These 1 Hour Quick Dinner Rolls are the ultimate solution for fresh, homemade bread in a flash. Soft, pillowy, and golden-brown, they’re perfect for soaking up soups or pairing with your favorite dishes.
With just 20 minutes of prep and a short proofing time, you’ll have warm rolls on the table in under an hour. The aroma of freshly baked bread will fill your kitchen, promising a comforting and satisfying experience.
Each bite offers a delicate, buttery flavor with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Whether served as a side or the star of the meal, these rolls are sure to impress. Their light, fluffy texture and subtle sweetness make them irresistible, proving that homemade bread doesn’t have to take all day. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings, they’re a game-changer for any meal.
Ingredients for 1-Hour Quick Dinner Rolls
- Bread Roll Dough:
- 4 cups (1 lb 4 oz/568 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast* (see notes below)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons (1 oz/28 g) butter, softened
- ¾ cup (6 fl oz/180 ml) warm water
- ¾ cup (6 fl oz/180 ml) warm whole milk
- Garlic Butter:
- 3 tablespoons (1 ½ oz/43 g) butter, room temperature
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Bread Roll Dough:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, add the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix to combine.
- Add the softened butter and mix on low speed until the butter breaks up into large breadcrumbs.
- While still mixing, slowly stream in the warm water and milk. (Note: Add enough liquid for the dough to form a tight ball and clean the bottom of the bowl. You might not need all the liquid.)
- Increase the speed to medium and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add a splash of olive oil into the mixing bowl and coat the dough and the sides of the bowl. Cover tightly with cling wrap and a kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 20 minutes.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and form it into an even ball. Using a dough cutter or knife, cut the dough in half. Roll each half into a long log. Cut each log into 8 (2 oz) rolls. Roll each one into the shape of a ball.
- Butter and line a 9 x 13-inch baking tray. Place the dough balls in the tray about 2 inches apart.
- Cover the rolls with cling wrap and allow to rise again for about 20 minutes while your oven preheats to 400°F (200°C).
- Make the Garlic Butter:
- In a small bowl, combine the butter, minced garlic, and parsley. Microwave for about 25 seconds, or until the butter has melted. Set aside.
- When the rolls have risen for the second time and joined together, lightly brush them with half of the melted garlic butter (reserve the other half for after baking).
- Bake until golden brown, about 18-22 minutes.
- Immediately after removing the rolls from the oven, brush them with the remaining melted garlic butter.
- After cooling slightly, pull apart and serve. Cover remaining rolls and store at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. They also freeze well.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions for Your Dinner Rolls
These 1 Hour Quick Dinner Rolls are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of dishes. Serve them warm alongside a hearty bowl of soup, like creamy tomato or chicken noodle, for a comforting meal.
They’re also perfect for soaking up gravy from a roast dinner or as a side to a fresh garden salad. For a casual gathering, slice them in half and use them as mini sliders for pulled pork or grilled chicken. Don’t forget to set out a small bowl of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping—it’s a crowd-pleaser!
Keep Them Fresh: Storage and Reheating Tips
To store your rolls, place them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat frozen rolls in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes or until warm and soft.
If they’re at room temperature, a quick 5-10 seconds in the microwave will do the trick. Pro tip: Brush them with a little melted butter before reheating for that fresh-from-the-oven taste!
Mix It Up: Recipe Variations to Try
Want to switch things up? Add 1 teaspoon of dried herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for a savory twist. For a sweeter version, increase the sugar to 3 tablespoons and add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries.
You can also experiment with toppings—try sprinkling sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking. These small tweaks can transform your rolls into a whole new experience!
Time-Saving Hacks for Busy Cooks
If you’re short on time, use a preheated oven to speed up the proofing process. Simply turn your oven to the lowest setting for 2 minutes, then turn it off and place the covered dough inside to rise.
This can cut the proofing time in half! Additionally, you can prepare the garlic butter ahead of time and store it in the fridge until needed. These little shortcuts ensure you can enjoy fresh, homemade rolls even on the busiest days.
1 Hour Quick Dinner Rolls Recipe
Equipment
- stand mixer
- dough hook
- baking tray
- cling wrap
- kitchen towel
- dough cutter
- knife
- microwave
Ingredients
Bread Roll Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (1 lb 4oz/568 g)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast * (see notes below)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter (1 oz/28 g), softened
- ¾ cup warm water (6 fl oz/180 ml)
- ¾ cup warm whole milk (6 fl oz/180 ml)
Garlic Butter
- 3 tablespoons butter (1 ½ oz/ 43 g), room temperature
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced
- 1 tablespoon parsley finely chopped
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, add the flour, sugar, yeast and salt. Mix to combine.
- Add in the softened butter and mix on low speed until the butter breaks up into large breadcrumbs.
- While still mixing, slowly stream in the warm water and milk. (Note: add enough water for your dough to form a tight ball and clean the bottom of the bowl. You might not need all the liquid)
- Increase the speed to medium and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add a splash of olive oil into the mixing bowl and coat the dough and the sides of the bowl. Cover tightly with cling wrap and a kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 20 minutes.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and form it into an even ball. Using a dough cutter or knife, cut the dough in half. Roll each half of the dough into a long log. Cut each log into 8 (2 oz) rolls. Roll each one into the shape of a ball.
- Butter and line a baking tray 9 x 13 inch baking tray. Place the dough balls in the tray about 2 inches apart.
- Cover the rolls with cling wrap and allow to rise again for about 20 minutes while your oven is preheating to 400°F (200°C).
- Garlic Butter: Add the butter, minced garlic and parsley in a small bowl and microwave for about 25 seconds, or until the butter has melted. Set aside.
- When the rolls have risen for the second time and joined together, lightly brush the rolls with half of the melted garlic butter (reserve the other half for after they are baked).
- Bake until golden brown, roughly 18-22 minutes.
- Immediately after removing the rolls from the oven, brush them with the remaining melted garlic butter.
- After cooling slightly, pull apart and serve. Cover remaining rolls and store at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. They also freeze really well.
