Description

This easy recipe guides you to baking fluffy, buttery dinner rolls that are perfect for any family meal. It’s a family-favorite recipe designed for minimal fuss, delivering bakery-quality results with surprisingly simple steps.

Ingredients

1 cup whole milk, warmed to 105-115°F
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 large egg, room temperature
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided
1 tablespoon za’atar spice blend
0.25 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped

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Instructions

Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup warmed milk, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast. Stir, then let stand 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Combine Wet and Dry: In a separate bowl, whisk 3 cups all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon fine sea salt. Add 1 egg and 4 tablespoons cooled melted butter to the yeast mixture. Whisk well. Gradually add the dry flour mixture, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky (it should spring back when poked).
First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning once to coat. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, until noticeably doubled in size.
Shape the Rolls: Punch down the dough. Divide it into 12 equal portions (approximately 50-55g each). Flatten each portion to about 3 inches (8 cm) in diameter. Spoon 0.5 teaspoon of the za’atar-olive oil filling (made by combining 45 ml olive oil and 1 tablespoon za’atar) onto the center of each flattened dough piece. Gather the edges, pinch them to seal, and roll into a smooth ball.
Second Rise: Arrange the shaped rolls, seam-side down, in a greased 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish, ensuring they are spaced apart. Cover loosely and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes, until puffy and almost touching.
Bake to Golden Perfection: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 18-22 minutes, until they are golden brown and cooked through. (Tent with foil if they start browning too quickly).
Serve Warm: Remove the rolls from the oven. Immediately brush the warm tops with the remaining 1 tablespoon (15 ml) extra virgin olive oil for a glossy finish. Cool for 5-10 minutes. Transfer to a platter, drizzle with fresh olive oil, and sprinkle with chopped parsley for vibrant presentation.

Notes

To test yeast, check for foam after 5-10 minutes in warm milk and sugar. Use unbleached flour for better flavor. Grass-fed butter adds a richer taste. For dairy-free rolls, swap whole milk for unsweetened almond or oat milk. Honey or maple syrup can substitute granulated sugar. For a golden shine, brush rolls with a beaten egg before baking. Tent with foil if browning too quickly during baking.

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 roll (50 g)
Calories: 180 calories
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 190 mg
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5.5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 17 mg