There’s something magical about Thanksgiving – the gathering of loved ones, the aroma of roasted turkey filling the air, and, of course, those irresistible side dishes that make the feast complete. Among all the wonderful things that make Thanksgiving special, one dish stands out every time: Soft and Fluffy Dinner Rolls. These homemade rolls, fresh from the oven, with their golden tops and pillowy-soft insides, are the perfect side to complement any holiday spread. If you’ve been looking for that one recipe to make your Thanksgiving dinner even better, this is it.
Why You Need These Soft and Fluffy Dinner Rolls on Your Thanksgiving Table
I’m here to tell you, these rolls are the truth! You may think, “I’ve had dinner rolls before.” But trust me, until you’ve had these soft and buttery rolls, straight from your own kitchen, you’re missing out. There’s no store-bought roll that can hold a candle to the flavor and texture of a homemade one.
These dinner rolls are all about bringing comfort to the table. They’re fluffy, warm, and perfect for soaking up gravy, adding that extra layer of deliciousness to every bite. The rolls also make for epic leftovers—imagine using them to make mini turkey sandwiches the next day!
Plus, the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel when everyone is reaching for seconds will make all the effort worthwhile. Making these from scratch will leave your family impressed, your kitchen smelling like heaven, and your heart full, knowing you’re bringing a little extra love to the Thanksgiving table.
Ingredients for Soft and Fluffy Dinner Rolls for Thanksgiving
You don’t need a bunch of fancy ingredients to whip up these rolls – just simple pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 package active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
- 1 cup whole milk (warmed to about 110°F)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg (at room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing the tops after baking)
Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Soft and Fluffy Dinner Rolls for Thanksgiving
Whether you’re new to bread making or a seasoned pro, this recipe will guide you through every step of the way. By the time you’re done, you’ll have a batch of perfect, golden, fluffy rolls ready to be devoured by your family and friends.
1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture
- Begin by warming the milk to about 110°F. It should feel warm to the touch, not hot. Pour the warm milk into a small bowl and sprinkle in the yeast. Add 1 tablespoon of sugar to give the yeast a little fuel to start working. Stir it gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly – that’s how you know your yeast is activated and ready to roll.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Stir them together to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Create a well in the center of your flour mixture and pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Using a wooden spoon or the dough hook attachment on your stand mixer, mix until a sticky dough forms. It’ll look a little messy, but don’t worry – that’s exactly how it should be!
4. Knead the Dough
- If you’re using a stand mixer, let it knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes on medium speed, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If kneading by hand, dust a clean surface with flour, transfer the dough, and knead for about 8-10 minutes. The dough should be soft, smooth, and slightly tacky to the touch. When you press your finger into the dough, it should bounce back.
5. First Rise
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it doubles in size. A good tip is to leave it in the oven with the light on (just don’t turn the oven on!) – it creates the perfect warm environment for the dough to rise.
6. Shape the Rolls
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 12-16 equal pieces, depending on how large you want your rolls. Roll each piece into a smooth ball by cupping the dough in your hand and gently rolling it on a clean surface.
7. Second Rise
- Place the dough balls onto a greased baking sheet or a parchment-lined pan, making sure to space them out about an inch apart. Cover them with a kitchen towel and let them rise again for 30-40 minutes, or until they puff up nicely.
8. Bake the Rolls
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the rolls have risen, brush the tops with melted butter for that beautiful golden-brown finish. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the rolls sound hollow when tapped.
9. Butter, Butter, and More Butter
- As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush them with more melted butter. This keeps them soft and adds a rich flavor. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
More Thanksgiving Recipes:
- Best-Ever Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
- Honey Glazed Ham
- Gumbo Style Collard Greens
- Southern Candied Yams
- Southern Cornbread recipe
- The Ultimate Thanksgiving Dressing Recipe
- Southern Style Green Beans
- Bacon Mac and Cheese Recipe
Expert Tips and Tricks for Perfect Dinner Rolls
Making dinner rolls isn’t difficult, but a few key tips will help you achieve that bakery-style perfection every time:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can slow down the yeast, affecting the dough’s rise.
- Yeast Check: Always ensure your yeast is fresh! If your yeast mixture doesn’t foam up after 5-10 minutes, your yeast may be expired. Start over with a fresh batch.
- Warm Spot for Rising: Bread dough loves warmth. If your kitchen is a bit chilly, let your dough rise in the oven with the light on. It’s the perfect environment for the yeast to do its thing.
- Don’t Rush the Rise: Patience is key when making bread. Letting the dough rise properly will give you that light, fluffy texture we all crave.
- Test for Doneness: You’ll know the rolls are ready when they sound hollow when tapped on the top. They should also be beautifully golden brown.
15 Delicious Variations of Soft and Fluffy Dinner Rolls
Here’s where you can really get creative! These dinner rolls are like a blank canvas – you can add different flavors and twists to suit your taste. Here are 15 ways to switch things up:
- Garlic and Herb Rolls: Mix 2 tablespoons of chopped garlic and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough.
