Thanksgiving is one of my absolute favorite holidays! It’s all about family, gratitude, and of course, delicious food. But let me tell you, nothing brings a Thanksgiving feast together quite like soft and fluffy Thanksgiving bread rolls. I remember growing up, my grandma would always have a fresh batch of these rolls rising in the kitchen, the aroma filling the house like a warm hug. We’d all gather around the table, and those rolls were the first thing to disappear! They’re perfect for soaking up gravy or just slathering with butter while they’re still warm. Trust me, if you want to elevate your Thanksgiving dinner, these rolls are a must-have. They’re simple, comforting, and absolutely irresistible!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Bread Rolls
Gathering the right ingredients is key to those fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth Thanksgiving bread rolls. Here’s everything you’ll need to create this deliciousness:
Essential Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Bread Rolls
Making these Thanksgiving bread rolls is easier than you might think, and trust me, the results are so worth it! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have fluffy rolls that will impress everyone at your table.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by combining your warm milk and active dry yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial because it activates the yeast and gets your rolls rising beautifully!
- Next, add in the sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt. Give it a good mix until everything is well combined. Don’t rush this part; you want to make sure those flavors meld together perfectly.
- Now, it’s time to gradually add in the flour. I like to do this in batches to avoid a flour explosion! Mix until the dough starts to come together, and then switch to kneading it by hand or with a stand mixer until it’s smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once your dough is ready, cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour. You want it to double in size, so be patient—it’ll be worth the wait!
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough is rising. This way, it’ll be hot and ready for those rolls!
- After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air, then shape it into small rolls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them a bit of space to expand.
- Let the rolls rise again for about 30 minutes. You’ll notice they’ll puff up nicely!
- Finally, bake your rolls in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. The smell will be heavenly, and you might have to resist the urge to sneak a bite right away!
- Once they’re out of the oven, brush them with melted butter for that extra touch of richness before serving. Enjoy those soft, fluffy rolls with your Thanksgiving feast!
Tips for Success
Want to make sure your Thanksgiving bread rolls turn out perfectly? Here are some of my tried-and-true tips! First, make sure your milk is warm but not hot; you want it to be around 110°F (43°C) to help the yeast activate without killing it. Also, when kneading the dough, don’t be afraid to get your hands in there—feel the texture! It should be smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour, but be careful not to overdo it. A warm, draft-free environment is ideal for rising, so consider turning on your oven to a low setting for a bit—then turning it off before placing your dough inside. Lastly, brush those rolls with melted butter right after baking for that golden sheen and extra flavor. Trust me, these little details make a big difference!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
- Perfect for soaking up gravy and sauces
- Simple ingredients you probably already have at home
- Great for sharing with family and friends during Thanksgiving
- Gives your holiday table an inviting touch
- Can be made ahead and frozen for convenience
Nutritional Information for Thanksgiving Bread Rolls
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each delicious roll. It’s always good to know what you’re indulging in, especially during the festive season!
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Fiber: 1g
These values can help you plan your Thanksgiving feast, and trust me, every bite is worth it! Enjoy these rolls guilt-free, knowing they’re a delightful addition to your holiday spread.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made a batch of these heavenly Thanksgiving bread rolls and, shockingly, have a few left over! Don’t worry, storing them is super easy. Just place your leftover rolls in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can pop them in the freezer! Just wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply take them out of the freezer and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the rolls directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet for about 10 minutes until warmed through. You can also sprinkle a little water on top before reheating for an extra soft texture. Enjoy those fluffy rolls just like the first day!
FAQ About Thanksgiving Bread Rolls
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! If you’re using instant yeast, you can skip the proofing step with warm milk. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients and proceed with the recipe as usual. It’ll still yield those fluffy Thanksgiving bread rolls you crave!
What if I don’t have all-purpose flour?
No problem! You can substitute with bread flour for a chewier texture, or even whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor. Just keep in mind that if you use whole wheat flour, the rolls may be denser, so you might need to adjust the liquid a bit.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can definitely make the dough ahead of time. After kneading, just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature, shape into rolls, and let them rise again before baking. It’s a great way to save time on Thanksgiving Day!
How can I tell when the rolls are done baking?
You’ll know your Thanksgiving bread rolls are done when they’re golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you have a kitchen thermometer, they should be around 190°F (88°C) inside. The aroma will also be absolutely heavenly!
Can I add herbs or garlic to the rolls?
Definitely! If you want to add a little extra flavor, you can mix in some dried herbs like rosemary or thyme, or even minced garlic into the dough. Just be careful not to overdo it; a little goes a long way to enhance those soft and fluffy rolls!
Thanksgiving Bread Rolls: 7 Irresistible Tips for Success
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and fluffy Thanksgiving bread rolls.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Add sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt. Mix well.
- Gradually add flour and knead until smooth.
- Cover the dough and let it rise for 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Shape the dough into rolls and place on a baking sheet.
- Let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Brush with melted butter before serving.
Notes
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container.
- Reheat in the oven before serving.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: thanksgiving bread rolls
