Rolls are one of my weaknesses. When we go out to eat and the server brings the bread basket, my mouth starts watering as I unwrap the linen and a rush of that warm bread scent greets me like an old friend. Its hard to wait for that first bite.

Are you as big of a bread freak as I am?

It really is my favorite part of my meal at some restaurants.

Guess what? I have a little secret for you. You can make fresh, buttery yeast rolls at home that taste just as good – if not better, even.

This easy yeast roll recipe is perfect for a special occasion as well as just to elevate the weeknight meal to special occasion status. Isn’t it fun when you do that? Just take the weeknight pot roast meal and dress it up a bit? Because you know, every day really is a special occasion. Tomorrow certainly won’t be the same and we won’t have the chance to have the same day ever again. We should absolutely make the most of it, shouldn’t we?

So, let’s get started on these rolls!

Combine your ingredients in a large bowl.

Add your warm water.

Gently combine just until moistened. Be sure not to overwork the dough.

Pour your dough out onto a lightly floured work surface.

And gently knead to pull the dough together. You’ll want to use a gentle hand at this point so as not to over-knead the dough.

Using a cutter, go ahead and begin cutting your rolls out.

Place your cut rolls into a lightly greased cast iron skillet. As you can see, I went for the rustic look with my rolls (ha ha!) and simply placed them into the skillet as I’d cut them. If you want a more rounded roll when they are finished, at this point take each roll and roll it between the palms of your hands until it is smooth and rounded. Then place the rounded roll dough ball into the skillet.

Cover your skillet lightly with a clean tea towel and allow to rise until they have doubled in bulk. You’ll see in the photograph how the dough has now risen to the point that the roll dough is touching all throughout the skillet. Timing will vary on how long it takes for your dough to double in bulk. It will depend on the heat in the area you have placed your dough, etc.

At this point, I add a butter topping to the rolls before baking.

And then just a little bit more.

Boy, does that butter make a roll!

Here’s my yeast roll recipe.

Yeast Rolls Recipe

5 from 1 vote
Yeast rolls are the perfect addition to any meal – bringing any weeknight meal to special occasion status.
Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients 

  • 2 1/4 cups (270 g) all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons (35 g) shortening
  • 3 tablespoons (36 g) sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (3 g) kosher salt
  • 1 package (7 g) active dry yeast
  • 1 (50 g) egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup (227 g) hot water

For the top:

  • 4 tablespoons (57 g) butter, softened or melted

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  • Lightly grease cast iron skillet.
  • In a large bowl, mix all roll ingredients until lightly combined.
  • Pour dough out onto a lightly greased surface and bring together to cut into individual rolls.
  • Place rolls into skillet and allow to rise until doubled in size.
  • Gently spread with softened butter or pour melted butter on top of the rolls.
  • Bake for 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a roll comes out clean. Serve warm.

Notes

Prep time includes estimated time for rising.

Nutrition

Calories: 249kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 351mg | Potassium: 55mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 205IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

I hope you enjoy these as much as we do!

Love ya!
Robyn xoxo

Welcome to Add A Pinch

About Robyn

Robyn Stone is a cookbook author, wife, mom, and passionate home cook. Her tested and trusted recipes give readers the confidence to cook recipes the whole family will love. Robyn has been featured on Food Network, People, Southern Living, and more.

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Recipe Review




16 Comments

  1. You’re not kidding, this yeast roll recipe really looks easy to make. I’m definitely saving this page. I have been scouring for instant bread products in the grocery aisles, but all I’ve ever come across are cake mixes and cookies. Can I use something else other than the cast iron skillet?

    1. Yes, you can use any other type of baking sheet or pan that you have. I have just found the crust made when using the cast iron makes these even more amazing! Hope you enjoy them.

  2. Wow Robyn those look yummy! I’m a total sucker for the bread basket too. I might as well just ask the waiter to bring my food in a doggie bag and bring me more bread!

  3. I am all over the warm bread basket and these look awesome! I’ve tried some yeast roll recipes in the past but haven’t had success yet, yeast still scares me, haha!

  4. I’m usually too intimidated to make homemade bread, but I love your pictures of each step. Going to give this a shot!