Timeless Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls Recipe: Cozy Comfort Awaits

Warm, comforting rosemary dinner rolls bring memories of grandma’s kitchen wafting through my home.

Soft golden dough carries an aromatic herbal promise waiting to unfold.

Delicate herbs dance within each tender bite, whispering stories of cherished family traditions.

Classic recipes often hold magical connections to our past, creating sensory bridges between generations.

Kneading fragrant dough becomes a meditation, connecting you to generations of home cooks who crafted love into every morsel.

Memories blend with anticipation as these rolls promise to grace your table with rustic elegance.

Make these rolls and watch pure comfort emerge from your oven.

Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls Charm

• Savor Homemade Comfort: These rosemary dinner rolls bring warmth and nostalgia straight from grandma's kitchen, offering a delightful homemade touch that store-bought breads can't match.
• Master Simple Baking: Perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, this recipe provides an approachable way to create professional-looking rolls with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Customize Your Flavor: Easily adaptable with optional rosemary and flaky salt, these rolls let you personalize the taste while enjoying a versatile side dish that complements multiple meals.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Ideal for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or casual weekend meals, these rolls will impress guests and create memorable dining experiences with their irresistible aroma and taste.

Ingredients for Rosemary Dinner Rolls

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure and base for creating soft and fluffy dinner rolls.
• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for helping the dough rise and developing a light, airy texture.
• Sugar: Provides food for the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness to the rolls.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and helps control yeast growth.

• Warm Water: Activates and dissolves the yeast.
• Warm Milk: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb in the rolls.

• Egg: Helps bind the ingredients and adds richness to the dough.
• Melted Butter, Rosemary, Flaky Salt: Contribute depth of flavor and a classic herbal aroma to the dinner rolls.

How to Bake Rosemary Dinner Rolls

Step 1: Awaken the Yeast

Grab a small bowl and pour warm water into it. Sprinkle yeast and a tiny bit of sugar.

Let the mixture sit quietly for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly, showing the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Create the Dough Masterpiece

• Flour
• Sugar
• Salt

• Activated yeast mixture
• Warm milk
• Melted butter
• Egg

Fold in the fragrant chopped rosemary.

Stir everything together until a shaggy dough emerges. Knead the dough with your hands or use a stand mixer, working it until smooth and stretchy.

The dough should feel soft and supple, like a delicate pillow.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise and Relax

Transfer the dough to a generously greased bowl.

Cover with a soft kitchen towel and place in a cozy, warm spot. Allow the dough to rise and expand for 1-1.5 hours, watching it double in size like a happy, growing cloud.

Step 4: Shape the Delightful Rolls

Gently deflate the risen dough by pushing it down.

Divide the dough into 12-15 equal portions. Roll each piece into a perfect round ball with smooth surfaces.

Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish or on a lined sheet pan, giving each roll some breathing room. Cover and let them puff up for 30-45 minutes.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Warm the oven to 375F (190C). Brush the rolls with melted butter and sprinkle with additional chopped rosemary and flaky salt for extra flavor.

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes until the tops turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 6: Serve with Love

While the rolls are still warm, brush them with another layer of melted butter for ultimate softness.

Serve immediately alongside your favorite meal, with honey or extra butter for spreading.

Tips for Perfect Rosemary Dinner Rolls

• Ensure water is warm (110-115°F) to wake up yeast without killing it, creating a foamy texture that guarantees soft, fluffy rolls.
• Develop gluten by kneading thoroughly, which creates a stretchy, smooth dough that rises beautifully and gives rolls their tender texture.
• Place dough in a draft-free, warm spot like near a preheated oven or inside a turned-off oven with the light on to help dough rise evenly.
• Use exact measurements of salt, as too much can inhibit yeast growth and prevent proper rising of the dinner rolls.
• Chop rosemary finely to distribute flavor evenly and release its aromatic oils, enhancing the overall taste of the rolls.

