Flaky Buttermilk Dinner Rolls for Thanksgiving
Flaky Buttermilk Dinner Rolls are a must-have for any Thanksgiving table. These rolls come out tender and light, with layers that practically melt in your mouth. The buttermilk gives them…
Tip: save now, cook later.Flaky Buttermilk Dinner Rolls are a must-have for any Thanksgiving table. These rolls come out tender and light, with layers that practically melt in your mouth. The buttermilk gives them a slight tanginess that pairs perfectly with buttery richness, making every bite taste like a little celebration. Their flaky texture gives a nice surprise compared to regular soft rolls, adding a bit of specialness to your meal.
I always love making these dinner rolls because they’re surprisingly simple but feel so fancy. I like to brush them with melted butter right after baking to make the tops shiny and extra inviting. One tip I’ve learned is to give the dough enough time to rise—patience really pays off here! These rolls get even better if you serve them warm, so I usually pop them in the oven just before dinner starts.
Thanksgiving wouldn’t feel complete without a basket of these rolls on the table. I remember one year when my family couldn’t stop reaching for seconds—there’s just something about a warm, flaky roll fresh from the oven that brings everyone together. Whether you’re using them to scoop up gravy or making mini sandwiches with leftover turkey, these buttermilk dinner rolls always make the holiday feel cozy and a little bit more special.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Buttermilk: This adds a lovely tang and tender crumb in the rolls. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Butter: Melted butter keeps the dough soft and adds richness. You can swap unsalted for salted butter but reduce the added salt in the recipe slightly.
Yeast: Active dry yeast works great, but instant yeast can be used too. If using instant, mix it directly with the flour and skip proofing.
Flour: All-purpose flour is perfect for soft, flaky rolls. For a softer texture, you might try bread flour, which has higher protein content.
How Do You Get Those Tender, Flaky Layers in Rolls?
The key is how you mix and handle the dough. Here’s what helps:
- Add the melted butter and buttermilk to the flour mixture gradually to create a soft dough but avoid making it too sticky.
- Knead the dough gently but well—around 6-8 minutes—to develop gluten for structure without making it tough.
- Allow the dough plenty of time to rise; the two rises let the rolls become light and airy.
- Shape the dough balls smoothly and pack them close in the pan. This helps the sides stay soft and leads to tender pull-apart layers.
- Brush the rolls with melted butter right after baking to keep the tops soft and add a shiny, golden finish.
Patience during rising and gentle handling make all the difference in flaky, soft dinner rolls everyone will enjoy!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – perfect for combining your dough ingredients and giving the dough room to rise.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get your ingredients just right, especially for yeast and flour.
- Whisk – great for mixing wet ingredients smoothly before adding to dry ingredients.
- Wooden spoon or dough scraper – helps mix and handle sticky dough without fuss.
- 9×13-inch baking pan – fits the rolls snugly so they bake with soft sides and fluffy tops.
- Kitchen towel or plastic wrap – keeps the dough warm and moist while it rises.
- Pastry brush – ideal for brushing melted butter on the rolls after baking for shine and flavor.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add 1 tsp garlic powder and 1 tbsp chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for a savory twist perfect with Thanksgiving turkey.
- Stir in ½ cup shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese for cheesy, rich rolls that kids love.
- Swap half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and heartier texture.
- Mix in ¼ cup finely chopped cooked bacon or pancetta for a smoky, salty surprise inside your flaky rolls.
Flaky Buttermilk Dinner Rolls for Thanksgiving
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 1 tbsp active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm buttermilk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted, plus extra for brushing
- 2 large eggs
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus around 2 to 2 ½ hours for rising and baking. Plan for 1 to 1.5 hours for the first rise, about 45 minutes for the second rise, and 18-22 minutes to bake. Allow extra time if you want to enjoy them warm right out of the oven!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dough:
In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together warm buttermilk, melted butter, and eggs. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
2. Add Remaining Flour and Knead:
Gradually add the remaining 2 cups of flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. First Rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
4. Shape Rolls:
Gently punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 15 equal pieces and shape each into a smooth ball. Arrange them close together in a greased 9×13 inch pan.
5. Second Rise:
Cover the pan with a towel and let the rolls rise again until puffed and almost doubled, about 45 minutes.
6. Bake:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown on top.
7. Butter and Serve:
Right after baking, brush the rolls generously with melted butter. Optionally, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for extra flavor. Serve warm and enjoy your fluffy, flaky dinner rolls!
Can I Use Regular Milk Instead of Buttermilk?
Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk, stir 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar into 1 cup of regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This will mimic the tang and acidity of buttermilk needed for tender rolls.
How Should I Store Leftover Rolls?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them soft, warm them briefly in the oven wrapped in foil or microwave with a damp paper towel before serving.
Can I Freeze These Dinner Rolls?
Absolutely! Let the rolls cool completely, then freeze them in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or warm gently in the oven before serving.
What If My Dough Is Too Sticky or Too Dry?
If the dough is too sticky to handle, sprinkle in a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time. If it feels dry and crumbly, add a tablespoon of warm buttermilk until it comes together into a soft, smooth dough.