Description
Classic Texas Roadhouse Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and buttery rolls perfect for any meal. These homemade rolls feature a tender crumb with a slightly golden crust, finished with a generous brush of melted butter for that iconic rich flavor. The recipe uses active dry yeast activated in warm milk, followed by two rises to develop a light, airy texture reminiscent of the beloved rolls served at Texas Roadhouse restaurants.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Rolls:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 1/4 cups warm milk (105–110°F)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 package active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 tsp)
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour (preferably King Arthur)
For the Finish:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast and Build the Dough Base: Pour 1 1/4 cups warm milk (105–110°F) into a large mixing bowl. Add the active dry yeast and 1/3 cup sugar. Let this mixture sit undisturbed for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is activated. Then add softened butter, beaten egg, and kosher salt.
- Add Initial Flour and Mix: Add 2 cups of all-purpose flour to the bowl and beat vigorously for 2-3 minutes using a wooden spoon or a stand mixer on medium speed to develop gluten structure evenly.
- Develop the Dough to Proper Consistency: Gradually add the remaining 1 1/2 to 2 cups of flour, one handful at a time, mixing constantly. Continue until the dough is soft, slightly sticky but tacky and pulls away from the sides of the bowl while still clinging to your fingers. Knead for another 1-2 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise – Bulk Fermentation: Lightly grease a large bowl with butter or oil. Place the dough in the bowl and turn once to coat. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 45–60 minutes until roughly doubled in size.
- Shape the Rolls and Arrange for Second Rise: Once risen, punch down the dough to release excess gas. Turn it onto a lightly floured surface and roll into a 12 x 8-inch rectangle about ½ inch thick. Cut into 24–30 equal pieces with a knife or pizza cutter and arrange on parchment-lined baking sheets spaced 1 inch apart.
- Second Rise and Oven Preparation: Cover the rolls with plastic wrap or a towel and let rise another 45–60 minutes at room temperature until puffy and springy. Preheat the oven to 350°F during the last 10-15 minutes of this rise.
- Bake and Finish with Butter: Bake the rolls at 350°F for 12–15 minutes until deep golden brown on top. Remove from oven and immediately brush each warm roll generously with melted butter for a shiny, flavorful crust.
Notes
- Make sure milk is warmed to 105–110°F to properly activate yeast without killing it.
- Adding flour gradually helps adjust dough for humidity and prevents it from becoming too stiff or dry.
- Rises are important for flavor development and a tender, airy texture.
- Butter brushing immediately after baking adds richness and shine.
- Roll size can be adjusted to preference: smaller rolls will be denser, larger ones fluffier.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Texas Roadhouse dinner rolls, soft rolls recipe, homemade rolls, yeast rolls, fluffy bread rolls, buttery rolls