- Cheddar Cheese Rolls: Fold 1 cup of shredded cheddar into the dough before shaping the rolls.
- Honey Butter Rolls: Brush the rolls with a mix of honey and melted butter right before baking.
- Cinnamon Sugar Rolls: Roll the dough balls in a cinnamon-sugar mixture before baking for a sweet twist.
- Parmesan and Black Pepper Rolls: Add ½ cup of grated Parmesan and a few cracks of black pepper to the dough.
- Everything Bagel Rolls: Before baking, brush the rolls with egg wash and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning.
- Buttery Herb Rolls: Add 1 tablespoon of mixed dried herbs to the dough and brush with garlic butter after baking.
- Poppy Seed Rolls: Add a sprinkle of poppy seeds to the tops before baking.
- Sourdough Rolls: Substitute part of the flour for sourdough starter to give the rolls a slight tang.
- Whole Wheat Rolls: Use half all-purpose flour and half whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
- Brioche-Style Rolls: Add an extra egg and 2 tablespoons of sugar to make these more like a sweet brioche roll.
- Onion Rolls: Mix finely diced sautéed onions into the dough for a savory, sweet flavor.
- Cheese and Jalapeno Rolls: Add diced jalapenos and shredded cheddar for a spicy kick.
- Cranberry Rolls: Add dried cranberries and a little orange zest to the dough for a sweet holiday twist.
- Pretzel Rolls: Brush the rolls with a baking soda solution before baking to give them a pretzel-like texture.
What to Serve with Soft and Fluffy Dinner Rolls
Dinner rolls are super versatile and can be paired with so many dishes. Here are 15 ideas to complement your Thanksgiving feast:
- Roast Turkey with Gravy
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Cranberry Sauce
- Green Bean Casserole
- Stuffing (or Dressing)
- Sweet Potato Casserole
- Honey Baked Ham
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Pumpkin Soup
- Cornbread
- Beef Pot Roast
- Butternut Squash Soup
- Slow-Cooked Short Ribs
- Apple Butter Spread
- Thanksgiving Leftover Sandwiches
Storage Tips for Soft and Fluffy Dinner Rolls
- Room Temperature: Keep your dinner rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warm.
- Freezing: These rolls freeze beautifully! Once they’ve cooled completely, store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven for about 5-7 minutes.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven instead of the microwave to maintain that soft, fluffy texture.
How Much Should You Make for Family Gatherings?
For a family gathering of 6-8 people, a batch of 12-16 rolls should be just right. But if you’re feeding a larger crowd or you know your folks love some bread (who doesn’t?), double the recipe to make 24-32 rolls. They’ll go fast, especially with all those Thanksgiving sides!
How Far in Advance Can You Make the Rolls?
The great thing about these rolls is that you can make them ahead of time to reduce your Thanksgiving day stress. You can prepare the dough the night before, let it do its first rise, and then refrigerate the dough overnight. The next day, bring it back to room temperature, shape the rolls, let them rise a second time, and bake them fresh on the day of your feast.
If you’re planning to make them even further in advance, you can bake the rolls and then freeze them (as mentioned in the storage tips). Simply thaw and reheat them on Thanksgiving day, and they’ll taste just as delicious as freshly baked rolls.
Soft and Fluffy Dinner Rolls for Thanksgiving: A Must-Have for Your Holiday Feast!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Begin by warming the milk to about 110°F. It should feel warm to the touch, not hot. Pour the warm milk into a small bowl and sprinkle in the yeast. Add 1 tablespoon of sugar to give the yeast a little fuel to start working. Stir it gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly – that’s how you know your yeast is activated and ready to roll.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Stir them together to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
- Create a well in the center of your flour mixture and pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Using a wooden spoon or the dough hook attachment on your stand mixer, mix until a sticky dough forms. It’ll look a little messy, but don’t worry – that’s exactly how it should be!
- If you’re using a stand mixer, let it knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes on medium speed, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If kneading by hand, dust a clean surface with flour, transfer the dough, and knead for about 8-10 minutes. The dough should be soft, smooth, and slightly tacky to the touch. When you press your finger into the dough, it should bounce back.
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it doubles in size. A good tip is to leave it in the oven with the light on (just don’t turn the oven on!) – it creates the perfect warm environment for the dough to rise.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 12-16 equal pieces, depending on how large you want your rolls. Roll each piece into a smooth ball by cupping the dough in your hand and gently rolling it on a clean surface.
- Place the dough balls onto a greased baking sheet or a parchment-lined pan, making sure to space them out about an inch apart. Cover them with a kitchen towel and let them rise again for 30-40 minutes, or until they puff up nicely.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the rolls have risen, brush the tops with melted butter for that beautiful golden-brown finish. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the rolls sound hollow when tapped.
- As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush them with more melted butter. This keeps them soft and adds a rich flavor. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
