Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls

Let’s talk about comfort food, shall we? These Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls are a little piece of heaven that’s going to make your kitchen smell like a warm hug. Seriously, you’ll be greeted by the most irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread, with that perfect golden crust on the outside and soft, pillowy fluff on the inside. And the best part? That hint of rosemary adds such a cozy, herby twist that you can’t help but go back for another roll (or two… or three). Trust me, this is the recipe you’ll want to share with everyone, but you might just end up keeping it all to yourself.

Why You’ll Love Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls

These dinner rolls aren’t just a side dish—they’re a full-on experience. They’re perfect for a Sunday family meal, a holiday dinner, or whenever you’re craving something comforting and homemade. Here’s why they’re bound to become your go-to bread recipe:

Versatile

These rolls can go with anything! Pair them with a hearty stew, a salad, or just spread a little butter and enjoy them on their own. They’re soft enough to dip into gravy, yet sturdy enough to hold up to a little jam. The rosemary gives them just the right pop of flavor, making them perfect for any occasion.

Budget-Friendly

The ingredients for these rolls are pretty simple, which means you can make them without breaking the bank. No need for fancy stuff—just a handful of pantry staples that you probably already have on hand. You’ll be amazed at how something so basic can turn into something so delicious.

Quick and Easy

No need to worry about hours of kneading or waiting for dough to rise. These rolls come together fairly quickly, and the process is easy to follow—perfect for beginner bakers or anyone who’s looking for a no-fuss recipe.

Customizable

Want to tweak the recipe? Go ahead! Add a little garlic for some extra flavor or swap out the rosemary for thyme or sage if you’re feeling adventurous. You could even throw in a handful of shredded cheese for a cheesy twist. These rolls are all about making them your own.

Family Favorite

Once you make these, everyone at the table will be asking for more. They’ve got that homemade, comforting feel that reminds you of cozy nights at grandma’s house. And who wouldn’t want that?

Ingredients in Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls

These ingredients are simple but essential to creating those perfectly soft, fragrant rolls:

Flour

The foundation of your rolls. You’ll want all-purpose flour for that light and airy texture.

Yeast

This little packet of magic helps your rolls rise to fluffy perfection.

Warm Water

To activate the yeast and get it working its bubbly magic.

Olive Oil

A splash of olive oil makes these rolls wonderfully soft and just a touch rich.

Sugar

A pinch of sugar helps feed the yeast, making your rolls rise beautifully.

Salt

Just enough to bring out all the flavors and balance the sweetness.

Fresh Rosemary

Ah, the rosemary. It adds such a lovely fragrance and flavor that sets these rolls apart from your average dinner bread. Fresh is key here!

Butter

A little butter in the dough adds flavor and ensures that melt-in-your-mouth texture we all love.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to bring that fresh, homemade aroma to your kitchen? Let’s get started:

Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, until it’s nice and frothy. This step is crucial to ensure your yeast is active and ready to work its magic.

Make the Dough

In a large bowl, combine your flour and salt. Add in the yeast mixture and olive oil, and stir everything together until it forms a dough. Then, knead it on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes. The dough should be soft, smooth, and a little elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a touch more flour.

Add the Rosemary

Once your dough is ready, knead in the fresh rosemary. It’ll infuse the dough with that fragrant, savory aroma that’s going to make your house smell amazing.

Let It Rise

Place your dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size. Patience, my friend! This is where the magic happens.

Shape the Rolls

Once your dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Arrange them close together for that pillowy-soft texture we’re after.

Let the Rolls Rise Again

Cover the rolls with the towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes. This step will ensure they puff up nice and big.

Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pop your rolls into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top. The smell will be absolutely intoxicating—just trust me on this one!

Brush with Butter

Once they’re out of the oven, brush the tops with a little melted butter for that extra shine and richness.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 180
Total Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 5mg
Sodium: 190mg
Total Carbohydrate: 27g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 4g
Vitamin D: 0mcg
Calcium: 10mg
Iron: 1mg
Potassium: 45mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Rise Time: 2 hours
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 2.5 hours

How to Serve Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls

These rolls are great on their own, but here are some ways to elevate your meal with them:

With Soup or Stew

Serve these rolls alongside a comforting bowl of soup or stew to soak up all the delicious broths and sauces.

As a Side for Roasts

Perfect for pairing with roasted meats, especially something like rosemary roast chicken or pork. The flavors complement each other beautifully.

Spread with Butter or Jam

You can’t go wrong with a little butter on these, but if you want a sweet touch, spread them with some homemade jam. It’s like a cozy breakfast, anytime.

In a Sandwich

These rolls make amazing sandwich buns! Imagine a roast beef or turkey sandwich piled high with veggies and a bit of mustard—so good.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to make sure your rolls turn out perfectly every time:

Don’t Skip the Rise Times

Letting the dough rise properly is key to getting that soft, pillowy texture. Be patient and give it the time it needs to puff up!

Add Extra Herbs

If you love herby flavors, feel free to throw in some thyme, garlic, or even a little oregano with the rosemary.

Use Fresh Rosemary

While dried rosemary works in a pinch, fresh rosemary gives these rolls that burst of flavor and fragrance that really sets them apart.

Don’t Overbake

Keep an eye on the rolls while they bake—once they turn golden brown, they’re done! Overbaking will make them dry, so go for that perfect soft, golden exterior.

Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?

A1: You can! Dried rosemary works well, but fresh rosemary gives these rolls that extra pop of flavor and fragrance. If using dried, use half the amount.

Q2: Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

A2: Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise in the fridge overnight, and then shape and bake the rolls the next day.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?

A3: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.

Q4: Can I make these rolls gluten-free?

A4: Absolutely! Just swap in a good gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You might need to adjust the liquid amounts, so keep an eye on the dough’s consistency.

Q5: Can I freeze the dough?

A5: Yes! You can freeze the dough after the first rise. Shape the rolls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw and rise before baking.

Q6: How do I know when the rolls are done?

A6: The rolls should be golden brown on top. You can also tap the top of a roll lightly; if it sounds hollow, it’s done!

Q7: Can I use a stand mixer to knead the dough?

A7: Yes! If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, feel free to use it. Just mix on low until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Q8: Can I add cheese to the dough?

A8: Of course! A bit of shredded cheese mixed into the dough can add extra richness and flavor. Cheddar or Parmesan work particularly well.

Q9: How long should I let the rolls rise?

A9: The dough should rise for about 1-1.5 hours for the first rise, and then 30 minutes for the second rise. Make sure it’s in a warm, draft-free area.

Q10: Can I double this recipe?

A10: Yes, you can easily double this recipe to make more rolls. Just make sure to adjust the pan size accordingly.

Conclusion

These Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls are a true labor of love—and they’re totally worth every minute. The combination of soft, fluffy bread and fragrant rosemary is simply irresistible. Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner or indulging in them all by yourself, these rolls are bound to make your meals a little more special. Go ahead, get baking, and enjoy the delicious, comforting aroma of homemade bread wafting through your kitchen. You won’t regret it!

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