There’s something truly special about the smell of fresh bread baking. These Easy Make-Ahead Freezer Dinner Rolls bring that comforting aroma to your kitchen with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, these rolls are soft, fluffy, and always ready when you need them. Just pull them from the freezer, bake, and enjoy the warm, homemade goodness with your meal.
Steps
- Warm the milk to a temperature of 105 to 110 degrees using a microwave or stovetop. Stir in the yeast and sugar, then let the mixture sit for 5 minutes.
- In a stand mixer with a dough hook, mix together 5 cups of flour and the salt. Gradually add pieces of butter to the flour mixture while the mixer is on low speed until combined.
- Whisk the eggs into the milk and yeast mixture. Slowly add this liquid mixture to the flour mixture, mixing on low and scraping the bowl as needed until a dough starts to form.
- Continue mixing on low, adding the remaining flour as needed until a cohesive dough is formed. You may not need all the flour.
- Cover the dough and allow it to rise for one hour or until it doubles in size. Punch down the dough to remove excess air.
- Divide the dough into 24-36 portions. Shape each piece into a smooth round ball by pulling and pinching the dough edges underneath.
- Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 3-4 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag for storage up to a month.
- When ready to bake, arrange the frozen rolls about 1 inch apart in a greased baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap sprayed with non-stick spray and let them rise for about 4 hours until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Bake the rolls for 15-18 minutes or until they are golden brown.
- After baking, brush the tops with melted butter and serve the rolls warm.
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 2 packets active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 6 to 6 1/2 cups flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
FAQ
- How long can I store the Make Ahead Freezer Rolls in the freezer?
- You can keep these rolls in the freezer for up to one month, making them a convenient option for meal preparation.
- What is the best way to prepare the dough for freezing?
- After preparing the dough, let it rise for an hour, then divide it into 2-3 dozen pieces. Form the dough into smooth balls and place them on a parchment-lined cookie sheet to freeze for 3-4 hours before transferring them to a freezer bag.
- How long do the rolls need to rise before baking after being frozen?
- Once you take the frozen rolls out of the freezer, place them in a greased baking dish and let them rise for about 4 hours or until they have doubled in size.
- What temperature should I bake the rolls at, and for how long?
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the rolls for 15-18 minutes or until they are golden brown.
- Can I add any extra ingredients to the rolls before serving?
- Yes, you can sprinkle the rolls with dried or fresh herbs like rosemary after brushing them with melted butter to add extra flavor.
Tips
- Plan Ahead for Rising Time: Remember to take the rolls out of the freezer in advance, allowing them to rise for about 4 hours before baking. This step is crucial for achieving their fluffy texture.
- Use Fresh or Dried Herbs: Enhance the flavor of your rolls by sprinkling fresh or dried herbs like rosemary on top before serving. This adds a gourmet touch and complements the buttery taste.
- Freeze in Portions: Divide the dough into individual servings and freeze them separately. This makes it easy to grab the exact number of rolls you need, minimizing waste and ensuring freshness.
- Bake Until Golden: For perfectly baked rolls, make sure they are golden brown in color. The baking time is typically 15-18 minutes at 375 degrees, but keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking.
