Dinner Roll Recipes for Thanksgiving

The Ultimate Bread to Complete Your Holiday Table

No Thanksgiving table is truly complete without a basket of warm, buttery dinner rolls. Soft, fluffy, golden brown, and fresh from the oven, these homemade rolls are the kind of side dish everyone reaches for first. Whether you’re sopping up gravy, wrapping up leftover turkey, or just enjoying one with butter, these rolls are a holiday essential.

In this recipe guide, you’ll learn how to make the perfect Thanksgiving dinner rolls from scratch—even if you’re new to baking. With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you’ll get soft, pillow-like rolls that rise tall, bake golden, and taste unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love These Thanksgiving Dinner Rolls

• Soft and tender: Melt-in-your-mouth texture with a golden, buttery top

• Make-ahead friendly: Can be shaped and refrigerated before baking

• Freezer-friendly: Great for prepping in advance or saving leftovers

• Simple ingredients: No need for complicated tools or hard-to-find items

• Kid and adult approved: A universally loved side dish!

Ingredients for Soft & Fluffy Rolls

These dinner rolls use classic pantry staples that come together into soft, rich, golden perfection.

Basic Dough Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)

• 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2¼ tsp)

• 1 cup warm milk (not hot – about 110°F or 43°C)

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 egg (room temperature)

• ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)

• 2 tbsp butter (for brushing after baking)

Optional Additions

• ½ tsp garlic powder (for subtle flavor)

• 1 tbsp honey (adds a touch of sweetness)

• Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for savory notes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Activate the Yeast

1. In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar.

2. Sprinkle in the yeast and stir gently.

3. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy on top.

If it doesn’t foam, the yeast may be inactive. Start again with fresh yeast and warm (not hot) milk.

Make the Dough

1. Add the egg, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix well.

2. Gradually stir in the flour, 1 cup at a time.

3. Once dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl, transfer to a floured surface.

Knead the Dough

1. Knead by hand for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

2. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky.

3. Form into a ball and place in a greased bowl.

4. Cover with a clean towel and let rise for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

Shape the Rolls

1. Punch down the dough to release air.

2. Divide into 12–16 equal portions depending on desired size.

3. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place in a greased 9×13 baking dish or on a parchment-lined tray.

4. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.

Bake the Rolls

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Bake for 18–22 minutes until tops are golden brown.

3. Remove from oven and brush immediately with melted butter for extra flavor and shine.

4. Let cool slightly before serving warm.

Tips for the Fluffiest Dinner Rolls

• Don’t skip the second rise: It creates the light, airy texture.

• Use warm—not hot—liquid: Hot milk can kill the yeast.

• Measure flour carefully: Spoon it into the cup and level off to avoid dense rolls.

• Use fresh yeast: Check expiration dates before baking.

• Brush with butter: It gives color and irresistible flavor.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Thanksgiving is busy. Here’s how to make dinner rolls ahead of time:

Option 1: Refrigerate Before Baking

• Prepare the dough and shape the rolls.

• Place in baking dish and cover tightly.

• Refrigerate overnight.

• Remove from fridge 1 hour before baking to rise and come to room temperature.

Option 2: Bake & Freeze

• Bake rolls fully, let cool, and freeze in airtight bags.

• To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in the oven at 325°F (163°C) for 10–15 minutes.

Flavor Variations

Honey Butter Rolls

Replace sugar with honey and brush with a honey-butter mix after baking.

Garlic Herb Rolls

Add ½ tsp garlic powder and 1 tbsp chopped rosemary or thyme to the dough.

Whole Wheat Rolls

Swap up to 50% of the flour with whole wheat for a nuttier, heartier taste.

Dairy-Free Version

Use almond or oat milk, and plant-based butter. Still fluffy, still delicious.

Serving Ideas

Dinner rolls pair perfectly with nearly every part of your Thanksgiving menu:

• Turkey and Gravy – use rolls to mop up all that saucy goodness.

• Vegetarian Stuffing or Squash – balance out rich flavors.

• Salads – for a warm and soft contrast.

• Leftover Sandwiches – slice and stuff with turkey, cranberry, or stuffing.

How to Store Leftovers

• Room temperature: Store in a sealed bag or container for up to 2 days.

• Fridge: Up to 5 days. Warm briefly in the oven before serving.

• Freezer: Freeze cooled rolls in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.

Nutritional Overview (Per Roll, Approx.)

• Calories: 160–200

• Carbs: 25g

• Protein: 4g

• Fat: 6g

• Sugar: 3g

• Fiber: 1g

Exact values depend on ingredients and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these without eggs?
Yes. Use ¼ cup plain yogurt or mashed potato as an egg replacement for structure.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?
Yes. Just skip the activation step and mix it directly into the flour.

Why did my rolls come out dense?
Likely causes: over-flouring, old yeast, or skipping the second rise.

Can I bake them in a cast iron skillet?
Absolutely! Cast iron gives a beautiful crust and rustic look.

How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
They should be golden on top and sound hollow when tapped.

Final Thoughts

Homemade dinner rolls are more than just bread—they’re tradition, comfort, and connection. At Thanksgiving, they serve as the soft, buttery glue that ties the feast together. With this easy recipe, you can bring fresh-baked magic to your table, impress your guests, and create memories bite by bite.

Once you try these, you might not save them for just the holidays—they’re perfect for any family meal, Sunday dinner, or special gathering.