Grandmas Rosemary Dinner Rolls Recipe

Irresistible Grandmas Rosemary Dinner Rolls Recipe: Fluffy Magic

Grandma’s cherished rosemary dinner rolls capture the essence of home-baked comfort with their irresistible aroma.

Warm memories flood back when these golden-brown delights emerge from the oven.

Delicate herbs dancing through soft, pillowy dough create a sensory experience that connects generations.

Knead and shape with care, letting each roll tell a story of culinary tradition.

Simple ingredients come together in a symphony of flavor that speaks directly to your soul.

Soft, fragrant, and utterly delectable, these rolls will become the star of any meal you serve.

One bite promises to transport you to a cozy kitchen filled with love and warmth.

Delicious Variations on Grandma’s Rosemary Rolls

  • Gluten-Free Herbal Rolls: Replace bread flour with gluten-free flour blend, use xanthan gum for binding, and swap rosemary with thyme or oregano for different herbal notes.
  • Whole Wheat Wellness Rolls: Substitute half the bread flour with whole wheat flour, add ground flaxseed for extra nutrition, and use olive oil instead of canola for a healthier profile.
  • Vegan Rosemary Rolls: Use plant-based milk, replace egg with flax egg or aquafaba, and choose vegetable oil to create a dairy-free and egg-free version that maintains soft texture.
  • Mediterranean Herb Rolls: Incorporate dried basil, oregano, and a sprinkle of za'atar seasoning to transform the classic recipe into a Mediterranean-inspired bread with rich, aromatic flavors.

Ideal Accompaniments for Rosemary Dinner Rolls

Select a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah to complement the rosemary’s earthy notes and enhance the rolls’ rich, buttery flavor.

Create a creamy goat cheese spread mixed with fresh herbs like thyme and chives to amplify the rosemary’s aromatic profile and provide a luxurious accompaniment.

Prepare a simple roasted chicken with garlic and lemon to create a classic, comforting meal that highlights the rolls’ warm, fragrant character.

Mix extra virgin olive oil with balsamic vinegar, cracked black pepper, and a pinch of sea salt for a zesty dipping experience that elevates the rolls’ texture and taste.

How to Maintain Freshness of Rosemary Dinner Rolls

  • Store cooled rolls in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Place rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 1 month. Label with the date to track freshness.
  • Thaw frozen rolls at room temperature, then warm in a preheated 350F (175C) oven for 5-7 minutes. Wrap in foil to prevent over-browning and retain softness.
  • Heat individual rolls for 10-15 seconds. Wrap in a damp paper towel to prevent hardening and restore moisture.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients that make these rolls unique?

The combination of fresh rosemary, bread flour, and a touch of sugar creates a delightful flavor profile that sets these dinner rolls apart from ordinary bread.

  • Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute dried rosemary, but use about one-third the amount of fresh rosemary to avoid overpowering the rolls.

  • How do I know when the dough has risen properly?

The dough should double in size and look puffy. When you gently press your finger into the dough, the indentation should slowly spring back but not completely disappear.

  • Is it necessary to use bread flour, or can I use all-purpose flour?

Bread flour is recommended as it has a higher protein content, which helps create a chewier and more structured roll with better texture.

Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls: Timeless Family Favorite

  • Savor Homemade Comfort: Grandma's rosemary dinner rolls bring nostalgic warmth and love to your table, creating a sense of connection through traditional baking.
  • Master Beginner-Friendly Baking: Perfect for home cooks at any skill level, this recipe guides you through simple steps to create professional-looking, delicious rolls with minimal stress.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: These aromatic rolls complement countless meals, from cozy family dinners to elegant gatherings, making them a go-to recipe for any occasion.
  • Elevate Everyday Meals: Infused with fragrant rosemary, these rolls transform ordinary dinners into special culinary experiences, adding gourmet touch to your home cooking.

Key Ingredients for Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls

Yeast and Activation:
  • Active Dry Yeast: A crucial ingredient that helps the rolls rise and develop a light, airy texture.
  • Warm Water: Provides the perfect environment for yeast to activate and bloom.
Dry Ingredients:
  • Bread Flour: Provides the strong gluten structure needed for soft and chewy dinner rolls.
  • Sugar: Helps feed the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness to the rolls.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the rolls.
  • Rosemary: Adds a fragrant, herbal note to the dinner rolls.
Liquid and Fat Ingredients:
  • Warm Milk: Contributes to the soft texture and adds richness to the rolls.
  • Canola Oil: Helps keep the rolls moist and tender.
  • Whole Egg, Egg Yolk: Provides richness, helps with browning, and adds structure to the rolls.
  • Milk: Used in the egg wash to help create a golden, shiny crust.

