If you love the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread infused with the earthy scent of herbs, you are in for a treat with Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls Recipe. This delightful recipe captures the magic of homemade, soft dinner rolls that are perfectly tender on the inside with a golden crust topped with fragrant rosemary and flaky sea salt. Whether you’re baking for a family dinner, holiday feast, or simply craving some delightful homemade rolls, this recipe brings that nostalgic, heartwarming touch straight from Grandma’s kitchen to yours.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls Recipe plays a crucial role in creating those soft, flavorful rolls we all adore. Each item is simple yet essential, combining to give you that perfect balance of texture, moisture, and taste.
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of any great bread, providing structure and chewiness.
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet): The magic that helps the dough rise and become fluffy.
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F): Adds moisture and richness, activating the yeast gently.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Balances the savory flavors with a touch of sweetness and feeds the yeast.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted): Adds tenderness and a rich buttery flavor throughout the rolls.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and strengthens the dough’s structure.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients and adds richness for a soft crumb.
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (finely chopped): This herb infuses the dough with its unmistakable piney aroma and flavor.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing): Creates a shiny, flavorful crust when brushed on top before baking.
- Extra rosemary and flaky sea salt for topping: Adds a beautiful finishing touch of flavor and texture.
How to Make Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the yeast
Start by dissolving the yeast in the warm milk with a pinch of sugar. This step wakes up the yeast and gets it ready to work its magic, which takes about 5 to 10 minutes until you see a bubbly, foamy surface. This foamy sign means your yeast is alive and kicking.
Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. These dry ingredients set the base for your dough, making sure every bite has the right balance of sweetness and seasoning.
Step 3: Combine wet and dry ingredients
Add the foamy yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, and freshly chopped rosemary to the dry ingredients. Mix everything until it starts coming together into a soft dough. The rosemary is what makes this recipe so special, giving the rolls their signature flavor.
Step 4: Knead the dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for 8 to 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, knead for 5 to 6 minutes instead—this helps develop gluten, which is important for rise and texture.
Step 5: First rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rest in a warm spot for about 1 hour until it doubles in size. This gives the yeast time to work and transforms the dough into something soft and airy.
Step 6: Shape the rolls
Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release the air, then divide into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place them neatly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise again for 30 to 40 minutes until puffy.
Step 7: Prepare for baking
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops of your rolls generously with melted butter, then sprinkle with extra fresh rosemary and flaky sea salt. This not only adds flavor but also creates that beautiful, inviting finish.
Step 8: Bake to perfection
Bake the rolls for 18 to 22 minutes until they achieve a golden brown color. Once out of the oven, allow them to cool slightly—this step helps set the soft texture inside. These rolls are best enjoyed fresh and warm, inviting you to pull them apart and savor every bite.
How to Serve Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Add a pat of softened butter or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil on each roll just before serving to enhance that buttery rosemary flavor. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of additional flaky sea salt on top for a professional, bakery-like touch.
Side Dishes
These rosemary rolls pair beautifully with soups, stews, and roasted meats. Think creamy chicken soup, hearty beef stew, or even alongside a fresh salad and roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. The rich herb flavor complements a wide variety of dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve your rolls in a rustic basket lined with a linen cloth. You can also slice them open and add a bit of garlic butter or cheese for mini sandwiches. Even making pull-apart rolls by placing the dough balls close together before baking creates a fun and interactive way to enjoy them at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the rolls in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft and prevents drying out. For best texture, warm them slightly before serving again.
Freezing
Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls Recipe freezes beautifully. Simply cool the rolls completely, then freeze in an airtight bag or container for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter for a few hours.
Reheating
To reheat, wrap the rolls in foil and warm them in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 to 15 minutes. This gently refreshes their softness and brings back that just-baked aroma. For an even quicker option, microwave for 15 to 20 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel.
FAQs
Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh in Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls Recipe?
While fresh rosemary gives the best flavor and aroma, you can use dried rosemary if needed. Use about one-third of the amount called for fresh, since dried herbs are more concentrated. Just make sure to crumble the dried rosemary finely for the best texture.
What can I substitute for milk if I’m dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute the warm milk with an unsweetened non-dairy milk like almond, soy, or oat milk. Just ensure it’s warmed to the correct temperature to activate the yeast properly.
How do I know when the rolls are fully baked?
The rolls are done when the tops are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped gently. You can also check the internal temperature with a thermometer—it should read around 190°F for perfectly baked rolls.
Can I add other herbs or flavors to this recipe?
Absolutely! While rosemary is the star, you can experiment with thyme, sage, or even a bit of garlic powder to customize your rolls. Just be careful not to overpower the dough with too many flavors at once.
Is it possible to make these rolls gluten-free?
Unfortunately, this recipe relies on the gluten in all-purpose flour to give the rolls their soft and elastic texture. For a gluten-free alternative, you’d need to use a specially formulated gluten-free flour blend and adjust the recipe accordingly, which may require additional binding agents.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about baking Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls Recipe—it’s like filling your home with warmth and love through the simple act of breadmaking. These rolls are easy to make, wonderfully fragrant, and perfect for sharing with those you care about. Give this recipe a try, and bring a little slice of Grandma’s kitchen magic to your table. Your guests and family will thank you for it!
Print
Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy homemade rolls infused with fresh rosemary, perfect for holiday dinners or any meal. These yeast-leavened rolls have a golden crust brushed with melted butter and topped with flaky sea salt and extra rosemary, delivering a rich and aromatic flavor that complements any table.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (finely chopped)
Topping Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
- Extra fresh rosemary
- Flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in the warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy, indicating that the yeast is active and ready to use.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, and finely chopped rosemary. Mix the ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook and knead for 5–6 minutes to achieve the same texture.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until the dough doubles in size.
- Shape the Rolls: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and arrange them evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped rolls and let them rise again for 30–40 minutes until they become puffy.
- Preheat the Oven: While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare for Baking: Brush the tops of the risen rolls with melted butter. Sprinkle extra fresh rosemary and flaky sea salt over the top for added flavor and texture.
- Bake the Rolls: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
- Cool and Serve: Let the rolls cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to develop and to handle them easily.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, substitute half of the milk with buttermilk.
- These rolls can be made ahead of time and reheated just before serving for convenience.
- Freeze leftover rolls for up to 1 month to maintain freshness.
