No Knead Dinner Rolls Recipe
If fluffy, golden-brown, and irresistibly soft rolls make your heart sing, then you are absolutely going to love this No Knead Dinner Rolls Recipe. It’s a game-changer for busy weeknights or special gatherings because it requires minimal effort but delivers maximum comfort. These rolls boast a tender crumb with a beautiful buttery crust, perfect for soaking up gravy or just enjoying warm with a dab of butter. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with any other method.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients come together to create these magical dinner rolls. Each one plays a key role in the flavor, texture, or that irresistible golden color that makes these rolls so inviting.
- Warm water: Activates the yeast and ensures the dough rises perfectly without kneading.
- Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a hint of sweetness that balances the savory notes.
- Eggs: Contribute richness and help create a soft, tender crumb.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the dough, providing structure while allowing for a light texture.
- Yeast: The magic ingredient that makes the dough rise and become fluffy.
- Butter: Adds moisture, flavor, and helps create that appealing golden crust.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness perfectly.
How to Make No Knead Dinner Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by pouring warm water into a bowl and sprinkling the yeast over it. Let it stand for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly—this signals the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In your mixer’s bowl fitted with a dough hook, combine the yeast mixture, sugar, a quarter cup of melted butter, lightly beaten eggs, and salt. This creates a flavorful, rich base for your dough.
Step 3: Add Flour and Form Dough
Add all the flour to the mixture and mix on low until incorporated into a sticky dough. This dough shouldn’t be tough or dry—it should feel moist and a little tacky to the touch, which is just perfect for this no knead recipe.
Step 4: Let Dough Rise
Cover the bowl lightly with plastic wrap and set it aside in a warm spot for one hour. During this time, the dough will double in size, thanks to the happy yeast creating air bubbles that make your rolls wonderfully fluffy.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Once risen, turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Roll it gently into a thick log, then cut it into 18 equal pieces. With lightly floured hands, form each piece into a smooth ball, getting ready to place them in their baking home.
Step 6: Arrange and Second Rise
Spray a 9-by-13-inch pan with cooking spray and arrange the dough balls inside. Cover lightly again with plastic wrap and let them rise at room temperature for 30 minutes, doubling in size once more—a critical step for that signature soft texture.
Step 7: Optional Overnight Chill
If your schedule demands flexibility, cover the rolls and refrigerate after the second rise for up to one day. This slow proofing actually enhances flavor and allows you to bake fresh rolls whenever suits you.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400ºF. Brush the tops of the rolls with the remaining melted butter, then bake them for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they turn a rich golden color and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom—pure bliss!
How to Serve No Knead Dinner Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish like a light brushing of melted herb butter right after baking amps up the flavor and gives the rolls an inviting sheen. You can sprinkle a touch of flaky sea salt or chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley for a homemade bakery touch.
Side Dishes
These rolls are the perfect companion to hearty soups, creamy stews, or festive holiday dinners. Pair them with butter-roasted chicken, savory pot roast, or your favorite pasta dishes—they soak up sauces so well, you’ll want to savor every crumb.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd, serve these rolls in a rustic basket lined with a cloth napkin to keep them warm. Or slice them in half and use as sliders with pulled pork or chicken salad for a fun twist. Folding them into a dinner roll wreath with garlic butter drizzled on top creates an impressive centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover rolls in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to two days. Storing them while still slightly warm helps retain softness, but avoid sealing them when hot to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully! Wrap cooled rolls tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place them in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy fresh-baked goodness.
Reheating
To revive the perfect texture, warm rolls in a 350ºF oven for about 10 minutes or microwave individually wrapped rolls for 15-20 seconds. A quick brush of butter after reheating elevates softness and flavor instantly.
FAQs
Can I make this No Knead Dinner Rolls Recipe without a mixer?
Yes! While a mixer with a dough hook makes mixing easier, you can stir everything together by hand using a wooden spoon until the dough comes together. It will be sticky—that’s a good sign!
Is it possible to use whole wheat flour in this recipe?
Absolutely! Substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber. Just note the rolls might be a tad denser.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
You can swap instant yeast for active dry yeast at a 1:1 ratio without proofing. Mix the instant yeast directly with the flour and proceed as usual.
Why do my rolls sometimes turn out dense?
Dense rolls often result from under-proofing or using water that’s too hot or cold, which can affect yeast activity. Make sure the dough doubles in size during both rises, and your water is warm but not scalding.
Can I add flavors like garlic or cheese to the dough?
Definitely! Fold in minced garlic or shredded cheese after mixing the dough for a delicious twist. Just be mindful that adding wet ingredients might require a slight adjustment in flour.
Final Thoughts
This No Knead Dinner Rolls Recipe is simply one of those kitchen treasures you’ll return to time and again. Effortless, comforting, and incredibly satisfying, it transforms a handful of pantry staples into soft, golden rolls that bring people together. Give it a try tonight—you’re going to make many happy memories around these warm rolls.
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No Knead Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 18 rolls 1x
Description
These No Knead Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and easy to make with minimal effort. Perfect for any dinner table, they require no kneading and yield 18 golden, buttery rolls that are delicious fresh out of the oven. Ideal for beginners and busy cooks alike, they rise twice to develop a light and airy texture.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2 cups warm water
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 6 Tbsp butter, melted (divided: 1/4 cup and 2 Tbsp)
Dry Ingredients
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 6 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 (1/4-oz) packages yeast (about 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast)
- 1½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Pour the warm water into a bowl, sprinkle with the yeast, and let it stand for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This ensures the yeast is alive and active for the dough to rise.
- Mix Ingredients: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the yeast mixture, sugar, 1/4 cup melted butter, eggs, and salt. Mix until well incorporated.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients and mix until a sticky dough comes together. The dough should be tacky but coherent.
- First Rise: Lightly cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set it aside in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Shape Rolls: Turn the risen dough out onto a well-floured surface. Using floured hands, roll the dough into a thick log and cut it into 18 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball.
- Prepare for Second Rise: Spray a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with cooking spray and place the dough balls evenly spaced inside. Lightly cover with plastic wrap and let them rise in a warm place for 30 minutes until doubled again.
- Optional Refrigeration: At this point, you can cover the pan and refrigerate the rolls for up to one day if you want to bake later.
- Preheat Oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 400ºF (204ºC).
- Bake Rolls: Remove the plastic wrap and brush the rolls with the remaining 2 Tbsp melted butter. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Notes
- Warm water should be about 110°F for proper yeast activation.
- You can brush the rolls with additional butter after baking for an extra buttery crust.
- Ensure dough is covered during rising to prevent drying out.
- Refrigerating the formed rolls before baking enhances flavor development.
- Use a kitchen thermometer to check oven temperature for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
