If you’re craving a slice of comfort wrapped in delicate, fragrant bread, then you absolutely must try Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls Recipe. These soft, golden rolls are infused with fresh rosemary, offering a warm, herbaceous aroma that fills your kitchen and your heart. Whether you’re serving them alongside a hearty stew or simply enjoying them fresh out of the oven with a pat of butter, these rolls bring the cozy, nostalgic feeling of a family gathering straight to your table. Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls Recipe is more than just bread: it’s tradition you can taste in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls Recipe calls for a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create an irresistible texture and flavor. Each element plays its part perfectly, from the fragrant fresh rosemary to the warm milk that activates the yeast for the softest rolls.
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of our dough, providing structure and the perfect chew.
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary (finely chopped): Adds a fragrant, piney note that makes these rolls truly special.
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast: Powers the rise, creating that soft, airy crumb we all adore.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and balances the herbal tones with just a touch of sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and controls yeast activity for perfect texture.
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F): Gently wakes up the yeast and keeps the dough tender.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted): Infuses richness and contributes to a tender crumb.
- 1 large egg (room temperature): Binds ingredients together and adds a lovely golden hue.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing): Gives the crust a beautiful sheen and a subtle fruity flavor.
- Extra chopped rosemary and sea salt for topping: The finishing touch that elevates style and burst of flavor.
How to Make Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the yeast
Start by combining the warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast in a large mixing bowl. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes until you see a bubbly foam forming on the surface. This bubbly stage means your yeast is alive and kicking, ensuring your rolls will rise beautifully. Patience here really pays off!
Step 2: Mix in the wet ingredients and rosemary
Next, stir in the melted butter, egg, freshly chopped rosemary, and salt into your yeast mixture. The melted butter adds luscious richness while the fresh rosemary infuses the dough with its signature herbal aroma. Adding the rosemary at this point allows the flavor to permeate every roll.
Step 3: Combine with flour to form dough
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, stirring until you achieve a soft, sticky dough. This part is about gently bringing everything together, not over-mixing. The right dough consistency is key to tender, fluffy rolls with just the right amount of chew.
Step 4: Knead the dough
Turn your dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes. This step develops gluten, giving your rolls that perfect structure and elasticity. You’ll know you’re done kneading when the dough becomes smooth and springs back when touched. It’s a very satisfying texture to work with!
Step 5: First rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size—about an hour. This is when the magic happens as the yeast transforms simple ingredients into soft, airy dough. Watching the dough puff up is like watching a little miracle unfold right in your kitchen.
Step 6: Shape your rolls
Punch down the dough to release excess air, then divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece gently into a round roll and arrange them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet or in a greased 9×13 baking dish. This step is where you start to see your rolls take their classic inviting shape.
Step 7: Second rise
Cover the shaped rolls again and let them rise for another 30 to 40 minutes. This second rise gives them that final lift, ensuring each roll bakes up delightfully fluffy and perfectly soft inside.
Step 8: Bake to golden perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Before baking, brush the rolls with olive oil and sprinkle on the extra chopped rosemary and sea salt. This step creates a beautiful, aromatic crust that’s just begging to be torn apart. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until your rolls achieve a stunning golden brown color. Let them cool just slightly before serving to enjoy that fresh-from-the-oven warmth.
How to Serve Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
For an elegant touch, add a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few flakes of flaky sea salt right before serving. A small pat of high-quality butter melting into the warm rolls is heavenly. Fresh rosemary sprigs on the side add a fragrant visual that complements the flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
These rosemary rolls pair wonderfully with hearty soups like tomato basil or creamy potato leek. They’re fantastic alongside a roasted chicken or slow-cooked beef stew, soaking up every bit of savory goodness. Don’t forget a fresh, crisp salad to balance the meal with some bright crunch!
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the rolls in rustic bread baskets lined with cloth napkins for a charming farmhouse feel. You can slice them in half and turn them into mini sandwiches with slices of cheese and smoked turkey or use them to create a delicious bread pudding the next day. Presentation can elevate these humble rolls into the star of any meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (though, these rolls tend to vanish fast!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keeps them soft and fresh—perfect for enjoying the next morning with your coffee or tea.
Freezing
Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls Recipe freezes beautifully. Let the rolls cool completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be stored for up to 2 months. Freezing is a fantastic way to have homemade bread ready whenever you need a comforting snack or side.
Reheating
To revive your frozen rolls, thaw them at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the fridge. Warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore that fresh-baked softness and scent. A quick brush of olive oil or butter after reheating will recapture the golden crust and aromatic finish.
FAQs
Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?
Yes! If you don’t have fresh rosemary on hand, substitute with 2 teaspoons of dried rosemary. It’s less potent than fresh, so adjust accordingly to keep that lovely herbal aroma without overpowering the rolls.
What if my dough doesn’t rise?
This usually happens if the milk is too hot or too cold, killing or slowing the yeast. Always check that your milk is around 110°F for optimal yeast activation, and make sure your yeast isn’t expired. Give your dough a warm, draft-free place to rise and be patient!
Can I make these rolls without eggs?
While the egg adds richness and helps bind the dough, you can omit it if needed. Replace it with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg alternative for a similar effect, though texture may vary slightly.
How do I get the perfect golden crust?
Brushing the rolls with olive oil before baking and sprinkling with sea salt and extra rosemary not only boosts flavor but also helps create that irresistible golden, shiny crust everyone loves.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls Recipe scales well. Just double the ingredients and make sure your mixing and rising bowls are large enough to accommodate the extra dough.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about baking bread by hand, especially when it’s a treasured recipe like Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls Recipe. These rolls bring warmth, flavor, and a sense of home to any meal. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s the kind of bread that turns everyday dinners into celebrations and creates lasting memories with every bite.
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: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy yeast rolls infused with fresh rosemary for an aromatic twist. Perfect as a side dish, these homemade rolls offer a delicate balance of buttery flavor and herbaceous notes, making them a delightful addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Primary Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, room temperature
For Finishing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)
- Extra chopped rosemary (for topping)
- Sea salt (for sprinkling on top)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy to ensure the yeast is active.
- Mix Dough: Stir in the melted butter, egg, chopped rosemary, and salt. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape Rolls: Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a roll and place them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet or in a greased 9×13 baking dish.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise again for 30–40 minutes to puff up.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the rolls rise.
- Prepare for Baking: Brush the rolls with olive oil and sprinkle with additional chopped rosemary and sea salt to enhance flavor.
- Bake: Bake the rolls for 18–22 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top.
- Cool and Serve: Let the rolls cool slightly before serving to enjoy their full flavor and soft texture.
Notes
- You can substitute dried rosemary using 2 teaspoons instead of fresh rosemary.
- These rolls freeze well—store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