Variations on Rosemary Dinner Rolls

• Garlic Herb Rolls: Replace rosemary with a blend of minced garlic, thyme, and parsley for a savory, aromatic variation that pairs perfectly with roasted meats and pasta dishes.
• Whole Wheat Rosemary Rolls: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added nutritional value, creating a heartier bread option.
• Cheese-Stuffed Rosemary Rolls: Before shaping, add a small cube of cheddar or mozzarella cheese in the center of each roll, creating a gooey, melted surprise when baked.
• Mediterranean Olive Rolls: Knead chopped kalamata olives into the dough and sprinkle with za'atar seasoning before baking for a Mediterranean-inspired bread with bold, tangy flavors.

Pairing Ideas for Rosemary Dinner Rolls

• Pair with Robust Red Wines: Select full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah that complement the rosemary's earthy flavor and stand up to the bread's richness.
• Herb-Infused Butter Companions: Create compound butters using garlic, thyme, or sage to spread on warm rolls, enhancing their aromatic rosemary profile and adding luxurious texture.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Dipping Sauces: Whip up olive oil with balsamic vinegar or prepare a roasted garlic aioli for dipping, which will highlight the rolls' herbal notes and provide a tangy contrast.

Storage Tips for Rosemary Dinner Rolls

Store cooled rolls in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.

Place rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.

Wrap rolls in aluminum foil, warm at 350F for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Brush with melted butter for extra moisture.

Wrap rolls in damp paper towel, microwave for 15-20 seconds. Check every 5 seconds to prevent overheating and maintain softness.

FAQs

• Why use rosemary in dinner rolls?

Rosemary adds a wonderful herbal aroma and subtle earthy flavor that elevates the traditional dinner roll, giving it a gourmet touch and making it more interesting than plain bread.

• Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it do the first rise, then cover and refrigerate overnight. The next day, shape the rolls and let them do the second rise before baking.

• How do I know if my yeast is still good?

Check for foaming when you activate the yeast. If the mixture doesn’t become foamy after 10 minutes in warm water with sugar, your yeast is likely dead and won’t make the rolls rise properly.

Grandmas Rosemary Dinner Rolls Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Grandma’s rosemary dinner rolls deliver pure comfort from an Italian kitchen, bringing warmth and tradition to your table. Delicate herbs and golden crust promise a delightful experience you’ll savor with each tender, aromatic bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 cups (875 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) melted butter
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh rosemary, finely chopped

Leavening and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) warm water (110°F)
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) warm milk (110°F)

Seasoning and Finishing Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (50 g) sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) butter (for brushing on top)
• Flaky sea salt (optional, for topping)
• Additional fresh rosemary (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast by dissolving it in tepid water with a hint of sugar. Allow the mixture to rest for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbling.
2. Create the dough base by blending flour, sugar, and salt in a spacious mixing vessel. Incorporate the activated yeast, warmed milk, liquefied butter, and whisked egg. Fold in fragrant rosemary until a rough textured mixture emerges. Knead thoroughly for 8-10 minutes, transforming the mixture into a smooth, elastic consistency.
3. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled container, drape with a clean cloth, and permit rising in a draft-free environment for 1-1.5 hours until volume doubles substantially.
4. Deflate the risen dough and segment into 12-15 uniform portions. Gently roll each segment into compact spheres, positioning them strategically in a greased baking receptacle. Allow secondary proofing for 30-45 minutes until they appear puffy and expanded.
5. Heat the oven to 375F (190C). Delicately paint roll surfaces with melted butter, optionally garnishing with additional rosemary and flaky sea salt. Bake for 18-22 minutes until achieving a rich golden-brown complexion.
6. While still radiating warmth, brush with an extra layer of butter for enhanced tenderness. Present immediately alongside complementary dishes or preferred accompaniments.

Notes

• Activate yeast precisely with water between 100-110°F to ensure proper fermentation without killing the living organisms.
• Knead dough thoroughly to develop gluten, creating a soft and tender texture that pulls apart beautifully.
• For gluten-free adaptation, replace wheat flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum for structure.
• Enhance flavor by toasting rosemary briefly before adding to release more aromatic oils and deepen the herb’s essence.

• Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 157
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 131 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg