If you’ve ever longed for that perfect, fluffy, and fragrant bakery-style bread right from your own kitchen, you’re absolutely going to love this. Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls Recipe is one of those timeless classics that wraps you in warmth with every bite. With soft, tender crumb infused with fresh rosemary and a golden, flaky crust sprinkled with sea salt, these rolls transform any meal into an occasion. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner, these rolls promise to be the star on your table, delivering cozy, herbed goodness that brings everyone around to savor the moment together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the all-purpose flour creating that perfect dough base to the fresh rosemary that lends an earthy aroma and taste. The melting butter adds richness while the yeast ensures lightness and fluffiness in every roll. Let’s take a look at the essentials!
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for achieving soft, tender rolls.
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet): Required to get that beautiful, airy rise in the dough.
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F): Activates the yeast and moistens the dough.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the savory notes.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted): Adds moisture and richness to create a tender texture.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind ingredients and gives the dough structure.
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (finely chopped): The fragrant herb that makes these rolls unmistakable.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing): Ensures a glossy, soft crust after baking.
- Extra rosemary and flaky sea salt for topping: For that irresistible finish and crunch.
How to Make Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
The journey to fluffy rosemary rolls begins by blooming the yeast. Dissolve that active dry yeast in warm milk — not too hot or the yeast will die! Add a pinch of sugar to give the yeast some fuel. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it’s delightfully foamy, signaling it’s ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Now it’s time to bring everything together. In a large bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, and salt to evenly distribute flavors. Then add your yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, and the finely chopped fresh rosemary. Mix these gently until a soft, slightly sticky dough starts to form.
Step 3: Knead Until Smooth
Kneading is where the texture develops. On a floured surface, work the dough with your hands for 8 to 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, 5 to 6 minutes at medium speed works well too. You’ll know it’s ready when it springs back lightly to your touch.
Step 4: First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it gently, and set it in a warm, draft-free spot. The dough will rise and double in size in about an hour. This is when the dough gets airy and alive — be patient, it’s worth the wait!
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
After the dough has puffed up, punch it down gently to release built-up air. Divide it into 12 equal pieces and shape each one into a smooth ball. Arrange them snugly in a greased baking dish or lined baking sheet, which encourages soft sides and perfectly round shapes.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the shaped rolls and let them rise again until they’re puffy and nearly doubled—about 30 to 40 minutes. This final rise allows the rolls to become irresistibly fluffy when baked.
Step 7: Bake and Finish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter, then sprinkle on extra fresh rosemary and flaky sea salt to add those signature savory bursts. Bake for about 18 to 22 minutes or until golden brown. Once baked, allow them to cool slightly before serving so they hold their shape and texture beautifully.
How to Serve Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little extra flair to these rolls is easy and fun. A light brush of herb-infused butter or a sprinkle of coarse salt right before serving highlights the crust’s flavor and adds a lovely sparkle. Fresh rosemary sprigs placed on the platter make for a charming and aromatic presentation.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair beautifully with hearty soups, vibrant salads, or classic comfort foods like roast chicken or mashed potatoes. Their subtle herb flavor complements almost any savory dish, making them a versatile addition to your meals.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual gatherings, serve these rolls in a lined basket covered with a cozy cloth napkin to keep them warm and inviting. For a more elegant touch, place them on a wooden board surrounded by bowls of flavored butters, olive oil, or savory dips—your guests will be impressed by such a thoughtful spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These rolls stay soft when stored properly. Place cooled rolls in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature, and enjoy them within 2 to 3 days. This way, you preserve that delightful freshness every time you reach for one.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls Recipe beyond the initial baking day, freezing is your best friend. Wrap each roll individually or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to one month, ready to be defrosted whenever you crave them.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth, simply reheat the rolls in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. For quick reheating, microwave covers work well but may soften the crust slightly. A light brush of butter before warming enhances the experience even more.
FAQs
Can I substitute fresh rosemary with dried rosemary in Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls Recipe?
Yes, you can, but keep in mind that dried rosemary is more concentrated in flavor. Use about one-third of the amount of fresh rosemary and crush it lightly before adding to release those flavors. Fresh rosemary, however, offers a brighter, more aromatic taste that really shines in this recipe.
What if I don’t have unsalted butter? Can I use salted butter instead?
You can use salted butter, just reduce the added salt in the dough slightly to avoid over-seasoning. Be cautious and taste the dough if possible, to maintain the perfect balance that Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls Recipe is known for.
How do I know when the rolls are fully baked?
The rolls should be golden brown on top, and if you tap the bottom, it should sound hollow. Additionally, using a kitchen thermometer, the internal temperature should be around 190°F to ensure they are cooked through without being doughy inside.
Is it possible to make these rolls vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the milk with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk, the butter with vegan margarine or oil, and replace the egg with a flax or chia seed egg. Keep in mind that texture and flavor will slightly differ from the classic recipe.
Can the dough be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator. Just punch it down and shape the rolls in the morning, allowing them a shorter second rise at room temperature before baking. This method enhances the flavor and is great for busy schedules.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly something special about making Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls Recipe from scratch—a blend of nostalgia, comfort, and that unbeatable homemade taste. Once you try these rolls, their fragrant, buttery goodness will find a permanent spot in your recipe box and on your dining table. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and bake some magic that everyone will beg for again and again!
Print
Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy yeast rolls infused with fresh rosemary and finished with a buttery, golden crust. Perfect for holiday dinners or any occasion that calls for homemade bread, these rolls combine a fragrant herb flavor with a tender crumb, creating a comforting side that complements any meal.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
Toppings
- Extra rosemary
- Flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy to ensure the yeast is active and ready.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt thoroughly to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Add the foamy yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, and finely chopped rosemary to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough starts to form.
- Knead the Dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook and knead for 5–6 minutes to achieve the same texture.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Shape Rolls: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Divide it into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into a smooth ball. Arrange the balls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped rolls and let them rise again for 30–40 minutes until they are puffy and nearly doubled.
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Rolls: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter and sprinkle with extra fresh rosemary and flaky sea salt for added flavor and texture.
- Bake: Bake the rolls for 18–22 minutes or until they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped.
- Cool & Serve: Remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving to enjoy the soft interior and flavorful crust.
Notes
- For a richer flavor and slight tang, substitute half of the milk with buttermilk.
- These rolls can be made ahead and reheated just before serving to save time.
- Freeze any leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 1 month for future use.
