These bread machine dinner rolls are the ultimate in homemade comfort. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create soft, fluffy rolls that are perfect for any occasion. The bread machine takes care of most of the work, leaving you with perfectly risen dough that bakes into golden-brown, buttery rolls.
Perfect for holiday dinners, family gatherings, or any meal where you want to serve fresh, homemade bread, these rolls are sure to impress. They are easy to make and so delicious that you’ll want to bake them again and again.
Full Recipe:
- 1 cup warm milk (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- 1/3 cup butter, melted
- 4 1/2 cups bread flour
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup butter, softened (for brushing on top)
Directions:
- Place warm milk, eggs, melted butter, bread flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in the pan of a bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer.
- Select the Dough cycle and press Start.
- When the cycle is complete, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 12 to 16 even portions and form into balls.
- Place the balls onto a greased baking sheet. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise for 30 minutes or until doubled in volume.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Brush the tops with softened butter immediately after removing them from the oven.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Kcal: 170 kcal | Servings: 12-16 rolls
The Magic of Bread Machine Dinner Rolls
Bread machine dinner rolls are a game-changer for home cooks who want to enjoy the aroma and taste of fresh-baked rolls without spending hours in the kitchen. These rolls are light, fluffy, and irresistibly soft with a golden-brown exterior. The convenience of the bread machine allows even novice bakers to achieve bakery-quality results with minimal effort. From mixing and kneading to proofing, the machine handles the heavy lifting, so all you need to do is shape the dough, let it rise, and bake to perfection.
Why You’ll Love These Bread Machine Dinner Rolls
- Effortless Preparation: Using a bread machine simplifies the process. No more worrying about kneading the dough by hand or watching over it as it rises. The machine ensures perfect consistency every time.
- Soft and Buttery: These rolls are brushed with softened butter right after baking, giving them a golden sheen and that melt-in-your-mouth texture that pairs beautifully with almost any meal.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving these rolls at a holiday dinner, a Sunday family meal, or even a weekday dinner, they elevate any table setting. You can also make them ahead of time and store them in the freezer, ready to warm up when needed.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe by adding herbs like rosemary or thyme, sprinkling sea salt on top before baking, or even mixing in some shredded cheese or garlic to give them a unique twist.
Tips for Success
- Warm Ingredients: Make sure the milk is warm (around 110°F) but not too hot, as it can kill the yeast. Room temperature eggs also help in achieving a better rise.
- Flour Type: Bread flour is ideal for this recipe, as it contains a higher protein content, which contributes to the structure and chewiness of the rolls. All-purpose flour can work in a pinch, but the texture may be slightly different.
- Shaping the Rolls: For evenly sized rolls, divide the dough into equal portions using a kitchen scale or eyeball them as closely as possible. Rolling them into smooth balls ensures uniform baking.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on the rolls in the oven during the last few minutes of baking. The tops should be golden brown, but avoid over-baking as that can dry them out.
Make-Ahead and Storage
These bread machine dinner rolls can be made in advance and frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, bake them as instructed, allow them to cool completely, and then store in a sealed freezer bag. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the rolls in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warm.
Pairing Suggestions
These dinner rolls are versatile and can be served alongside a variety of dishes:
- Soups and Stews: Their soft texture makes them perfect for soaking up hearty soups and stews.
- Holiday Meals: They are a must-have on the table for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners, pairing wonderfully with turkey, ham, or roast beef.
- Everyday Dinners: Serve them with pasta, casseroles, or even salads for a comforting side.
History of Dinner Rolls
Dinner rolls have been a staple in many cultures around the world for centuries. They originated from the simple, everyday need for a portable and easy-to-make form of bread, often served with hearty meals. In America, dinner rolls have become synonymous with family gatherings, holiday feasts, and Sunday suppers. Traditionally, they were made by hand, requiring skill and time to knead and shape the dough. However, with the invention of bread machines in the late 20th century, making fresh bread at home has never been easier.
Why Bread Machine Dinner Rolls are a Must-Try
The bread machine has revolutionized the way home cooks approach bread-making. It simplifies the entire process by handling the mixing, kneading, and even the first rise of the dough. This means you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen, monitoring the dough. The bread machine does all the hard work for you, giving you more time to focus on other dishes or simply relax.
