Introduction

Texas Roadhouse Rolls are soft, fluffy, and irresistibly buttery dinner rolls that steal the show at any meal. These homemade rolls bring a warm, comforting touch to your table with their golden crust and tender interior.

The image shows six soft, golden brown dinner rolls tightly placed together in a clear glass baking dish. Each roll has a smooth, shiny top with a rich brown color and a slightly glossy texture, indicating they are freshly baked. The sides of the rolls are a lighter golden shade, softly blending with the tops. The clear glass dish reveals the soft, light interior of the rolls beneath the crust. The dish is set against a white marbled textured background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup whole milk, warm (about 110°F)
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/4 cup granulated sugar
4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, divided
1 large egg
3/4 teaspoon salt
4 cups all-purpose flour
Additional melted butter for brushing

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of the granulated sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, egg, and salt.
Step 3: Add the activated yeast mixture and stir to combine.
Step 4: Gradually add the flour, stirring until the dough comes together.
Step 5: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Step 6: Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top.
Step 7: Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 8: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 9: Punch the dough down and divide it into 12 equal portions.
Step 10: Shape each portion into a ball and place them in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
Step 11: Cover with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 12: Brush the risen rolls with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
Step 13: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown.
Step 14: Remove the rolls from the oven and brush them with additional melted butter before serving. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra softness, replace 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour with bread flour for better gluten development.
Use warm water or milk accurately to avoid killing the yeast; about 110°F is ideal.
Brush with honey butter instead of plain melted butter for a sweet twist.
For garlic rolls, mix some garlic powder into the melted butter before brushing on the rolls.

Storage

Store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh longer, freeze the cooled rolls in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Reheat by warming rolls in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes and brush with melted butter before serving.

How to Serve

A close-up of several golden brown soft bread rolls with a shiny, smooth top layer, showing a fluffy and light inside texture where one roll is pulled apart, revealing the airy, soft layers within. The rolls are placed in a light beige cloth inside a light-colored woven basket on a white marbled surface, with natural light highlighting the warm tones and textures of the bread. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. Use slightly less instant yeast (about 2 teaspoons) and add it directly to the dry ingredients without proofing in warm milk.

Why are my rolls dense instead of fluffy?

Dense rolls often result from under-kneading, not allowing enough rise time, or using water that is too hot or too cold for activating yeast. Follow the kneading steps thoroughly and ensure the dough doubles in size before baking for the best texture.