There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh bread baking in the oven—it fills the house with warmth and the promise of something delicious to come. As a mom and wife, I’m always looking for new and exciting recipes to try. But sometimes, it’s the simple, tried-and-true ones that bring the most joy to a family meal. One of these recipes that has won a special place in our hearts is the Texas Roadhouse Rolls. Let me tell you why this recipe is a go-to in our household.
My journey with these delightful soft rolls started on a rainy afternoon when my kids came home from school a bit cranky and hungry. I wanted to cheer them up with a homemade treat that was both comforting and gratifying. Enter Texas Roadhouse Rolls. These rolls are not only scrumptious but also bring a bit of the warmth of Texas right into our kitchen, which, if you ask me, is just what we need to chase those rainy blues away.
You know, it’s amazing how something as simple as a roll can make such an impact on a meal or snack time. It didn’t take long for me to master this recipe, because honestly, it’s pretty straightforward. And what’s even better is that it hits the sweet spot between sweet and savory which makes it a versatile addition to any meal. The soft interior and golden crust brushed with butter is really all you need to understand why these rolls are a fan favorite.
Making these rolls is also a fantastic way to spend some quality time in the kitchen. The kids love helping with the dough—they find punching it and watching it rise quite fascinating! Plus, seeing them devour something they’ve had a hand in making is truly gratifying. It makes them appreciate the food they eat and the effort that goes into preparing it.
Alright, moms and baking enthusiasts, gather round and let me walk you through this delightful recipe. I promise, once you bake these Texas Roadhouse Rolls, they’ll become a staple in your home, just like they are in ours. It’s an easy way to add a homemade touch to any meal, bringing smiles all around the table. Let’s dive right into how you can make these fluffy rolls and share a piece of Texas right at home with your loved ones.
How to Make Texas Roadhouse Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 ¼ cups warm milk (about 105-110 degrees F)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature (½ stick)
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 ½ – 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Directions
- Begin by pouring the warm milk into a small bowl. Add the sugar and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let this mixture sit until it becomes foamy, which should take about five minutes.
- Pour the yeast mixture into a large mixing bowl. Add in the room temperature butter, egg, salt, and two cups of flour. Beat everything together on medium speed until the batter is smooth.
- Slowly incorporate more flour until a soft ball of dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add additional flour, one tablespoon at a time. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for another 2-3 minutes until the dough is tacky but not sticky.
- Grease a large bowl lightly, place the dough inside, and turn it to coat. Cover the bowl with a clean dish towel and leave it in a warm place to rise until it has doubled in size, which typically takes 45 to 60 minutes.
- Once risen, gently punch down the dough. Lightly flour your work surface and turn the dough out onto it, kneading lightly if needed.
- Let the dough rest briefly as you prepare baking sheets by lining them with a silicone mat or spraying them with non-stick cooking spray.
- Roll the dough into a 12×8 inch rectangle about ½ inch thick. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into even pieces to make about 24-30 pieces.
- Move the dough pieces to the prepared baking sheets. Cover them with a towel and let them rise again in a warm place until nearly doubled in size, another 45 to 60 minutes.
- About 20 minutes before the rolls finish rising, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Once preheated, bake the rolls for 12-15 minutes until they become golden brown.
- After removing the rolls from the oven, brush them generously with the melted butter.
Storing Suggestion
To keep your Texas Roadhouse Rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature and reheat in a warm oven for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Tips
If you don’t have a mixer, you can stir and knead the dough by hand; it will just take a bit longer. For extra fluffy rolls, ensure your yeast is fresh and activate it in perfectly warm milk; too hot or too cold will affect the rise. Brushing the rolls with butter while warm makes them irresistibly soft and flavorful.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful rolls pair beautifully with a hearty soup or stew. Serve them warm with a side of honey butter or jam. For an even fancier touch, sprinkle some sea salt on top of the buttered rolls before serving. They are also fantastic for making mini-sandwiches or sliders.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you’re out of milk, substitute it with any non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. You can also use whole wheat flour for a healthier version, though the texture might become denser. For extra flavor, try using salted butter for the final brushing.
Seasonal Variations
During fall, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spicy flavor. In the summer, consider incorporating some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough for an herby twist. Both variations bring a delightful seasonal touch to this classic recipe.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains gluten, dairy, and eggs. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and milk. To make it gluten-free, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend, though texture may vary. For egg allergies, a flaxseeds mixture can replace the egg, although the rolls might be slightly denser.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to a day in advance. After kneading, cover and store it in the refrigerator overnight. The next day, let it come to room temperature and rise before shaping and baking.
Why didn’t my rolls rise?
Several factors could prevent your rolls from rising, such as using old yeast, not letting the yeast activate properly, or having the liquid at the wrong temperature. Ensure your yeast is fresh, and the milk is warm, not hot.
Can I use a bread machine for making the rolls?
Yes, you can use a bread machine to knead the dough. Follow the machine’s instructions for the dough setting, then proceed with rolling and baking the rolls as indicated in the recipe instructions.
Are these rolls sweet or savory?
These rolls have a slight sweetness due to the sugar but are primarily savory. They strike an ideal balance, making them versatile to accompany both sweet and savory dishes, such as butter and jam or with a savory stew.
What is the best way to reheat leftover rolls?
The best method for reheating leftover rolls is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 300°F, wrap the rolls in foil, and heat for about 10 minutes. This method keeps them soft and fresh-tasting. If you’re in a hurry, microwaving for 10-15 seconds can also work.
How do I make the rolls extra glossy?
To give your rolls an extra glossy finish, beat an egg with a tablespoon of water and brush it over the rolls before baking. This egg wash imparts a beautiful sheen and enhances the rolls’ appearance.
Texas Roadhouse Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm milk about 105-110 degrees F
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter room temperature, 1/2 stick
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 1/2 - 4 cups all-purpose flour plus more for kneading
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- In a small bowl, add milk and sugar, sprinkle yeast over it. Let the yeast set until foamy, about 5 minutes.
- Add the yeast mixture to a large mixing bowl. Then add 1/4 cup butter, egg, salt, and 2 cups flour. Beat the mixture on medium speed until batter is smooth.
- Gradually add flour until a soft ball of dough forms. Then increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for 2-3 minutes longer. Dough should be tacky, but not sticky.
- Lightly grease a large bowl and place the dough in it, turning once to coat. Cover the bowl with a clean dish towel and set it in a warm place to rise until doubled in size, about 45-60 minutes.
- Punch the dough down gently. Lightly flour your work surface and turn the dough out of the bowl. Knead lightly if necessary.
- Roll dough out to a 12x8 inch rectangle, 1/2 inch thick. Cut the dough into 24-30 even pieces using a sharp knife.
- Transfer rolls to prepared baking sheets. Cover with a dish towel and let rise in a warm place until almost doubled in size, about 45-60 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F about 20 minutes before the rising is done.
- Place the rolls in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and brush with melted butter.