Pull Apart Rolls Recipe Easy and Fluffy Homemade Bread

There’s something truly magical about pull apart rolls that makes them a favorite at family dinners, holiday feasts, and casual get-togethers. These soft, fluffy rolls are perfect for tearing piece by piece, encouraging sharing and conversation around the table.

Whether you’re serving them as a side for a hearty soup or stuffing them with butter and herbs for an irresistible snack, pull apart rolls bring comfort and warmth to any meal. Their golden crust and tender crumb make them just as delightful fresh from the oven as they are reheated the next day.

Plus, they are surprisingly easy to make from scratch, requiring simple pantry staples and just a bit of patience during the rising time.

If you’ve been searching for a bread recipe that combines ease, flavor, and versatility, this pull apart rolls recipe will soon become your go-to. With every bite, you’ll enjoy the perfect balance of softness and slight chewiness that makes these rolls so addictive.

Ready to impress your loved ones with fresh homemade bread? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One of the best things about this pull apart rolls recipe is its simplicity. You don’t need fancy equipment or rare ingredients—just basic pantry staples and a bit of time to let the dough rise and develop flavor.

The dough is soft and easy to work with, making it perfect even for beginner bakers.

These rolls come out with a beautiful golden-brown crust and a pillowy interior, perfect for pulling apart by hand. You can customize them with herbs, garlic butter, or cheese for a delicious twist.

Plus, they freeze wonderfully, so you can enjoy fresh rolls anytime without extra effort.

Whether you’re planning a family dinner, a holiday meal, or just craving some homemade bread, these pull apart rolls will fit right in with their warm, inviting taste and irresistible texture.

Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (one packet)
• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
• Optional: 1 tbsp fresh chopped herbs (rosemary, thyme, or parsley), 1 tsp garlic powder

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or dough hook attachment for a mixer
• Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
• 9×13 inch baking dish or similar oven-safe pan
• Pastry brush
• Cooling rack

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast: In your large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This means your yeast is active and ready.
2. Mix the dough: Add the melted butter, egg, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or mixer until combined. Gradually add the remaining flour, about ½ cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with a dough hook on medium speed for 6-7 minutes.
4. 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 let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the rolls: Punch down the dough to release air and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball.
6. Arrange in pan: Lightly grease your 9×13 baking dish. Place the dough balls close together in the pan, allowing them to touch but not overcrowd. Cover and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffed.
7. Preheat oven: While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Bake the rolls: Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter (optionally mixed with herbs and garlic powder for extra flavor). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through.
9. Cool & serve: Remove the rolls from the oven and brush with additional melted butter if desired. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before serving. Pull apart and enjoy warm!

Tips & Variations

For softer rolls, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with bread flour.

Herb & Garlic Pull Apart Rolls: Mix 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs into the melted butter before brushing on top of the rolls.

Cheesy Pull Apart Rolls: Before placing the dough balls in the pan, press a small cube of cheese (mozzarella or cheddar) inside each ball for a gooey surprise.

Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the fridge overnight. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Freeze for Later: After the first rise and shaping, freeze the unbaked rolls in the baking dish wrapped tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and allow a final rise before baking.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Pull apart rolls pair wonderfully with soups like creamy tomato basil or hearty chicken noodle. They’re also fantastic alongside roast chicken, turkey, or beef brisket.

For a tasty snack, serve warm rolls with herb butter or your favorite jam.

You can transform these rolls into sliders by slicing them in half and adding your favorite sandwich fillings—think ham and cheese or pulled pork. They also make a great side for holiday dinners, complementing everything from mashed potatoes to green beans.

Looking for more bread recipes? Check out our Soft Dinner Rolls or Homemade Garlic Knots for delicious homemade bread ideas!

Conclusion

Making pull apart rolls from scratch is easier than you might think, and the results are incredibly rewarding. These rolls bring a warm, homemade touch to any meal with their soft texture and delightful flavor.

Whether you stick to the classic version or get creative with herbs and cheese, these rolls are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.

With just a few simple ingredients, some patience, and a little love, you can fill your kitchen with the comforting aroma of fresh-baked bread that will have everyone asking for seconds. So next time you want to impress family and friends or simply enjoy a cozy night in, give this pull apart rolls recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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