Make Ahead Dinner Rolls

Elevate your dinner table with these soft and fluffy Make Ahead Dinner Rolls—perfect for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, or when you simply want fresh bread without the rush. This easy-to-follow recipe lets you prepare the dough in advance, storing it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Made with pantry staples like all-purpose flour, instant yeast, and whole milk, these golden rolls boast a melt-in-your-mouth texture and just a hint of buttery sweetness. The dough is kneaded to perfection for optimal elasticity and lightness, and the warm rolls are finished with a luscious brush of melted butter for irresistible flavor. These make-ahead dinner rolls are the ultimate time-saver without compromising on that fresh, homemade taste. Serve them alongside soups, salads, or your favorite main dishes for a crowd-pleasing addition to any meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 4 cups All-purpose flour
• 0.25 cup Granulated sugar
• 2.25 teaspoons Instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 cup Whole milk
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 Egg (large)
• 0.33 cup Water (warm)
• 2 tablespoons Butter (melted, for brushing)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Whisk the dry ingredients together until evenly mixed.

Step 2

In a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan, heat the milk, melted butter, and warm water until the mixture is warm (approximately 110–115°F).

Step 3

Add the warm liquid mixture and the egg to the dry ingredients. Mix using a wooden spoon or dough hook attachment on a stand mixer until the dough comes together and is slightly sticky.

Step 4

Knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface or with the stand mixer for about 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.

Step 5

Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 6

Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball by tucking the edges under and pinching them at the base.

Step 7

Place the dough balls in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, evenly spaced. Cover the dish with greased plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours if making ahead.

Step 8

When ready to bake, remove the rolls from the refrigerator and allow them to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 9

Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Step 10

Brush the warm rolls with melted butter and serve immediately, or allow them to cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1001.4 grams (1001.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2794

Total Fat 87.00g	112%
Saturated Fat 50.80g	254%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.30g
Cholesterol 402mg	134%
Sodium 2539mg	110%
Total Carbohydrate 431.20g	157%
Dietary Fiber 15.10g	54%
Total Sugars 63.40g
Protein 67.50g	135%

Vitamin D 167IU	833%
Calcium 415mg	32%
Iron 24mg	131%
Potassium 1047mg	22%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 28.2%

Protein: 9.7%

Carbs: 62.1%