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    Home » Popular » American Recipes

    November 16, 2021 American Recipes

    No-Knead Dinner Rolls

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    These soft and fluffy No-Knead Dinner Rolls are easy enough for even the novice baker to make. Dough could be prepped a day ahead and baked the next day, which makes them perfect for the holidays!

    It could be hard to even imagine adding on homemade bread to your Thanksgiving recipe planning. But I’m here to tell you these super soft and fluffy no-knead dinner rolls are truly no-fuss! We love no-knead breads like this no-knead olive bread! Another fabulous roll idea is this savory corn roll recipe...so good!

    overhead image of a dozen no knead dinner rolls

    Originally posted these rolls back in November 2012 (I updated the photos!)....These are my favorite rolls!

    I told you I’ve been exploring my mountain of food magazines and books. I can’t buy any new magazines until I finally try some that have been on my mind for ages. And I mean ages!

    Easy No-Knead Yeast Dinner Rolls

    No-knead means just that: you aren’t going to be working up a sweat to create the most amazing and fluffy perfect little balls of dough to impress everyone! I will explain to you why:

    • This dough comes together in minutes! If you use instant yeast, it just takes five minutes to mix together. All you need is a bowl and a wooden spoon to mix it all together.
    • If you truly want to keep it fuss-free, bake them in a 12-cup muffin pan. Simply butter up the muffin cups. Punch down the dough,form the balls, add them to the muffin ups. Like I said, no-fuss!
    • While you are working hard on making your award winning pies and turkey, leave this dough alone to rise all morning. As soon as the oven frees up, pop the muffin tin or your baking tray filled with the rolls to bake.
    • The rolls are ready in under 30 minutes! You could even carefully plan it to bake them at the end of all the meal prep so you can impress your guests with the most beautiful and fluffy dinner rolls.

    Bread baking scare you? Fear not! Even beginner-level bakers will conquer making these fluffy rolls! What's so wonderful about this recipe is that the dough can be prepped, put in the pan, and chilled up to a day ahead.

    image of proofed rolls in pan

    PIN for later!

    image of dinner rolls in baking pan

    Here's what you need to make fluffy no-knead dinner rolls

    • Water
    • Yeast
    • Sugar
    • Bread flour
    • Salt
    • Butter
    • Eggs

    How to activate yeast step 1: Warm water

    Before you even attempt to activate the yeast, make sure the yeast hasn't expired! It's so important to make sure it's not a packet you forgot from 5 years ago (it's happened to me!). Then move on to adding to the warm water. It should be about 110F. Yeast will activate in warm water. It should not be hot. If you don't want to use a thermometer, test it with your hand and it should not be hot like you're about to wash dishes...just a bit hotter than warm (I've done it so many times I don't bother with a thermometer. But feel free to use one to make sure you have the temp right!).

    For this recipe, we are adding the water to the mixing bowl. Sprinkle the yeast over the warm water. No need to stir it in.

    How to activate yeast step 2: Add a little sugar

    The next step is to add a teaspoon of sugar (just use it from the amount that you have put out to make the dough). Stir it gently and let it be. Pretty soon the sugar will start to activate the yeast and it will begin to foam. Be patient, it's not going to happen in 30 seconds!

    How to activate yeast step 3: Give it time

    It does take some time for the yeast to activate. If your kitchen is particular warm (like mine always is!)it could take 5 minutes. If it's a colder kitchen, that could take a full 15 minutes. Just staring at it won't make it happen so just walk away and do something else and come back to check on it.

    What if my yeast isn't foaming?

    I am that baker that has stared and willed my yeast to work faster for plenty of breads! If in 15 minutes nothing has happened and it is not foaming and activating, toss it out and start over with another packet. It could be that the water was too hot and that yeast will never come to life and your bread will totally flop. So try again with another packet and not too hot water (again, make sure the packet is a fresh one, not expired!).

    close image of six rolls

    This Martha Stewart's No-Knead Dinner Rolls recipe from EveryDay Food December 2007 issue. This was the little magazine I found the recipe in. They don't even print this magazine any more.

    image of a food magazine

    Just love these super easy no-knead dinner rolls! No-fuss with incredible results!

    Here was my dough ready to be worked with. These are photos from the first time I made them about 10 years ago!

    overhead image of proofing dough

    Cut out your pieces of dough and shape into rolls. You could weigh the dough pieces to be precise and make sure they're all even.

    overhead image of making rolls

    Next, brush on the egg wash (or melted butter) and let it rise again.

    overhead image of making rolls

    Then after they bake for 30 minutes you are rewarded with this gorgeous bread!

    image of inside of rolls just baked

    If you need to bring something to a holiday dinner in December, I think you would be the hit of the party with these delightful rolls! They smell incredible while baking!

    Can you bake this bread with kids?

    Absolutely! This is a really easy bread recipe you can even make with the kids. You stir the ingredients all together in the bowl. It is a no-knead recipe, which makes it a great beginners bread recipe to try out with the kids. The dough rose beautifully as it has 2 packets of yeast. The fluffiness was out of this world. From the ease of the method,  to the wonderful flavor and texture, this is a recipe you will want to make again and again to impress your family.

    I like looking at the recipe online and reading the comments. This reader had a good tip if you’re looking for even quicker way to bake these rolls:

    anna_zager 28 Jan, 2009 :
    “ I made these LAST min. Didn't let them rise AT ALL! Mixed them (with rapid rise active dry yeast), made into rolls, put directly into oven. Cooked for 35 mins”

    This baker let her rolls rise overnight in the fridge:

    sparkle9152 26 Nov, 2010:

    “Made these for Thanksgiving and they were buttery and soft. I liked the fact that they came out well even after being in the fridge overnight. I will definitely use this recipe again!”

    Wishing you all a wonderful week! I am grateful for all of you and your constant support.

    xo
    Lora

    Other amazing breads:

    • Psomi Spitiko
    • Crusty No-Knead Italian Bread
    • Anadama Bread
    • Rye Soda Bread

    Originally posted November 2020 and republished on November 2021.

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    No-Knead Dinner Rolls

    These soft and fluffy No Knead Dinner Rolls are easy enough for even the novice baker to make. Dough could be prepped a day ahead and baked the next day, which makes them perfect for the holidays!
    Prep Time1 hour hr 30 minutes mins
    Total Time30 minutes mins
    Course: Dinner
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: Bread, No Knead Bread, rolls
    Servings: 16 rolls
    Author: Lora

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups warm water 105 to 115 degrees
    • 2 packages 1/4 ounce each active dry yeast
    • 1/4 cup sugar
    • 4 tablespoons butter melted, plus more for pan and brushing
    • 2 large eggs lightly beaten
    • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
    • 6 cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled, plus more for shaping dough

    Instructions

    • Pour warm water into a large bowl; sprinkle with yeast, and let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.
    • Add sugar, butter, eggs, and salt; whisk to combine. Add flour; mix until incorporated and a sticky dough forms. Brush top of dough with butter; cover bowl with plastic wrap, and set aside in a warm place until dough has doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.
    • Turn dough out onto a well-floured work surface. With floured hands, roll dough into a thick log. Cut into 18 equal pieces (halve log, cut each half in thirds, then cut each piece into thirds again).
    • Brush a 9-by-13-inch baking pan (I used a 9 x 9 pan) with butter. One at a time, flatten each piece of dough, then fold edges toward the center, pressing to secure, until a smooth ball forms. Place dough balls in prepared baking pan, smooth side up (you should have 3 rows of 6 *4 rolls of 4 in a 9x9 pan). Cover loosely with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk, 30 to 40 minutes. (Alternatively, refrigerate, at least 4 hours and up to 1 day.)
    • Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Remove plastic wrap; brush rolls with butter (I used an egg wash).
    • Bake until golden and rolls sound hollow when tapped on bottom, 35 to 40 minutes (tent with aluminum foil if browning too quickly). Pull rolls apart, and serve warm.

    Nutrition Disclaimer

    Please keep in mind that the nutritional information presented below is an approximation and may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.

