AT THE DOOR..

  65. Tracy F. says

    I’ve just started learning to bake from scratch..these dinner rolls looks like a good place to start!

  68. Nancy says

    I would love th try these dinner rolls! Bread is my weakness, too! Love the soft, warm slices (or rolls) with butter melting into the surface. Yum!! Just wish I could make good rolls. I’ll give these a try and then cam impress for the holidays!

  69. Rebecca says

    Homemade bread, fresh from the oven, is a huge weak point for me too. I make some at least once a week. I’ll have to give this recipe a go next time. 🙂

  77. Jill Divan says

    Thank you. A great dinner roll recipe is the one thing still missing among my holiday recipes. I’m grateful and can’t wait to try these!

  78. DARLENE EPPS says

    I AM SO MAKING THESE ROLLS. I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR A GOOD ROLL RECIPE FOR THE UP COMING HOLIDAYS. I JUST FOUND THE RECIPE. THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH. BREAD IS MY WEAKNESS TOO.

  82. Consuela Laurent says

    I MAKE THESE ROLLS ALL THE TIME, I HAVE BEEN MAKING THEM FOR 30 PLUS YEAR’S AND THE FAMILY NEVER TIRES OF THEM, THE AROMA WILL DRIVE YOU CRAZY..I USE A BREAD MACHINE TO MAKE MY DOUGH, ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS ADD THE INGREDIENTS IN ORDER AND PUSH A BUTTON IT IS EASIER AND FASTER. WHEN READY ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS SHAPE THEM ANYWAY YOU WANT.. GO GREAT WITH SOUPS & STEWS.

  83. Consuela Laurent says

    I MAKE THESE ROLLS ALL THE TIME, I HAVE BEEN MAKING THEM FOR 30 PLUS YEAR’S AND THE FAMILY NEVER TIRES OF THEM, THE AROMA WILL DRIVE YOU CRAZY..I USE A BREAD MACHINE TO MAKE MY DOUGH, ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS ADD THE INGREDIENTS IN ORDER AND PUSH A BUTTON IT IS EASIER AND FASTER. WHEN READY ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS SHAPE THEM ANYWAY YOU WANT.. GO GREAT WITH SOUPS & STEWS.

  90. Kim C. says

    I’ve been wanting to bake fresh bread and would like to try a pumpkin spice swirl or an apple cinnamon bread.

  95. Joanne says

    You realize I’m probably going to gain the food blogger fifteen from devouring multiple batches of these, right? They look seriously addictive!

  98. Shannalee T'Koy Mallon says

    Hahaha! Kristen, the exact same thing happened to me! Only, my freshman year, the rolls actually were at the dining hall — and yikes did I gain the 15 pounds. Took several years to get rid of them, ha!

  99. Shannalee T'Koy Mallon says

    Hahaha! Kristen, the exact same thing happened to me! Only, my freshman year, the rolls actually were at the dining hall — and yikes did I gain the 15 pounds. Took several years to get rid of them, ha!

  101. Emily says

    I love dinner rolls — I have a favorite from King Arthur Flour that I’ve been using for a few years now but I’ll have to give this one a try!

  102. Emily says

    I love dinner rolls — I have a favorite from King Arthur Flour that I’ve been using for a few years now but I’ll have to give this one a try!

  103. Ashley says

    I would try these rolls- I always love trying a new dinner roll, as I am not currently committed to just one.

  105. Megan B says

    I would have to try these dinner rolls, although I don’t think I’m going to be able to wait- so I think I’m going to make a batch for dinner with the yeast I already have in the pantry.

  108. Mandy says

    I can’t wait to try these, they look so amazingly fluffy !!!
    I just made English Muffin Bread today – these are next!

  109. Dawn Lindsay Gardner says

    These rolls will be baking in my oven asap 🙂 I am excited to try the new Red Star yeast… I love to bake!

  110. Dawn Lindsay Gardner says

    These rolls will be baking in my oven asap 🙂 I am excited to try the new Red Star yeast… I love to bake!

