Dinner Roll Recipe No Yeast: A Simple and Quick Recipe for Soft, Fluffy Rolls

No yeast dinner rolls recipe

Have you ever craved soft and fluffy dinner rolls but realized you’re out of yeast or just don’t want to wait for dough to rise? This dinner roll recipe no yeast is your go-to solution. With just a few ingredients, you can make delicious homemade rolls in less than 30 minutes—no yeast required. These rolls are the perfect side dish for any meal, and they’re ready in a flash!

Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, a holiday meal, or simply need a bread substitute, this no-yeast dinner roll recipe will save the day. Not only are these rolls quick to make, but they’re also incredibly fluffy, tender, and flavorful, thanks to the simple ingredients in your kitchen.

For other quick and easy bread recipes, check out our Easy Homemade Bread, which requires no fancy ingredients.

A sliced no-yeast roll with melting butter revealing its fluffy interior.

Why You Should Try This No-Yeast Dinner Roll Recipe

There are several great reasons to try a dinner roll recipe without yeast:

  • Speed: Unlike traditional yeast rolls, which can take hours to prepare, these rolls only take about 30 minutes from start to finish.
  • Simplicity: All you need are pantry staples like flour, baking powder, butter, and milk. No yeast, no waiting for dough to rise!
  • Fluffy & Soft: The secret to achieving light and fluffy rolls without yeast lies in baking powder and baking soda.
  • Perfect for Beginners: If you’re new to baking, this recipe is incredibly beginner-friendly. It’s almost impossible to get wrong.

If you’re out of yeast or simply in a rush, these no-yeast rolls are the perfect solution.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect No-Yeast Dinner Rolls

The best part about this recipe is that you don’t need a lot of complicated ingredients. Here’s a list of what you’ll need to make the perfect no-yeast dinner rolls:

Essential Ingredients for No-Yeast Rolls: What You’ll Need

  • All-Purpose Flour: The base of your rolls. Stick to all-purpose flour for the best texture.
  • Baking Powder: This replaces yeast and helps your rolls rise.
  • Sugar: Just a small amount of sugar to add sweetness and tenderness to the dough.
  • Salt: Balances out the sweetness and helps with flavor.
  • Milk: Adds moisture to the dough. Use whole milk for richness, but any type of milk will work.
  • Butter: For a soft, rich texture. You can substitute it with oil if preferred.

Optional Flavor Add-ins

  • Egg: For a golden finish and a richer flavor.
  • Greek Yogurt: A small spoonful can help keep the rolls moist.
  • Honey: If you like a slightly sweeter roll, you can use honey instead of sugar.
  • Garlic and Herbs: For savory dinner rolls, try adding garlic powder, rosemary, or thyme to the dough.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Fluffy Dinner Rolls Without Yeast

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the simple steps for making these fluffy rolls without yeast:

Step 1: How to Achieve the Fluffiest No-Yeast Rolls in Just 30 Minutes

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the ideal temperature to get golden brown, soft rolls.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease a baking dish with butter or line it with parchment paper to prevent the rolls from sticking.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Whisk the ingredients until they are fully combined.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

To the dry ingredients, add the following wet ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup milk (whole milk for a richer flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (or oil if you prefer)

Mix the ingredients together until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but not too wet. If it’s too dry, add a splash of milk; if it’s too sticky, add a little more flour.

Step 5: How to Shape Perfect No-Yeast Rolls Without Kneading Too Much

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it gently for about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to over-knead, as this could result in dense rolls.

  • Once kneaded, divide the dough into 6 to 8 equal pieces.
  • Shape each piece into a small, round ball and place them in the prepared baking dish. Leave some space between each roll for expansion as they bake.

Step 6: Bake the Rolls

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the tops of the rolls are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Brush with Butter

As soon as the rolls are out of the oven, brush the tops with melted butter for a soft, glossy finish.

For more creative ideas, browse our full collection of Savory Bread Recipes.

