Are you ready to elevate your next game day gathering or family dinner? Forget store-bought rolls – these incredibly soft and fluffy dinner rolls, inspired by Donna Kelce's legendary baking, are about to become your new go-to recipe. They're easier to make than you think, requiring minimal effort for maximum deliciousness. This recipe is perfect for beginners looking for easy recipes and seasoned bakers seeking a foolproof, healthy meal addition. Let's get started on creating these homemade cooking masterpieces!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This crucial step ensures your rolls will rise beautifully.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
Stir in the melted butter and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Incorporate the Flour
Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
Step 5: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 6: Shape the Rolls
Punch down the dough to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball.
Step 7: Second Rise
Place the rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan, leaving a little space between each. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled in size.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the rolls with the beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds or poppy seeds, if desired. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy these warm, fluffy rolls with your favorite meal!
Tips for Perfect Rolls:
- Yeast is Key: Use fresh yeast for the best results. If your yeast is old, it might not activate properly.
- Don't Overknead: Overkneading can result in tough rolls. Aim for a smooth, elastic dough.
- Warm Environment: A warm place for rising is essential. You can even place the bowl in a slightly warm oven (turned off) to speed up the process.
- Don't Peek Too Often: Resist the urge to constantly check on the rising dough, as this can disrupt the process.
Variations:
- Garlic Rolls: Add 1-2 cloves of minced garlic to the dough.
- Herb Rolls: Incorporate 1-2 tablespoons of dried herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, into the dough.
- Sweet Rolls: Add ½ cup of sugar to the dough and brush with a cinnamon-sugar mixture before baking.
Nutritional Information (per roll, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 150 Fat: 5g Carbohydrates: 25g Protein: 4g
These values are estimates and may vary depending on the ingredients used. This recipe offers a delicious and relatively healthy addition to your meal plan, making it a great choice for quick dinner ideas. Enjoy!