Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls
There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the kitchen, especially when it carries the warm, earthy aroma of rosemary. These soft, fluffy dinner rolls aren’t just a side dish; they’re the heart of a meal, bringing comfort and nostalgia with every bite. Whether you’re gathering around the table with family or enjoying a cozy night in, trust me, you’re going to love these rolls. They’re simple to make, packed with flavor, and have just the right amount of golden, buttery goodness on top. So let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for any meal, whether it’s a weeknight dinner, holiday feast, or even a brunch spread.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that won’t break the bank but deliver maximum flavor.
Quick and Easy: With just a few straightforward steps, you’ll have homemade rolls without the stress.
Customizable: Add cheese, garlic, or even a sprinkle of sea salt to tailor these rolls to your liking.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls
Here’s the magic of these dinner rolls—they’re made with simple, wholesome ingredients, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Flour: The foundation of any great bread. It gives structure and that classic, chewy texture.
Yeast: The key to getting those beautifully fluffy rolls. Active dry yeast works best here.
Milk: Adds richness and softness to the dough, making every bite tender.
Butter: Because everything is better with butter! It adds flavor and a golden finish.
Sugar: Just a touch to balance the flavors and help activate the yeast.
Salt: Essential for enhancing all the delicious flavors in the dough.
Fresh Rosemary: The star ingredient that gives these rolls their signature aroma and taste.
Egg: Helps bind everything together and adds a little richness to the dough.
Olive Oil: A drizzle on top for extra moisture and shine.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Activate the Yeast
Warm the milk slightly until it’s just warm to the touch, then mix it with the yeast and sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it gets foamy. This step ensures your yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and chopped rosemary. Add in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and the egg. Mix everything together until a soft dough forms.
Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This helps develop the gluten for that perfect chewy texture.
Let it Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for about an hour or until it doubles in size. This is where the magic happens!
Shape the Rolls
Punch down the dough to release the air, then divide it into equal portions and roll them into balls. Arrange them in a greased baking dish.
Second Rise
Cover and let the rolls rise again for another 30-40 minutes. This step ensures they bake up light and fluffy.
Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the rolls for about 18-20 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top.
Finishing Touches
Brush the warm rolls with melted butter and sprinkle a bit more rosemary on top for an extra burst of flavor.
Serve and Enjoy
Enjoy these warm, buttery rolls straight out of the oven. They pair beautifully with soups, pastas, or just a simple pat of butter.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12 rolls Calories per serving: 150 kcal
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours (including rising time)
How to Serve Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls
These rolls are best served warm, fresh out of the oven. Pair them with creamy soups, pasta dishes, or even use them for mini sandwiches. They’re also perfect with a drizzle of honey or a slather of garlic butter.
Additional Tips
- Use fresh rosemary for the best flavor, but dried rosemary works in a pinch.
- Make them ahead by preparing the dough and letting it rise overnight in the fridge.
- Don’t overbake or they might turn dry. Keep an eye on them for that perfect golden-brown color.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
FAQ
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast? Yes! Just skip the activation step and mix it directly with the flour.
Can I freeze these rolls? Absolutely! Freeze the baked rolls, then reheat them in the oven when needed.
What if I don’t have fresh rosemary? You can use dried rosemary, but reduce the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Can I make these without eggs? Yes, replace the egg with a little more milk or a flaxseed egg alternative.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead? Yes, but they may turn out denser. Try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for a better texture.
Can I make these rolls vegan? Yes! Use plant-based milk, butter, and an egg substitute.
How do I make them extra soft? Be sure to knead well and let them rise fully before baking.
What’s the best way to store leftover rolls? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Can I add cheese to this recipe? Of course! Mix in shredded cheese for an extra indulgent touch.
Can I make these into sandwich buns? Yes! Just shape them slightly larger and bake a few minutes longer.
Conclusion
Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls are the perfect blend of fluffy, buttery, and herby goodness. Whether you’re making them for a holiday meal, a weeknight dinner, or just because, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Give them a try, and trust me—once you do, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen. Happy baking!
PrintGrandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls
Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls are soft, fragrant rolls infused with fresh rosemary, reminiscent of traditional family gatherings. These rolls are perfect for any dinner table, offering a delightful blend of savory herbs and a tender crumb.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water (110°F to 115°F)
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary, divided
- 2/3 cup warm 2% milk (110°F to 115°F)
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup canola oil
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons 2% milk
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Let it stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.
- Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, combine bread flour, 2 teaspoons of minced rosemary, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, warm milk, canola oil, and the whole egg. Beat until smooth.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let it rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Shape Rolls: Punch down the dough. Divide and shape it into 12 balls. Place them in a greased 13×9-inch baking pan. Cover and let them rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
- Prepare Topping: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of milk. Brush this mixture over the rolls and sprinkle with the remaining 1 teaspoon of minced rosemary.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the pan to a wire rack to cool.
Notes
- Herb Variations: For a different flavor profile, consider substituting rosemary with thyme or sage.
- Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 194 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 27mg
