If you’ve ever enjoyed a warm, soft Bob Evans dinner roll fresh from the oven, you know just how comforting these little bread gems can be. Their pillowy texture, buttery taste, and perfectly golden crust make them a staple at family dinners, holidays, and special occasions.
Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply craving a delightful homemade bread to accompany your meal, this Bob Evans dinner roll recipe is your ticket to bakery-quality rolls right in your own kitchen.
With just a few simple ingredients and some careful kneading, you’ll create rolls that are irresistibly soft on the inside with a subtle sweetness and rich buttery flavor. This recipe is perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers alike, offering clear, step-by-step instructions that will guide you through the process.
Get ready to fill your home with the enticing aroma of freshly baked bread while impressing your loved ones with these classic dinner rolls!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Bob Evans-style dinner rolls are beloved for their tender crumb and buttery richness. They rise beautifully, delivering a soft and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth.
Unlike many store-bought rolls, these are made from scratch, so you get to control the ingredients, resulting in a fresher, tastier bread.
The recipe is straightforward, with ingredients you likely have in your pantry. Plus, you can customize them by adding herbs, cheese, or even a touch of sweetness.
These rolls are perfect for soaking up gravies, butter, or your favorite soup, making them a versatile addition to any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm whole milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg (for egg wash, optional)
- Additional melted butter for brushing
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Stand mixer with dough hook (optional but helpful)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Baking sheet or 9×13-inch baking pan
- Pastry brush
- Kitchen towel or plastic wrap
- Wire rack for cooling
- Instant-read thermometer (recommended)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Stir gently to dissolve the sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly. This indicates the yeast is active and ready to work.
- Add wet ingredients: Pour in the melted butter and stir to combine. Make sure the butter is not too hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Mix in dry ingredients: Add the salt and begin adding the flour one cup at a time. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough starts to come together. If using a stand mixer, attach the dough hook and let it mix on low speed.
- Knead the dough: Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes by hand on a lightly floured surface or 5-7 minutes with the stand mixer. The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
- First rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and place in a warm, draft-free spot. Let it rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Shape the rolls: Punch down the risen dough to release the air. Divide the dough into 12-15 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place them close together on a greased baking sheet or in a 9×13-inch pan. Cover again and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, until puffy.
- Preheat the oven: While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Optional egg wash: Beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Brush the tops of the rolls lightly with the egg wash for a shiny, golden finish.
- Bake: Place the rolls in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown on top. The internal temperature should register about 190°F (88°C) when done.
- Brush with butter and cool: Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush with melted butter for extra flavor and softness. Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Variations
For softer rolls, use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour.
If you want a touch of sweetness, add an extra tablespoon of sugar. For savory rolls, fold in garlic powder, chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, or even shredded cheese before the first rise.
Don’t rush the rising process. The longer the dough rises (within reason), the fluffier the rolls will be.
If your kitchen is cold, try placing the dough bowl inside the oven with just the light on for a cozy warm environment.
Leftover rolls can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days or frozen for longer storage. When reheating, wrap in foil and warm in the oven for a few minutes to restore softness.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Roll (approx.) |
---|---|
Calories | 140 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 22 g |
Protein | 4 g |
Fat | 5 g |
Saturated Fat | 3 g |
Sodium | 180 mg |
Sugar | 3 g |
Serving Suggestions
Bob Evans dinner rolls are incredibly versatile! Serve them warm with a pat of butter alongside classic comfort foods like roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, or hearty stews.
They’re perfect for soaking up gravy or drizzling with honey for a sweet twist.
For a delicious snack, slice them in half and fill with your favorite sandwich ingredients. If you’re interested in more quick and delicious sandwich ideas, check out our Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious.
They also pair wonderfully with soups like the Apple Barn Pigeon Forge TN Vegetable Soup Recipe Guide or can be part of a cozy weeknight meal featuring a Vegan Dinners Recipes for Easy and Delicious Meals.
Conclusion
Creating Bob Evans-style dinner rolls at home is a rewarding and enjoyable baking experience. These soft, buttery rolls add a touch of warmth and nostalgia to any meal, making them a beloved addition to your recipe collection.
With just a handful of ingredients and a little patience, you can achieve bakery-quality results that are sure to impress your family and friends.
Whether you’re cooking for a holiday feast, a casual dinner, or simply want to enjoy the comfort of homemade bread, this recipe delivers every time. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and make these rolls your own.
Happy baking!
📖 Recipe Card: Bob Evans Dinner Roll Recipe
Description: Soft and fluffy dinner rolls inspired by Bob Evans. Perfectly golden with a buttery finish.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 12 rolls
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- In a bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Add sugar, melted butter, salt, egg, and 2 cups flour; mix well.
- Gradually add remaining flour until dough is soft and slightly sticky.
- Knead dough on floured surface for 6-8 minutes until smooth.
- Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
- Punch down dough and divide into 12 equal pieces; shape into rolls.
- Place rolls on greased baking pan, cover, and let rise 30 minutes.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Brush warm rolls with melted butter before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 | Protein: 4g | Fat: 5g | Carbs: 22g
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