Welcome back to my kitchen!

Today, I’m excited to share one of my favorite freezer-friendly recipes: soft, fluffy dinner rolls that are easy to make, perfect for meal prep, and absolutely irresistible straight out of the oven.

Whether you're planning a holiday feast, prepping for the week, or just craving the smell of freshly baked bread, these dinner rolls are your new go-to. This recipe is beginner-friendly and works every time—and yes, you can absolutely make and freeze them ahead for fresh bread anytime!

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast

In a medium bowl, combine warm milk, 1 tbsp sugar, and dry yeast. Mix well and cover with plastic wrap. Let sit for 5–10 minutes. You’ll know your yeast is active when it becomes foamy.
👉 Tip: If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be expired—start fresh.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients

Add the melted, cooled butter and the beaten egg to the yeast mixture. Whisk until smooth, then stir in the remaining ¼ cup sugar.

3. Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine flour and salt. Gradually add this to your wet mixture, folding with a spatula until no dry flour remains. Let the dough rest, covered, for 10–15 minutes to hydrate.

4. Knead the Dough

Lightly flour your countertop and knead the dough gently for 5–6 minutes. It may be slightly sticky at first but resist the urge to add too much extra flour. The dough should become smooth and elastic.

5. First Rise

Place dough in a clean, lightly greased bowl. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 30–60 minutes, or until tripled in size.

6. Shape the Rolls

Punch down the dough and knead briefly to reactivate the gluten. Divide evenly (about 50g per roll is ideal). Shape each piece into a smooth ball by pulling and pinching the dough underneath. Roll gently on the counter to form a smooth top.

7. Freeze or Bake

Place the shaped rolls into a greased baking dish.
Freezing option: Freeze the rolls on a tray first, then transfer to a zip-top bag.
To bake later: Remove from freezer, place in a baking dish, and let thaw and rise (1.5–2 hours) until doubled.

8. Second Rise

If baking immediately, let the rolls rise in the pan for 20–25 minutes or until doubled in size.

9. Egg Wash & Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Mix the egg wash and gently brush it over the risen rolls.
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown.

10. Final Touch

Remove from oven, brush with melted butter, and cover with a clean towel. Let rest for 15 minutes before serving.

Homemade Dinner Rolls (Freezer-Friendly!) VIDEO

The Softest Homemade Dinner Rolls (Freezer-Friendly!)

📋 Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 250 mL (1 cup) warm milk

• 1 tbsp dry yeast

• 1 tbsp granulated sugar (for yeast activation)

• 115g (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled

• 1 large egg, room temperature and lightly beaten

• 45g (¼ cup) granulated sugar

• 450g (2 cups) all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp salt

• For egg wash: 1 egg + 1 tbsp milk

• Extra flour for kneading

• Melted butter (optional, for brushing after baking)

💡 Tips & Tricks for Perfect Dinner Rolls

• Use fresh yeast: If your yeast doesn’t foam in the first step, it’s inactive.

• Room temperature egg: Prevents curdling when added to the warm mixture.

• Freeze before second rise: Always shape and freeze, not bake first.

• For extra softness: Cover the hot rolls with a towel after baking to trap steam.

• Want smaller rolls? Reduce dough portions to 40g and adjust baking time.

🧊 How to Freeze & Reheat Dinner Rolls

To freeze:
Shape the dough, arrange on a tray, and freeze. Once solid, store in a freezer-safe bag

To reheat:
Place frozen rolls in a greased dish. Let thaw and rise until doubled (about 2 hours), then bake as instructed.

✅ Perfect for holidays, meal prep, or busy weeknights!

🍽️ Serving Ideas

Serve warm with:

• Butter & jam

• Garlic butter

• As a side with soup, stew, or pasta

• Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter dinner

❓ FAQ

Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but the texture will be denser. Use a 50/50 blend for best results.

Can I make these vegan?
Try using plant-based milk, vegan butter, and an egg substitute like flax egg.

How long can I store them in the freezer?
Up to 3 months. Be sure to label the bag with the date!

Welcome To Smart Kitchen BY EYA

Hi, I’m EYA — here to help you cook smarter, save time, reduce food waste, and make the most of every corner of your kitchen.

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If you love tips on freezing, storing, and enjoying food the smart way, you're in the right place! Don’t forget to Grab my Free Guide: 10 Foods You’re Freezing Wrong (And How to Fix It)

📝 Looking for more kitchen-smart recipes? Explore the Recipes section of the blog.