Make Ahead Dinner Rolls

Name: Make Ahead Dinner Rolls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 150 min
Ingredients: 1 cup milk; 1 packet active yeast; 4 cups all purpose flour; 5 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter (at room temperature ); 1/4 cup sugar; 2 large eggs (at room temperature); 1 tsp kosher salt; 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted )

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Make Ahead Dinner Rolls are the best fluffy yeast rolls that pair with any dinner! They can easily be made a day in advance!

a pile of rolls sit in a round turquoise dish on a wooden background.

Many people are scared of baking with yeast, but I promise that it's not that scary. If you ensure that your liquids aren't too hot before adding in the yeast and you're able to keep the dough at a moderate temperature when it is rising, you have nothing to worry about!

These make ahead yeast rolls are light and fluffy and go perfectly with just about any meal. They'll also make classic addition to your Thanksgiving table. And the fact that you can make them the day before, when your house isn't overrun with guests, makes them even better!

What are make ahead dinner rolls?

Make ahead dinner rolls are just as their name describes. They're a yeasted bread roll that can be made a day in advance. Simple ingredients like flour, butter, sugar, eggs, milk, yeast and salt combine to make a delicious roll! Then they're brushed with melted butter before baking.

a pile of dinner rolls sit in a round turquoise dish on a wooden background with a butter dish off to the right side.

What's the difference between types of yeast?

There are two main types of yeast: dry active yeast and instant yeast. In general, yeast is what makes bread rise into the airy and light texture. But the difference is in how they are used in recipe.

Dry Active Yeast needs to be dissolved in liquid - water or milk - before it can be used.

dry active yeast, the yeast needed for this recipe sits on a black background.

Instant Yeast, on the other hand, can be added directly to ingredients.

For this recipe, you'll need to use Dry Active Yeast, like the packet in the image shown above.

ingredients for the dinner rolls sit on a wooden background.

Ingredients for this recipe

all purpose flour
milk
butter
eggs
active yeast
sugar
salt

Instructions for this recipe

First, heat up the milk. Add the milk to a microwave-safe measuring cup and microwave for 30 seconds or until the milk is between 110 and 115 degrees F. If your milk is too hot, let it sit before adding the other ingredients.

process shot - heated milk in a measuring cup, with a thermometer showing the temperature of 112 F.

Then, add in the yeast and let it proof. Sprinkle the yeast packet on top of the milk and let it sit for 5 minutes or until the yeast looks bubbly.

process shot - yeast dissolving in the warmed milk.

Meanwhile, combine the ingredients in a stand mixer. Attach the dough hook to your stand mixer. Then place the flour, butter, sugar, eggs and salt in the mixer. Mix on low until it just starts to combine.

Then add in the yeast. Pour the milk/yeast mixture into the stand mixer and let the dough hook knead the mixture until it is smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes.

process shot - dough formed in the stand mixer,

Next, let the dough rise. Grease a bowl and place the dough inside, turning over once to coat. Cover and let rise for at least 1 hour in a warm place, until the dough has doubled in size.

process shot - dough in a greased bowl ready for the first rise.

Then, form the dough into dinner rolls. Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and press into a rectangle. Cut into 12 evenly sized squares and tuck the ends of each square under, pinching together, forming a dinner roll. Place the rolls in a parchment lined or greased 9x13 baking dish. Cover, and let rise for another hour.

process shot - formed dinner rolls waiting for their second rise or to be refrigerated to make ahead.

To Make Ahead: after placing rolls in the prepared 9x13 baking dish, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temperature for 90 minutes before baking.

process shot - dough rolls brushed with butter, waiting to be baked.

Finally, bake the rolls. If you are not making ahead, let the dough rise for another hour, then brush with melted butter and bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 15 minutes.

Flavor Additions

Dress up these classic dinner rolls but adding new flavors! Sprinkle the tops with:

garlic powder and herbs like parsley, rosemary, or thyme
sprinkle some Parmesan or shredded cheese on top
Use some of a ranch dressing packet mix to give these rolls a whole new flavor!

FAQ's

Can homemade rolls be refrigerated before baking?

Yes, that's exactly what is done with this recipe. After the first rise, the dough is formed and then covered and refrigerated overnight to bake the next day. The rolls needs to come to room temperature for 90 minutes before baking after refrigeration.

Can you freeze homemade rolls and keep them fresh?

Once rolls are baked, cool to room temperature and then wrap tightly in foil. Freeze in a container or ziplock bag for 1 month.

How do you keep dinner rolls fresh?

Once the rolls have baked and cooled, tightly wrap them in plastic wrap or foil and store in an air-tight container until ready to serve.

tall stack of dinner rolls sits on a turquoise plate

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Parmesan Butternut Squash Gratin from Jen Around the World
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Quick and Easy Green Beans and Bacon Skillet from Blogghetti
Swedish Rice Pudding from Cheese Curd In Paradise
Vegan Pumpkin Coconut Cornbread from Magical Ingredients

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