There’s something nostalgic and comforting about cafeteria-style dinner rolls—soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet. These classic rolls are often associated with school lunches, family gatherings, and comforting meals that bring a sense of warmth and home. If you’ve ever wanted to recreate those delightful rolls from your school days, this recipe will guide you through the process of making them from scratch. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can achieve the perfect texture and taste that will remind you of the best cafeteria experiences. Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast, a family dinner, or just looking to enhance your bread-baking skills, these rolls are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients for Cafeteria-Style Dinner Rolls
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
- Coarse sea salt or flaky salt (optional, for sprinkling)
How to Make Cafeteria-Style Dinner Rolls
1. Preparing the Dough
Step 1: In a small saucepan, warm the milk over low heat until it reaches about 110°F (43°C). Remove from heat and stir in the granulated sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the milk mixture and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial for activating the yeast, which helps the rolls rise.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of the all-purpose flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, mix the ingredients until a rough dough forms.
Step 3: Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing until the dough begins to come together and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. You may not need all the flour, so add it slowly to achieve the right consistency.
Step 4: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 6-8 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour as needed. Kneading helps to develop the gluten, which gives the rolls their structure.
2. Rising the Dough
Step 5: Lightly grease a large bowl with cooking spray or a small amount of oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it once to coat it with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This rising process is essential for the rolls to become light and fluffy.
Step 6: Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces. You can use a kitchen scale to ensure even portions if desired.
3. Shaping and Baking
Step 7: Shape each piece of dough into a ball and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. For a more uniform shape, you can use a dough scraper or a measuring cup to portion the dough.
Step 8: Cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until they have puffed up and are touching each other. This second rise helps the rolls become soft and fluffy.
Step 9: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped. Baking times may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the rolls to avoid overbaking.
Step 10: Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush them with melted butter for a soft, shiny finish. If desired, you can also drizzle the rolls with honey or sprinkle with coarse sea salt for added flavor and texture.
4. Serving and Storing
Step 11: Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm but can be served at room temperature as well. These rolls make a wonderful addition to any meal, from holiday dinners to casual weeknight dinners.
Step 12: Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the rolls. To reheat, simply place them in a warm oven or microwave until heated through.
About the Main Ingredients
All-Purpose Flour: The primary ingredient in the dough, providing structure and texture. All-purpose flour is versatile and suitable for a wide range of baking recipes.
Granulated Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the rolls and helps activate the yeast. It also contributes to the overall flavor and texture of the finished rolls.
Active Dry Yeast: The leavening agent that causes the dough to rise. Yeast ferments the sugars in the dough, producing carbon dioxide gas that makes the rolls light and fluffy.
Whole Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the dough. Whole milk also helps activate the yeast and contributes to the soft texture of the rolls.
Unsalted Butter: Provides flavor and helps to create a tender crumb. The fat in the butter contributes to the rolls’ soft, rich texture.
Eggs: Act as binders and add richness to the dough. Eggs also help with the structure and color of the rolls.
Salt: Enhances the flavor of the rolls and helps to regulate the yeast activity. It also contributes to the overall balance of flavors.
These cafeteria-style dinner rolls are a classic and comforting addition to any meal. With their soft texture and slightly sweet flavor, they are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy the process of making these delicious rolls from scratch and savor the results with every bite.