    Tried this recipe?Mention @savoringitaly or tag #savoringitaly!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Shulie Foodwanderings says

      November 23, 2012 at 3:49 pm

      How come your dough always looks so incredible when risen? Tell me your secret! Pretty please. Don't hold back! 🙂 I swear these rolls make my stomach growl and I desperately need to get on a diet, you no help, though I know you are my friend! 🙂

      Reply
    2. Lisa says

      November 23, 2012 at 4:16 pm

      I love how tall and fluffy these rolls are. I wish I had some to make some turkey sliders right now! This recipe is a keeper - I'm hoping mine turn out as lovely as yours 🙂 xo

      Reply
    3. Paula says

      November 23, 2012 at 4:59 pm

      Beautiful light and fluffy rolls. Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving Lora 😉

      Reply
    4. Amanda says

      November 23, 2012 at 5:32 pm

      oh delicious! they look so so fluffy! I hope you had a great thanksgiving!

      Reply
    5. Jamie says

      November 23, 2012 at 5:57 pm

      These have just blown me away Lora! Amazing! And no-knead? I am so making these this weekend!

      Reply
    6. Cookin' Canuck says

      November 23, 2012 at 6:04 pm

      Wow, those are seriously the most beautiful rolls! And the fact that they're no-knead means that I REALLY have to try them.

      Reply
    7. Ms. Maida says

      November 23, 2012 at 6:13 pm

      Wow, these look fantastic and fantastically simple to make! One small question: do you think the recipe could be easily (and successfully) halved? Thanks! 🙂

      Reply
      • Savoring Italy says

        November 25, 2012 at 3:03 am

        I haven't tried this recipe halved. I would recommend making the whole recipe and freeze whatever you don't eat for another day (or share them)-they're so good!

      • Gastropleasures says

        December 06, 2012 at 7:02 pm

        Ahh fantastic idea - thanks - will do!! 🙂

    8. Laura (Tutti Dolci) says

      November 23, 2012 at 7:10 pm

      I am obsessed with dinner rolls, these look incredible!

      Reply
    9. Jessica@AKitchenAddiction says

      November 23, 2012 at 8:28 pm

      Homemade dinner rolls are my favorite! Love that these are no-knead!

      Reply
    10. Kimberly (Unrivaledkitch) says

      November 23, 2012 at 8:49 pm

      It's always nice to have a great dinner roll recipe. These look great!

      Reply
    11. Carrian Cheney says

      November 23, 2012 at 9:56 pm

      These look so fluffy, golden and delicious, love that they are quick and easy too!

      Reply
    12. Patty says

      November 23, 2012 at 10:17 pm

      Beautiful fluffy dinner rolls!!!! Love your recipe;-)

      Reply
    13. Rosa's Yummy Yums says

      November 23, 2012 at 10:21 pm

      Beautiful rolls! A great recipe.

      Cheers,

      Rosa

      Reply
    14. Addie K Martin says

      November 23, 2012 at 10:24 pm

      these look so easy! Gotta try - thanks for sharing 🙂

      Happy Thanksgiving!!

      Reply
    15. Paola Bacci says

      November 23, 2012 at 10:38 pm

      Una ricetta deliziosa!!! Complimenti, buon weekend!

      Reply
    16. Swathi Iyer says

      November 23, 2012 at 11:22 pm

      Love that crumbs looks perfect. It is hard to say no knead, Hope you had wonderful thanksgiving.

      Reply
    17. The Café Sucré Farine says

      November 24, 2012 at 3:44 am

      Yummy! They look amazing and I'm sure the aroma was incredible as they baked!

      Reply
    18. Vivian Pang says

      November 24, 2012 at 9:10 am

      Soft bread with only all purpose flour and no knead. Going to try soon. Bookmarked! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    19. Terra says

      November 24, 2012 at 3:17 pm

      I remember making the No-Knead bread you shared about a year ago, and love that recipe! I so need to make this gorgeous recipe! I have been looking for a tried and true roll recipe, so this is on my list:-) The rolls look so fluffy and delicious, Hugs, Terra

      Reply
    20. Valerie says

      November 24, 2012 at 3:36 pm

      The rolls are so fluffy and soft...like edible, tasty pillows! Thanks for sharing the recipe, and for the helpful photos!