  120. Linda | The Urban Mrs says

    I’ll make this for sure! I’m a carb addict and always fall for bread, so there’s no reason why I should miss this one. 🙂

  123. Averie @ Averie Cooks says

    Pinned! They look amazing! I just made some white dinner rolls that I’m going to be blogging about soon and if I could eat white dinner rolls for every meal, I think I would 🙂

    Love the Platinum yeast, too!

  129. Deb C says

    I would make a recipe I have for no knead bread. Then I would try your rolls. They look wonderful.

  143. Valerie Ward says

    I’d make these rolls. 🙂 I clicked on the picture from pinterest and they sound delicious.

    Thanks for sharing the recipe.

  147. Jerri says

    I was wondering if the dinner rolls as described above use half of the flour as suggested by red star for the platinum yeast of is that an adjustment I need to include.
    Thanks

  148. Kristina says

    My freshman 15 started before I got out of high school. Every day at 10:00, we had a 30 minute morning break and that’s when the snack bar opened. This was in the 70s and they had three (3) snacks available for purchase at 10:00 am:

    1) A plate of 2 dinner rolls, like these, glistening with butter
    2) A bowl of white rice covered in thick brown gravy
    3) A plate with a big peanut butter square and chocolate glaze

    No fruit, vegetables, juice — just those three carb-o-licious options. I always went for the dinner rolls! Your recipe looks just like my high school life!

  149. Nadene says

    I am currently trying to make these rolls but dough is not rising. Other recipes for bread always say to put yeast in water and let it bubble up before adding to mix. I added each ingredient in order listed so yeast last. I don’t have a mixer so I mixed by hand then covered with plastic wrap and let it sit for an hour. Checked on it, didn’t rise. Waited another hour and checked, still nothing. So I put the bowl on top of warm stove and let it sit for 45 minutes. Looked like it might have gotten bigger but when I put it on floured surface, it wasn’t any bigger. Am I doing something wrong?

    • Kristen says

      Hi Nadene – I am so sorry I’m just now seeing this. I had company in town yesterday and was away from my computer.
      I wish I knew what had happened… I’ve been making this recipe for years and the only time I’ve had a problem was when my yeast had gone bad once.
      I went over to Food.com to see if anyone had had problems with the recipe posted there, since that’s where it originated. There were a few people who proofed the yeast first… I’ve never done that but it would maybe help.. I am so sorry!! I hate it when recipes don’t work out for people.,wish I knew why on this specific one 🙁

  150. Erin says

    I have made these several times with all purpose flour and with whole wheat flour… works great both ways. Thank you for sharing!!! 😀

  151. Nanette says

    I am testing this yeast with a family recipe. I read Nadene’s comments. I too usually start with the yeast being proofed and always used milk not water. I will try your recipe once I have use my mother’s recipe first. I have gotten 2 samples of Red Star Platinum yeast packages at the Orange Fairgrounds Home & Garden Show in October 2015. So this is a good place to start using a new product. Thanks for your blog & recipe.

  153. Laura says

    Greetings! I made these and hubby seems to be addicted to the rolls, he loves them. When making the BREAD version, and because of the rise you get from the yeast, should the bread recipe be baked in two 8X4-inch loaf pans? Thank you so much for such a wonderful recipe.

  154. Santosh Kumar says

    Wow this rolls sounds sooo yummy and a mouthwatering recipe till now…and it perfect for family dinner recipe…i am going to making it from your tips…Thanks for sharing…!

  155. Ann says

    5 stars
    Terrific recipe! I’ve been searching for a great dinner rolls recipe for about a week. It looks like I’ve just found it. I’m so excited at the idea of giving these rolls a try! They’re making my mouth water. Homemade bread has always been my weakness.
    Kristen, thank you so much for sharing this fab idea and all of your precious recommendations. Look forward to your new recipes.

    Best wishes,
    Ann

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    Buttery Dinner Roll Recipe & RedStar Platinum Yeast Giveaway

  9. […] The Freshman Fifteen {Recipe: The Best Buttery Dinner Rolls} – The best buttery dinner roll recipe around. Bread Machine version can be found on this post Original recipe can be found at Food.com […]