Ingredients for no-yeast dinner rolls arranged on a wooden counter.

Top Tips for Baking No-Yeast Dinner Rolls Like a Pro

Follow these tips to ensure your dinner rolls without yeast turn out perfectly every time:

  • Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can make the rolls tough. Stir the dough until just combined.
  • Use Fresh Baking Powder: Make sure your baking powder is fresh. If it’s old, it won’t rise as effectively.
  • Add Flavored Butter: For a more indulgent experience, use garlic butter or herb butter to brush the rolls after baking.

Flavor Variations to Customize Your No-Yeast Rolls

The beauty of this no-yeast roll recipe is that you can easily customize it to suit your preferences. Here are a few ways to switch things up:

Sweet No-Yeast Rolls

For a sweeter roll, try adding:

  • Cinnamon and sugar to the dough for a cinnamon roll flavor.
  • Drizzle honey glaze or a simple icing over the top of the rolls after baking.

Savory No-Yeast Rolls

If you prefer a savory flavor, mix in some of these ingredients:

  • Garlic powder, onion powder, or cheddar cheese.
  • For a more Mediterranean twist, try adding rosemary, thyme, or oregano.

Gluten-Free No-Yeast Rolls

If you follow a gluten-free diet, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the baking powder is gluten-free as well.

Dairy-Free No-Yeast Rolls

To make these rolls dairy-free, swap out the butter for coconut oil or olive oil, and use a plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk.

Troubleshooting Common Issues When Making No-Yeast Rolls

Although this recipe is straightforward, you might run into a few problems. Here’s how to fix common issues:

Rolls Are Too Dense

If your rolls turn out too dense, the issue may be that the dough was overmixed. To prevent this, mix until just combined. You can also check that your baking powder is fresh.

Rolls Are Too Dry

Dry rolls could mean you didn’t add enough liquid. If the dough is too stiff, add a little more milk to loosen it up.

Rolls Are Too Sticky

If your dough is too sticky, lightly flour your hands and the surface while shaping the rolls. But be careful not to add too much flour, as this could lead to tough rolls.

Creative Ways to Serve Your No-Yeast Dinner Rolls

These no-yeast dinner rolls are versatile and can be served with many dishes. Here are a few ideas:

  • Soup & Stews: These rolls are perfect for sopping up the last bits of chicken soup, tomato bisque, or beef stew.
  • Grilled Meats: Serve them alongside grilled chicken, steak, or barbecue pork for a perfect meal.
  • Breakfast Rolls: Serve these rolls with butter and jam, or use them to make sandwiches for breakfast.

Nutritional Information for Your No-Yeast Dinner Rolls Recipe

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional information for one roll:

  • Calories: 180-200 per roll
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fat: 7g
  • Protein: 3g

Healthier Substitutes:

  • Low-Carb Rolls: Use almond flour or coconut flour to create a low-carb version.
  • Gluten-Free Rolls: Swap out the flour for a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Reduced Sugar: Reduce the sugar content or replace it with honey for a healthier alternative.
A basket of no-yeast dinner rolls on a family dinner table surrounded by dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Use Baking Soda Instead of Baking Powder?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the recipe. For every teaspoon of baking powder, use 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda and add a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to activate it.

How to Store Your No-Yeast Rolls for Maximum Freshness?

Store leftover no-yeast dinner rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for later use.

Can I Make These Rolls Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Allow the dough to come to room temperature before baking.

Can I Use Non-Dairy Butter?

Yes, feel free to use dairy-free butter or margarine if you’re following a dairy-free diet.

Conclusion

Making no-yeast dinner rolls is a game-changer for busy cooks and bread lovers alike. With just a few basic ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create soft, fluffy, and buttery rolls that are perfect for any meal. Whether you prefer sweet or savory rolls, this versatile recipe has you covered. So, next time you’re in a pinch, skip the yeast and try making these easy dinner rolls without yeast instead. You won’t be disappointed!