I’m so glad to hear that the new meds are working and your leg is looking much better! To celebrate and keep things light, I’m sharing a cherished recipe from back in 2021 for these Easy No-Knead Dinner Rolls. They’re versatile, delicious, and perfect for a variety of uses—whether as dinner rolls or turned into burger buns for a juicy patty.
I was inspired to revisit this recipe because I woke up craving hamburgers but found my freezer empty of buns. Since these rolls have a great flavor, I decided to turn them into large hamburger buns. The memory of how Mama never bought buns but used loaf bread for hotdogs and hamburgers is still vivid. It makes these homemade rolls feel like a comforting throwback.
So, here’s how you can make these rolls, whether for dinner or to satisfy a burger craving. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk
Warm the milk in the microwave for about 1 minute until it’s slightly warm to the touch, which helps activate the yeast. - 3/4 oz packet rapid rise yeast
This yeast helps the dough rise quickly without the need for kneading. - 1 teaspoon honey
Honey adds a touch of sweetness and helps feed the yeast. - 3 1/2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
The melted butter enriches the dough, making it soft and flavorful. - 1 large egg, beaten
The egg provides structure and richness to the rolls. - 3 to 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
Flour is the main ingredient in the dough. Start with 3 cups and add more as needed to achieve the right dough consistency. - 1/4 teaspoon salt
Salt enhances the flavor of the rolls and balances the sweetness.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and honey. Stir until the honey is dissolved.
- Sprinkle the yeast over the milk mixture and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use.
2. Mix the Dough:
- Add the melted butter and beaten egg to the yeast mixture, stirring to combine.
- Gradually add 3 cups of flour and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix until a dough starts to form. The dough will be sticky, but that’s okay. If it’s too sticky, add the remaining flour a little at a time until you achieve a workable dough consistency.
3. Let the Dough Rise:
- Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Place the bowl in a warm, draft-free area to rise. Let it sit for about 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size.
4. Shape the Rolls:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer the dough to a floured surface.
- For dinner rolls, divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- For hamburger buns, divide the dough into 6 portions, shape each into a round flat disc, and place them on the baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart to allow for expansion.
5. Second Rise:
- Cover the shaped rolls with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes, or until they have puffed up and are nearly doubled in size.
6. Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped. For hamburger buns, they may need slightly more time—about 20-25 minutes.
7. Cool and Enjoy:
- Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. This helps them stay soft and fluffy. If you’re making burger buns, let them cool completely before slicing and adding your favorite burger toppings.
Tips for Perfect Rolls
- Check Dough Consistency: The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but manageable. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more flour; if it’s too dry, add a little more milk.
- Yeast Activation: Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to dense rolls. Mix until just combined and then let the yeast do its work.
- Customize Your Rolls: Feel free to add herbs, cheese, or spices to the dough for extra flavor.
These Easy No-Knead Dinner Rolls are a fantastic recipe to keep on hand, whether you’re making a batch for dinner rolls or transforming them into burger buns for a juicy patty. They’re simple, delicious, and a lovely reminder of comforting homemade bread. Enjoy making these rolls and bringing a touch of nostalgia to your table!