Introduction
Welcome to this delightful recipe for soft dinner rolls topped with garlic and herb butter and grated Parmesan. These rolls are the perfect addition to any meal, whether it’s a special occasion or just a regular weeknight dinner. The combination of the fluffy rolls, savory garlic and herb butter, and the rich Parmesan cheese creates a mouthwatering flavor that will have everyone coming back for more. In this article, we will walk you through the ingredients, steps, variations, tips, and answer some frequently asked questions to help you make the most delicious soft dinner rolls.
Ingredients
To make these soft dinner rolls topped with garlic and herb butter and grated Parmesan, you will need the following ingredients:
For the rolls:
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1 ½ teaspoons salt
– 1 cup warm milk (around 110°F)
– ½ cup warm water (around 110°F)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– Cooking spray or additional melted butter for greasing
For the garlic and herb butter:
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the topping:
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Steps
Follow these steps to create the soft dinner rolls topped with garlic and herb butter and grated Parmesan:
Step 1: Prepare the dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix well.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, warm water, melted butter, and egg until well combined.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon until a soft dough forms.
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Prepare the garlic and herb butter
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Step 3: Shape the rolls
Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a lightly floured surface.
Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball.
Place the rolls on a greased baking sheet, leaving some space between them to allow for rising.
Cover the rolls with the kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.
Step 4: Bake the rolls
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Brush the risen rolls with the prepared garlic and herb butter, making sure to cover them evenly.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the rolls.
Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Variations
While these soft dinner rolls are delicious as they are, you can also try some variations to change things up:
– Cheesy Rolls: Add some shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese to the dough before shaping the rolls for an extra cheesy flavor.
– Herb Rolls: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, basil, or dill to give the rolls a unique taste.
– Sweet Rolls: Add a touch of sweetness by incorporating some raisins or dried cranberries into the dough.
– Whole Wheat Rolls: Substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier alternative.
Feel free to get creative and customize the rolls according to your taste preferences!
Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your soft dinner rolls turn out perfectly:
– Make sure your yeast is fresh and active. If your yeast doesn’t foam or bubble when dissolved in warm water, it may be expired.
– Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. This helps develop the gluten, resulting in a lighter and fluffier texture.
– Let the dough rise in a warm place. If your kitchen is cold, you can place the dough in a slightly warmed oven or near a radiator.
– Brush the rolls with the garlic and herb butter while they are still warm. This allows the rolls to absorb the flavors better.
– Serve the rolls fresh out of the oven for the best taste and texture. They are perfect on their own or as a side to soups, stews, or roasted meats.
Conclusion
Soft dinner rolls topped with garlic and herb butter and grated Parmesan are a crowd-pleasing treat that will elevate any meal. With their fluffy texture, savory flavors, and cheesy topping, these rolls are sure to become a family favorite. Follow the simple steps, try out some variations, and enjoy these delicious rolls on your table. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual dinner, these rolls are guaranteed to impress!
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Simply follow the steps until the dough has risen for the first time, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake the rolls, take the dough out of the refrigerator, let it come to room temperature, and continue with the remaining steps.
2. Can I freeze the rolls?
Yes, you can freeze the baked rolls. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the rolls at room temperature and warm them up in the oven for a few minutes.
3. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. However, keep in mind that the rising time may be slightly different, as instant yeast usually requires less time to rise.
4. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to compensate for the saltiness of the butter.
5. Can I make smaller or larger rolls?
Yes, you can adjust the size of the rolls according to your preference. Just keep in mind that the baking time may vary depending on the size of the rolls, so keep an eye on them while they’re in the oven.
Enjoy your homemade soft dinner rolls!
Soft Dinner Rolls Topped with Garlic and Herb Butter and Grated Parmesan
Delightful soft dinner rolls topped with garlic and herb butter and grated Parmesan, perfect for any meal. These fluffy rolls are a crowd-pleasing treat that will elevate your dining experience.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup warm milk (around 110°F)
- 1/2 cup warm water (around 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- Cooking spray or additional melted butter for greasing
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
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In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix well.
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In a separate bowl, whisk warm milk, warm water, melted butter, and egg until combined.
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Combine wet and dry ingredients, stir until a soft dough forms.
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Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth, then let it rise for 1 hour.
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Prepare garlic and herb butter by mixing softened butter, garlic, parsley, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
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Punch down the risen dough, shape into 12 balls, and place on a baking sheet to rise for another 30-45 minutes.
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush rolls with garlic herb butter, sprinkle Parmesan on top.
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Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Cool before serving.