      Reply
    21. Lemons and Anchovies says

      November 24, 2012 at 3:51 pm

      I'm glad I'm not the only one who is so behind on trying out recipes from magazines. Some of mine I have never even flipped through. Okay, one of these days, I'll have to do the same. These rolls were truly a great find. I love that they're no-knead; they turned out beautifully!

      Reply
    22. Lisa {Authentic Suburban Gourmet } says

      November 24, 2012 at 7:09 pm

      Love the "no knead" concept! Brilliant. These look sooooo fluffy and light and I bet it was hard to eat just one. 🙂

      Reply
    23. Magic of Spice says

      November 25, 2012 at 2:14 am

      These look amazing! Hope you and your family had a wonderful holiday!

      Reply
    24. Kate@Diethood says

      November 25, 2012 at 1:58 pm

      Holy yum!! They look so so good!! I wish I was at your dinner table... I would have been fine with just eating these beautiful rolls. 🙂

      Reply
    25. Roxana | Roxana's Home Baking says

      November 25, 2012 at 5:03 pm

      my tummy is growling! I WANT these right now! forget about the other dishes, I want the whole pan just for me!

      Reply
    26. Kavi | Foodomania says

      November 26, 2012 at 2:09 am

      Hey Lora! I've been following your blog for a while now and wanted to drop a comment 🙂 I love your recipes! They come out perfectly every single time!! 🙂

      Reply
    27. Phong Hong says

      November 26, 2012 at 7:44 am

      Wow, they sure look fluffy! I should try it since there's no kneading involved (yeah, I'm lazy).

      Reply
    28. Jenny @ BAKE says

      November 26, 2012 at 1:20 pm

      I'm really getting into making my own bread! these rolls look so good! I can't wait to try your recipe!

      Reply
    29. Jen Laceda | Tartine and Apron Strings says

      November 26, 2012 at 3:07 pm

      I should really try to make my own bread! EVeryone seems to be doing it, and everyone - I say, everyone - is doing a great job of it! I like the rich egg-like color of your rolls! This should be good with loads of butter! Hehehe!

      Reply
    30. Erin @ Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts says

      November 26, 2012 at 9:44 pm

      Yum! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! These rolls look amazing!

      Reply
    31. Lorraine Joy Alegria-Vizcarra says

      November 27, 2012 at 5:23 am

      The rolls look wonderful.

      Reply
    32. Baker Street says

      December 06, 2012 at 8:11 am

      Wow! These rolls have great texture, Lora! Your dough has risen perfectly! Can't wait to give your recipe a try! 🙂

      Reply
    33. Jessica @ Portuguese Girl Cooks says

      December 06, 2012 at 2:55 pm

      These rolls look wonderful, Lora! I love anything no-knead!

      Reply
    34. Eloisa Robinson says

      February 01, 2013 at 5:20 am

      Made these today and they were very good. Easy and fast. I used less yeast, 3t and less than 5 1/2c of flour. Rose beautifully, 1st and 2nd rise. Divided dough into 15 rolls. Melted butter in my 13x9 pan and the bottom of rolls had a nice crust. Thank you for sharing

      Reply
    35. pinkfrosting_xo says

      March 02, 2013 at 11:49 pm

      Your food looks amazing! I love your photos. xo

      Reply
    36. Gust și Aromă Moldavia says

      November 24, 2018 at 3:34 pm

      I love how these dinner rolls look! So soft and inviting! A must try recipe!

      Reply
    37. Diane says

      November 24, 2018 at 4:49 pm

      These rolls look PERFECT! Definitely saving this recipe!

      Reply
    38. Chrissie Baker says

      November 26, 2018 at 8:26 am

      Very nice, yummy rolls. We all enjoyed them at dinner. Thank you for publishing the recipe!

      Reply
    39. jen vinuya says

      November 26, 2018 at 8:40 pm

      These rolls look AHH-mazing! Definitely a must-make!

      Reply

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    Welcome to our Italian kitchen! We are Lora and Gabriella, the mother-daughter team behind Savoring Italy. With more than 30+ years of experience in the kitchen, Lora has had a great advantage – receiving guidance from both her husband who is an executive chef/restaurant owner and her mother who is a renowned private chef. 

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