Here’s Chef Ed’s Classic Bread Roll Recipe — soft, fluffy, golden dinner rolls that are perfect for any meal. These homemade rolls are easy to make and deliver bakery-style results with simple ingredients.

🥖 Chef Ed’s Soft & Fluffy Bread Rolls

Buttery, golden rolls with a light, tender crumb — perfect for dinner, sandwiches, or brunch

🕒 Prep Time: 20 minutes

⏱️ Rise Time: 1½–2 hours

🕒 Bake Time: 15–20 minutes

🍽️ Makes: 12 rolls

✅ Ingredients

  • 3½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more as needed)
  • 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
  • ¼ cup warm water
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (plus more for brushing)

🔥 Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast

In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer bowl, combine warm water, a pinch of sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Make the Dough

Add warm milk, sugar, egg, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine. Gradually add flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Knead for 8–10 minutes by hand or with a dough hook until smooth and elastic. Add a bit more flour if the dough is too sticky.

3. First Rise

Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 60–90 minutes, or until doubled in size.

4. Shape the Rolls

Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each into a smooth ball. Place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or on a lined baking sheet.

Cover loosely and let rise for another 30–45 minutes, or until puffy.

5. Bake

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake rolls for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

6. Finish with Butter

Brush warm rolls with melted butter right out of the oven for a soft, glossy finish.

🧑‍🍳 Chef Ed’s Tips:

  • Warm, not hot liquids help yeast rise without killing it.
  • To shape evenly, weigh the dough and divide by 12.
  • Add a sprinkle of sea salt or herbs on top before baking for a savory touch.

🥖 Variations:

  • Garlic Butter Rolls: Add garlic powder and parsley to melted butter topping.
  • Sweet Rolls: Increase sugar to ½ cup and brush with honey butter.
  • Cheese-Stuffed: Press a cube of mozzarella or cheddar into each roll before shaping.

Chef Ed’s Classic Bread Roll Recipe

 

Chef Ed’s Classic Bread Roll Recipe