30-Minute Dinner Rolls (Quick, Easy & Fluffy!)

Craving warm, fluffy homemade dinner rolls but short on time? You’ve found the perfect recipe. These 30-Minute Dinner Rolls are a total game-changer, delivering bakery-quality results without the long wait. Forget spending hours kneading and proofing; this recipe is designed for busy weeknights when you need a delicious side dish, fast.

We’re using a few simple tricks to speed up the process, relying on instant yeast and a quick rise method to get these golden, buttery rolls on your table in about half an hour. They are the perfect accompaniment to any meal, from a weeknight casserole to a holiday feast.

Why You’ll Love These 30-Minute Dinner Rolls

When it comes to homemade bread, “quick” and “delicious” don’t always go together, but this recipe defies expectations. Here’s why you’ll be making it again and again.

• Unbelievably Fast: The name doesn’t lie! From start to finish, you’re just 30 minutes away from warm, fresh-from-the-oven rolls.
• Soft & Fluffy Texture: Despite the speed, these rolls have a tender, pillowy crumb and a beautiful golden-brown crust.
• Simple, Everyday Ingredients: No fancy flour or special ingredients needed. You likely have everything in your pantry right now.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Elevate a simple weeknight dinner like this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole or serve them alongside a holiday showstopper like a Spatchcock Turkey.

The Key Ingredients for Fast & Fluffy Rolls

The magic of these quick dinner rolls lies in using the right ingredients to encourage a speedy rise without sacrificing flavor or texture.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the perfect structure for a soft, tender roll.
• Instant Yeast: This is the star of the show! Also known as rapid-rise or bread machine yeast, it works much faster than active dry yeast and doesn’t require separate proofing.
• Warm Milk & Water: The liquid needs to be at the perfect temperature (around 120-130°F) to activate the instant yeast quickly.
• Sugar: Provides food for the yeast, helping it work faster, and adds a touch of sweetness.
• Melted Butter: Adds flavor, richness, and contributes to a wonderfully soft texture.
• Salt: Essential for flavor and for controlling the yeast’s activity.

How to Make 30-Minute Dinner Rolls Step-by-Step

Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly these rolls come together. This is a straightforward process perfect for even beginner bakers.

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of the flour, the instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Mixing the yeast with the dry ingredients first helps distribute it evenly.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Heat your milk and water together until very warm to the touch (120-130°F). Pour the warm liquids and the melted butter into the dry ingredient mixture. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes, or mix vigorously with a wooden spoon. The dough will be sticky at this stage.

Step 3: Add Remaining Flour

Gradually add the remaining ½ cup of flour, mixing until the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl. You don’t need to knead this dough extensively; just mix until it’s combined and manageable.

Step 4: Shape and Rise

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide it into 12 equal portions and shape each into a smooth ball. Place the balls in a lightly greased 9-inch round baking pan or a similar-sized baking dish. Cover the pan with a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rest in a warm spot for 10-15 minutes. This is their only rise time!

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once risen, you can brush the tops with a little extra melted butter if you wish. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.

Pro Tips for Perfect Quick Dinner Rolls

Want to ensure your 30-Minute Dinner Rolls are flawless every single time? Keep these tips in your back pocket.

• Check Your Yeast: Make sure your instant yeast is fresh. Expired yeast is the most common reason for bread failing to rise.
• Don’t Over-Flour: The dough should be soft and slightly sticky. Adding too much flour will result in dense, heavy rolls.
• Find a Warm Spot: To get a good rise in just 10-15 minutes, place the rolls on top of your preheating oven or in another draft-free, warm area of your kitchen.
• For a Softer Crust: Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven. This not only adds flavor but also keeps the crust soft and tender.

Storing and Freezing Your Homemade Rolls

These rolls are best enjoyed fresh and warm from the oven. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked rolls for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply wrap them in foil and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through.

They’re also a great base for other recipes. Try them with a savory filling, similar to these amazing Cream Cheese Sausage Balls, for a hearty snack.

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What makes these 30-minute dinner rolls so fast?

The speed comes from using instant (or rapid-rise) yeast, which activates quickly when mixed with very warm liquids (120-130°F). This method eliminates the need for a long, traditional proofing time, requiring only a short 10-15 minute rest before baking.

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Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

You can, but it will take longer than 30 minutes. To use active dry yeast, you must first proof it in the warm liquid with a pinch of sugar for 5-10 minutes until foamy. The rise time after shaping will also need to be longer, typically 30-45 minutes.

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How do I know when the dinner rolls are perfectly baked?

The rolls are done when they are a deep golden brown on top and have an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C). You can also gently tap the top of a roll; if it sounds hollow, it’s ready.

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Can I make these dinner rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake them completely, let them cool, and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For a ‘fresh-baked’ experience, you can also prepare the dough, shape the rolls, cover them tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

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What’s the best way to get a quick rise from the dough?

Create a warm, draft-free environment for the 10-15 minute rest. A great trick is to place the pan of rolls on top of your stove while the oven preheats underneath. The gentle ambient heat will help them puff up perfectly.

Your Go-To Recipe for 30-Minute Dinner Rolls

This recipe is more than just a time-saver; it’s a reliable, delicious, and versatile addition to your baking repertoire. Perfect for pairing with hearty dishes or enjoying on its own, these rolls prove that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade bread. For another fantastic holiday bake, check out this Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll recipe.

FL Recipes

30-Minute Dinner Rolls (Quick, Easy & Fluffy!)

Whip up warm, soft, and fluffy homemade dinner rolls in just 30 minutes! This quick and easy yeast roll recipe uses simple ingredients and is perfect for busy weeknights.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 12 rolls

Course: Bread, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 145

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour divided
• 1 package (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast also known as rapid-rise yeast
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted, plus more for brushing

Equipment

• 1 Mixing Bowl
• 1 9-inch Round Baking Pan
• 1 Electric Mixer Optional, can be mixed by hand

Method

 

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, the instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the milk and water until very warm (120-130°F). Pour the warm liquids and melted butter into the dry ingredients.
3. Beat with an electric mixer for 2 minutes on medium speed, or mix vigorously by hand. Gradually add the remaining ½ cup of flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Turn the dough onto a floured surface, divide into 12 equal pieces, and shape into balls. Place in a greased 9-inch round pan. Cover and let rest in a warm place for 10-15 minutes.
5. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the rolls for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown. Brush with additional melted butter immediately after baking, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 145kcalProtein: 3gFat: 5gFiber: 1g

Notes

Ensure your milk/water mixture is not too hot, as it can kill the yeast. A digital thermometer is helpful.
For extra rich rolls, you can use an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp of water) before baking.
These rolls are best served warm.

Keyword 30 minute dinner rolls,easy yeast rolls,quick dinner rolls

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