22 Dinner Rolls Recipe Homemade Ideas
Let’s be real—nothing makes a dinner table feel complete like a basket of warm, fluffy, golden-brown dinner rolls.
I mean, you could serve a five-star roast with all the trimmings, but if you forget the rolls? Big mistake. Huge.
So today, we’re diving into 22 dinner rolls recipe homemade ideas that will turn your meals from “nice” to “can-I-get-seconds-please?” levels of amazing.
I’ve baked a lot of rolls in my kitchen (some masterpieces, some hockey pucks—don’t ask), and I can tell you firsthand: dinner rolls are easier than they look.
The best part? You can tweak them endlessly. Whether you’re into buttery classics, garlicky goodness, or sweet little honey rolls, I’ve got you covered.
So grab your apron, because we’re about to make carbs the star of dinner.
1. Classic Buttery Dinner Rolls
Let’s start with the MVP. Classic buttery rolls are soft, fluffy, and melt in your mouth. You brush them with melted butter before and after baking—yes, both. Don’t skimp. These rolls go with literally everything: soup, steak, or even just as a midnight snack.
2. Garlic Parmesan Rolls
Ever had garlic bread in bite-sized roll form? These babies are brushed with garlic butter and sprinkled with Parmesan. They taste like your favorite pizzeria’s breadsticks, but softer. Perfect with pasta or honestly, straight off the pan.
3. Honey Butter Rolls
Sweet, golden, and slightly sticky, these honey butter rolls are for people who like a hint of sweetness with their dinner. They’re basically the cousin of Hawaiian rolls, but homemade and way fresher.
4. Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls
Trying to be a little healthier? (Keyword: little.) Whole wheat rolls add nuttiness and a bit more fiber without sacrificing softness. Pro tip: mix half all-purpose flour and half whole wheat for the best texture.
5. Cheddar Herb Rolls
Cheese inside bread. Need I say more? Add some shredded cheddar and herbs like thyme or rosemary into the dough. When you pull them apart, you’ll see melty pockets of cheese. Heavenly.
6. Pull-Apart Cloverleaf Rolls
These look fancy but are surprisingly easy. You shape three little dough balls and tuck them into a muffin tin. When they bake, they blossom into gorgeous cloverleaf rolls that make people think you spent hours in the kitchen. Spoiler: you didn’t.
7. Sourdough Dinner Rolls
Got sourdough starter? Turn it into dinner rolls. They have that tangy flavor that sourdough lovers crave but in a soft roll form. IMO, they’re the ultimate soup companion.
8. Sweet Potato Rolls
Sweet potato mash gives rolls a beautiful orange hue and a touch of sweetness. They stay super moist and are amazing with butter and cinnamon sugar sprinkled on top. Yes, technically dessert-worthy.
9. Pretzel Rolls
If a pretzel and a dinner roll had a baby, this would be it. Boil the dough briefly in baking soda water, bake until golden, and sprinkle with coarse salt. These are killer for sliders or just dunking in mustard.
10. Rosemary Sea Salt Rolls
You know that fancy restaurant bread basket you dream about? These rolls are it. Fragrant rosemary + a sprinkle of sea salt = rolls that smell like they came straight from a bakery.
11. Parker House Rolls
These are buttery New England classics, folded in half so they puff up into layers when they bake. They’re the kind of roll you could eat six of without realizing. Not that I’ve done that. Or maybe I have.
12. Milk Bread Rolls (Hokkaido Style)
Super soft, pillowy, almost cloud-like—milk bread rolls use a tangzhong starter that keeps them fluffy for days. Honestly, they’re so good you’ll want to eat them plain.
13. Brioche Dinner Rolls
Want luxury bread? Go brioche. They’re rich with butter and eggs, slightly sweet, and totally addictive. Pair them with roasted chicken or just tear them apart and eat them with jam.
14. Jalapeño Cheddar Rolls
For the spice lovers, these rolls bring heat and cheesy comfort together. Slice fresh jalapeños into the dough with sharp cheddar. Warning: they disappear fast.
15. Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (Copycat)
You know the orange package at the grocery store? You can make those at home, but better. Fluffy, sweet, and slightly tropical thanks to pineapple juice. Serve with ham, and you’ve got magic.
16. Gluten-Free Dinner Rolls
Gluten-free doesn’t mean boring. With the right flour blend and a bit of xanthan gum, you can still get fluffy, soft rolls that everyone at the table will eat. Even the gluten lovers.
17. No-Knead Dinner Rolls
Short on time (or patience)? Try no-knead rolls. You mix, let them rise, then bake. No elbow grease required. Perfect for beginners or lazy bakers (hi, it’s me).
18. Oatmeal Dinner Rolls
Rolled oats in the dough add texture and heartiness. These rolls feel rustic and taste amazing with hearty stews. Bonus: sprinkle oats on top for that bakery vibe.
19. Cinnamon Swirl Dinner Rolls
Okay, technically dessert, but who’s policing? Swirl cinnamon and sugar into the dough, and you’ve got sweet rolls that double as breakfast the next day. Win-win.
20. Vegan Dinner Rolls
No dairy, no eggs, but still fluffy and golden. Coconut oil or olive oil + plant milk works beautifully. Your vegan friends will thank you, and honestly, no one else will even notice the difference.
21. Buttermilk Dinner Rolls
Buttermilk adds tang and keeps rolls tender. These taste extra rich and pair beautifully with fried chicken. Or chili. Or… anything, really.
22. Stuffed Dinner Rolls
Why stop at plain dough when you can stuff them? Fill with cheese, spinach, or even taco meat. They’re basically tiny hand pies disguised as dinner rolls. Sneaky and delicious.
Tips for Baking Perfect Homemade Dinner Rolls
Now that we’ve covered all 22 ideas, let’s talk about how not to end up with dense little hockey pucks.
- Use warm (not hot) liquid: Yeast is alive, and scalding water kills it. Think bathwater warm.
- Don’t skip the rise time: Letting dough rise properly gives rolls their light texture.
- Add enough flour—but not too much: Dough should be slightly sticky, not dry.
- Bake in the right pan: A metal baking dish gives you golden bottoms; glass pans take longer.
- Butter, butter, butter: Brush before and after baking for flavor and shine.
Ever notice how rolls from scratch always taste better the next day when toasted with butter? Just me?
Why Homemade Rolls Beat Store-Bought
Look, I’m not above grabbing a pack of store rolls in a pinch. But let’s be honest: homemade wins every time. Here’s why:
- Flavor: Nothing beats fresh, warm rolls straight out of the oven.
- Customization: You can flavor them however you like—herbs, cheese, spices.
- Freshness: No preservatives. Just simple ingredients.
- Pride factor: When someone asks, “Did you make these?” you get to casually say, “Oh, yeah.”
And FYI, people will always ask.
My Personal Go-To Roll
Out of all these, my ride-or-die is the garlic Parmesan roll. Why? Because it tastes like pizza night but feels a little fancier. Also, my family literally fights over the last one. I learned long ago to double the batch or risk starting World War III at the dinner table.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—22 dinner rolls recipe homemade ideas that’ll make your dinner table unforgettable. From classic buttery rolls to stuffed surprises, there’s a roll here for every vibe, craving, or occasion.
Here’s my advice: start with one recipe, master it, then branch out. Before long, you’ll be the person everyone begs to bring rolls to every family gathering. Not the worst reputation to have, right? 🙂
So, which one are you trying first? The classic? Something cheesy? Or are you brave enough to go straight to stuffed rolls? Whatever you choose, trust me—it’ll be worth it.