- Time-Saving: If you’ve ever made bread by hand, you know how time-consuming it can be. With a bread machine, you simply add the ingredients, press a button, and let it do the work. In a little over an hour, you’ll have dough ready to shape into perfectly soft rolls.
- Consistency: One of the trickiest parts of bread-making is getting the texture just right. Kneading too much or too little can result in dense or flat rolls. The bread machine ensures that the dough is kneaded to perfection every time, giving you consistent, fluffy results.
- Less Cleanup: Since the machine does most of the mixing and kneading, you have fewer bowls and utensils to clean up afterward. The dough is mixed and rises in the same pan, making the entire process much tidier.
How to Customize Your Bread Machine Dinner Rolls
While this basic recipe produces delightfully soft and buttery rolls, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your taste:
- Herbs and Spices: Add a tablespoon of finely chopped rosemary, thyme, or parsley to the dough for an herb-infused twist. You can also sprinkle some garlic powder or onion flakes to elevate the flavor.
- Cheese: For a cheesy variation, fold in a 1/2 cup of grated cheddar, Parmesan, or mozzarella into the dough. The cheese will melt during baking, creating rich, savory rolls.
- Sweet Rolls: If you want to turn this recipe into something sweeter, consider adding 1/4 cup of sugar and a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough. You can also brush the tops with honey butter for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Whole Grains: For a healthier version, substitute part of the bread flour with whole wheat flour. This will give your rolls a denser, nuttier flavor, and boost their nutritional value.
Ideal Occasions for Serving Bread Machine Dinner Rolls
- Holiday Gatherings: These rolls are a classic side dish for big holiday meals, like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter. Serve them with roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, or glazed ham for a full, comforting feast.
- Special Dinners: Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or a cozy family Sunday dinner, these homemade rolls add a touch of warmth to any meal. Pair them with hearty stews, casseroles, or roasted meats.
- Everyday Meals: These rolls are versatile enough for everyday meals. Use them to accompany your favorite weeknight pasta dishes, soups, or salads. You can even make sandwiches with leftover rolls the next day.
- Entertaining: Hosting a dinner party? Impress your guests with freshly baked rolls straight from the oven. Serve them with herb-infused butter, garlic spreads, or a selection of dipping oils for a gourmet experience.
Nutritional Benefits
While these bread machine dinner rolls are more on the indulgent side due to the butter content, they can be part of a balanced meal. Here are a few tips to make them slightly healthier:
- Use Whole Grains: As mentioned earlier, substituting whole wheat flour for part of the bread flour increases the fiber content, which is beneficial for digestion and heart health.
- Lower the Sugar: You can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe or substitute it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup if you prefer a less sweet dough.
- Control Portion Size: By making smaller rolls, you can enjoy the same great taste while managing your calorie intake. Plus, smaller rolls bake faster!
How to Serve Bread Machine Dinner Rolls
These dinner rolls are incredibly versatile and can be served in several delicious ways:
- Warm with Butter: There’s nothing quite like a warm roll straight out of the oven, slathered with butter that melts into every crevice.
- With Spreads: Serve them with a variety of spreads like honey butter, garlic herb butter, or even a sweet jam for a flavor contrast.
- Dipping: Pair them with a bowl of soup or stew for dipping. They soak up broth and sauces beautifully, making each bite a flavorful delight.
Fun Facts About Bread Machines
- The bread machine was first invented in Japan in 1986 by the Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. (now known as Panasonic). It revolutionized home baking and made it accessible to people without baking expertise.
- Bread machines come with different cycles for various types of bread, including gluten-free, whole wheat, and even jam-making options.
Conclusion
Bread machine dinner rolls are the perfect combination of convenience and homemade goodness. With minimal effort, you can create soft, buttery rolls that are perfect for any meal or occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe allows you to enjoy fresh bread with ease. Customize the rolls to your taste with herbs, cheese, or whole grains, and serve them warm with butter or alongside your favorite dishes. These rolls are sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen for family dinners, holidays, and beyond.