Step-by-Step to Bake Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls

Step 1: Awaken the Yeast

Mix yeast with warm water in a small bowl. Watch it come alive and get bubbly and foamy, which takes about 5 minutes.

The yeast will start to look puffy and active.

Step 2: Create Dough Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine these ingredients:
  • Bread flour
  • Minced rosemary
  • Sugar
  • Salt

Pour in the yeast mixture, warm milk, canola oil, and whole egg.

Blend everything together until the mixture becomes smooth and well-incorporated.

Step 3: Knead with Love

Transfer the dough onto a floured surface.

Gently knead the dough, pushing and folding it repeatedly. Continue kneading for 6-8 minutes until the dough becomes silky smooth and elastic.

Step 4: First Resting Period

Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning it once to coat the surface. Cover the bowl and let it rest in a warm, cozy spot.

Allow the dough to rise and double in size, which takes approximately 1 hour.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles.

Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and roll each into a perfect ball. Arrange these balls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.

Cover and let them rise again until they double in size, about 30 minutes.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Create a golden glaze by whisking together egg yolk and milk. Gently brush this mixture over the rolls and sprinkle additional minced rosemary on top.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the rolls turn a beautiful golden brown.

Once done, remove from the pan and cool on a wire rack.

Secrets to Baking the Perfect Rosemary Dinner Rolls

  • Gently work the dough on a lightly floured surface to develop gluten without overworking, ensuring soft and tender rolls.
  • Place the dough in a draft-free, warm spot like near a preheated oven to help it rise evenly and quickly.
  • Use an egg wash generously to create a beautiful golden-brown crust that looks professionally baked.
  • Crush dried rosemary between your fingers before adding to release more intense herbal flavors into the rolls.
  • Tap the rolls' bottom – if they sound hollow, they're perfectly baked and ready to serve.
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Grandmas Rosemary Dinner Rolls Recipe

Grandmas Rosemary Dinner Rolls Recipe


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4.8 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Grandma’s rosemary dinner rolls bring warm, comforting memories of family gatherings around a steaming table. Delicate herbs and golden-brown crusts invite bread lovers to savor each tender, fragrant bite you’ll cherish.


Ingredients

Scale

Bread and Flour Ingredients:

  • 3 cups bread flour
  • 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast

Wet Ingredients:

  • 2/3 cup warm 2% milk (110F to 115F)
  • 1/4 to 1/3 cup canola oil
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 2 tablespoons 2% milk

Seasoning and Flavor Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup warm water (110F to 115F)

Instructions

  1. Awaken the yeast by dissolving it in tepid water, allowing the mixture to become frothy and activate for approximately 5 minutes.
  2. Merge bread flour, finely chopped rosemary, sugar, and salt in a spacious mixing vessel. Introduce the activated yeast, warm milk, canola oil, and whole egg, blending until the mixture transforms into a uniform consistency.
  3. Transfer the dough onto a lightly dusted work surface, kneading methodically until the texture becomes silky and resilient, roughly 6-8 minutes of continuous manipulation.
  4. Nestle the dough into a greased receptacle, rotating once to ensure complete coverage. Drape with a clean cloth and allow to rest in a cozy environment until the volume doubles, approximately 1 hour.
  5. Deflate the dough with a gentle punch. Partition and sculpt into 12 uniform spherical portions, positioning them carefully within a greased 9×13-inch baking vessel.
  6. Permit the rolls to expand for an additional 30 minutes, covering to maintain moisture and warmth.
  7. Heat the oven to 375F (190C). Whisk egg yolk with milk, gently brushing the surface of each roll and sprinkling residual rosemary fragments across the top.
  8. Bake until the rolls transform into a rich golden hue, approximately 20-25 minutes. Transfer immediately to a wire cooling rack to preserve their delicate texture.

Notes

  • Ensure water temperature for yeast is between 100-110°F to activate properly without killing the microorganisms.
  • Use fresh rosemary for more vibrant, aromatic flavor compared to dried herbs.
  • Knead dough on a lightly floured surface, adding minimal extra flour to maintain soft, tender texture.
  • Allow sufficient rising time in a warm, draft-free area for optimal bread volume and light, airy consistency.
  • For gluten-free option, substitute bread flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum.
  • Brush rolls with egg wash just before baking to achieve a beautiful golden-brown, glossy exterior.
  • Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or freeze for longer preservation.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 149 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 42 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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