Warm, golden-brown and lightly seasoned with Parmesan and fresh parsley, these Soft Parmesan Dinner Rolls make a comforting, memorable side dish. Tender and fluffy, they look beautiful on the table and fill the kitchen with a wonderful aroma—perfect for holiday meals or any special dinner.
Soft & Fluffy Homemade Dinner Rolls
Homemade yeast rolls are a bit of an occasion—soft, light, and fragrant. While they require a little time and attention, the result is well worth it. This version is enhanced by finely shredded Parmesan and fresh parsley for a savory twist that elevates a classic roll.
Recipe Ingredients
- Water & Milk: 1 cup warm water and 1/2 cup warm milk (slightly warmed, not hot).
- Butter: 2 tablespoons melted butter for tenderness and richness.
- Sugar: 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (or raw sugar, honey, or maple syrup).
- Yeast: 1 tablespoon active dry yeast.
- Flour: 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or a gluten-free AP flour substitute).
- Salt: 2 teaspoons salt.
- Parmesan: 1/4 cup finely shredded or grated Parmesan cheese.
- Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup finely chopped.
How to Make Dinner Rolls
- Proof the yeast: In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water, warm milk, melted butter, and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top, whisk lightly, and let sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
- Mix and knead: Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Using a dough hook on an electric mixer, mix on medium-low for 4–5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can also knead by hand until very smooth and stretchy.
- First rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel (or lightly greased plastic wrap), and let rise for 15 minutes.
- Shape and second rise: Punch down the dough, divide into 12 equal pieces, and roll each into a ball. Place the balls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover with a damp towel, and let rise for 20 minutes while you preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Add toppings and bake: After the second rise, sprinkle the rolls with the Parmesan and chopped parsley. Bake for about 20 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Rest and serve: Remove from the oven, let stand a few minutes, then serve warm.
Enjoy!
How Long Should the Dough Rise?
- Rising time depends on kitchen temperature and local conditions. In a warm spot the dough will rise faster; in a cool or drafty kitchen it will take longer.
- Some people place dough near a warm appliance (stove, toaster oven, or crock-pot set low) to encourage rising in cooler kitchens.
Avoid over-rising. Dough that has over-risen looks deflated and may taste overly yeasty. The rolls are ready to bake when they look rounded and smooth and have nearly doubled in size. If you press gently and the indentation remains, they are ready for the oven.
Tips for the Best Dinner Rolls
- Plan your time: These rolls are hands-on and require warming, proofing, kneading, shaping, two rises, and baking. Allow enough time so they’re ready by dinnertime.
- Grease well: Grease the mixing bowl, your hands, and the work surface to prevent sticking. Lightly greased plastic wrap works well to cover the dough during rising.
- Customize flavors: The dough is versatile—try rosemary and Asiago, Italian seasoning with Parmesan, or fold in sun-dried tomatoes, cheddar and ham, or other mix-ins you enjoy.
How to Make Ahead
- You can prepare the dough through the kneading step, then cover and refrigerate it. The dough will rise slowly in the fridge for up to about 8 hours depending on temperature.
- When ready, remove from the fridge, shape the rolls, and proceed with the second rise and baking.
How to Store Extra Rolls
- Store yeast rolls in sealed food storage bags at room temperature for up to two days. Refrigeration is not recommended.
- To freeze, wrap rolls tightly in plastic wrap, place in freezer bags, remove excess air, and freeze for up to 4 months. Thaw on the counter and enjoy promptly.
Soft Parmesan Dinner Rolls
Warm, golden-brown and subtly flavored with Parmesan and fresh parsley, these Soft Parmesan Dinner Rolls are a classic and comforting side dish.
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water, warm milk, melted butter, and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top, whisk lightly, and let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add the flour and salt. Mix with a dough hook on medium-low for 4–5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic, or knead by hand until smooth.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise for 15 minutes.
- Punch down the dough, divide into 12 equal pieces, and roll each into a ball. Place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cover and let the dough balls rise for 20 minutes. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Sprinkle the rolls with Parmesan and parsley, then bake 20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven, let rest a few minutes, and serve warm.
Notes
You can knead by hand if you prefer; the dough is ready when it feels very smooth and stretches evenly.
Nutrition
Calories: 170 kcal | Carbohydrates: 30 g | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 3 g | Sodium: 442 mg
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as a courtesy. Values may vary according to ingredients and tools used.
More Baking Recipes to Try
- Spinach and Feta No-Yeast Bread
- Easy Homemade Flatbread
- No-Knead Skillet Cheese Bread