Life-Changing No-Knead Dinner Rolls
Imagine the smell of warm, freshly baked rolls wafting through your kitchen without the usual fuss of kneading dough. These Life-Changing No-Knead Dinner Rolls are exactly that—soft, fluffy, buttery, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or a special holiday feast, these rolls will become your go-to recipe for irresistible bread that requires minimal effort. The secret lies in a slow rise and simple ingredients that come together with no kneading, making it perfect for any home baker.
What Makes This Recipe Special
What sets these Life-Changing No-Knead Dinner Rolls apart from other bread recipes? It’s the combination of ease and flavor. Unlike traditional bread recipes that demand time-consuming kneading to develop gluten, this recipe allows the dough to rise slowly, developing a wonderful texture and flavor naturally. The addition of honey adds a subtle sweetness, while the rich butter used both in the dough and brushed on top creates an indulgent finish. Plus, the use of eggs enriches the dough, giving the rolls a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
Another unique aspect is the versatility that comes with no-knead bread. You can make these rolls in a large batch ahead of time, freeze them, and reheat whenever you need a comforting bread side. If you’re craving something a bit more herby and savory, you might love the Roasted Garlic Herb Parker Rolls No Knead for a delicious variation.
What You’ll Need
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided (room temperature for dough; melted for brushing)
- 3 teaspoons instant yeast or active dry yeast (see note 1)
- 3 tablespoons honey, divided
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 2 large eggs
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for shaping rolls
- 2 teaspoons salt
Must-Have Equipment
- Large mixing bowl – For combining and proofing the dough.
- Stand mixer with dough hook (optional) – Helpful but not necessary since this is no-knead.
- Baking pan or sheet – To bake your rolls evenly.
- Plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel – To cover the dough during rising.
- Pastry brush – For brushing melted butter over the rolls after baking.
Life-Changing No-Knead Dinner Rolls in Steps
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In your large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, 1 tablespoon of honey, and the yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy and bubbly. This step ensures the yeast is alive and ready to make your rolls rise beautifully.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Add 3 tablespoons of softened butter, the eggs, salt, and 4 ½ cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Using a wooden spoon or your stand mixer with a dough hook on low, mix until a shaggy dough forms. It will be sticky and slightly wet — this is perfect for no-knead rolls.
Step 3: First Rise
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours or until it has doubled in size. The dough will be bubbly and airy, proofing itself without any kneading involved.
Step 4: Shape the Rolls
Lightly flour your work surface and turn the dough out. Divide it into 12 to 15 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball by folding the edges under and pinching the seams. Place the rolls into a greased baking pan, spaced slightly apart.
Step 5: Second Rise
Cover the rolls again and let them rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour until puffy and nearly doubled.
Step 6: Bake and Butter
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 18 to 22 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Remove from the oven and immediately brush with the remaining melted butter and 2 tablespoons honey mixture. This glaze adds a shiny, flavorful finish that makes these rolls irresistible.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving warm. These rolls are perfect alongside soups, salads, and hearty dinners, or simply enjoyed on their own with a pat of butter or your favorite jam.
If you’re in the mood for an extra-special buttery treat, try pairing these with Butter Board Biscuit Pull Aparts With Herb Honey for a crowd-pleasing spread.
Smart Substitutions
- Yeast: If you only have active dry yeast, dissolve it in the warm water and honey first and wait until it’s frothy before mixing into the dough.
- Butter: You can substitute unsalted butter with margarine or a plant-based spread to keep it dairy-free.
- Honey: Use maple syrup or agave nectar for a different natural sweetness.
- Flour: Whole wheat flour can replace half of the all-purpose flour for a nuttier, heartier roll.
- Eggs: For an egg-free version, replace each egg with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water).
Notes from the Test Kitchen
- The temperature of the water is crucial. Too hot and it can kill the yeast; too cold and the yeast won’t activate properly. Aim for around 110°F (43°C).
- Don’t skip the butter and honey glaze after baking. It locks in moisture and gives the rolls a beautiful sheen and flavor.
- For perfectly shaped rolls, dust your hands with flour lightly but avoid adding too much flour to the dough during shaping to keep them soft.
- Use a glass or metal baking pan for even baking. Non-stick pans can work but might affect browning.
Store, Freeze & Reheat
These Life-Changing No-Knead Dinner Rolls keep well for several days at room temperature stored in an airtight container. To store longer, freeze the rolls once cooled completely. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag.
To reheat, thaw rolls overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours. Warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 10 minutes, brushing with a little melted butter before serving to refresh their softness and flavor.
Reader Questions
Can I make these rolls without eggs?
Absolutely! You can substitute each egg with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). This will slightly change the texture but still yield delicious, soft rolls.
What if I don’t have instant yeast?
You can use active dry yeast instead. Just be sure to activate it first by dissolving in warm water and honey, letting it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy before mixing with other ingredients.
Can I add herbs or garlic to the dough?
Yes! Adding fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder to the dough enhances flavor. Alternatively, you might want to try the Roasted Garlic Herb Parker Rolls No Knead for a recipe that’s packed with savory garlic and herb notes.
How do I know when the rolls are fully baked?
The tops should be golden brown, and the rolls should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. An internal temperature of 190°F (88°C) is ideal for fully baked bread rolls.
Cook This Next
- Roasted Garlic Herb Parker Rolls No Knead
- Butter Board Biscuit Pull Aparts With Herb Honey
- Easy Honey Butter Cornbread
- Soft Homemade Pita Bread
Bring It Home
These Life-Changing No-Knead Dinner Rolls are truly a game-changer in your kitchen. With minimal effort and simple ingredients, you get bakery-quality rolls that elevate any meal. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a festive occasion, these rolls impress every time with their tender crumb and rich buttery finish. The no-knead method means anyone can bake bread, even if you’ve never tried before, and the option to customize with herbs or honey makes it even more exciting. So grab your ingredients and your favorite baking pan, and get ready to fall in love with homemade rolls all over again. Your family and guests will thank you!
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Life-Changing No-Knead Dinner Rolls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In your large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, 1 tablespoon of honey, and the yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy and bubbly.
- Add 3 tablespoons of softened butter, the eggs, salt, and 4 ½ cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Using a wooden spoon or your stand mixer with a dough hook on low, mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
- Lightly flour your work surface and turn the dough out. Divide it into 12 to 15 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball by folding the edges under and pinching the seams. Place the rolls into a greased baking pan, spaced slightly apart.
- Cover the rolls again and let them rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour until puffy and nearly doubled.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 18 to 22 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Remove from the oven and immediately brush with the remaining melted butter and 2 tablespoons honey mixture.
- Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
- Use warm water at about 110°F (43°C) to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
- Brushing the rolls with melted butter and honey after baking gives them a shiny, flavorful finish.
- For softer rolls, avoid adding too much flour when shaping the dough.
- Freeze leftover rolls wrapped tightly for longer storage and reheat in the oven to refresh softness.
- Substitute eggs with unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg for an egg-free version.
