Mayonnaise rolls are a delightful twist on your traditional bread rolls, offering a soft, moist crumb and a subtly rich flavor that’s hard to resist. The secret ingredient?
Mayonnaise! This simple addition not only enhances the texture but also adds a wonderful tenderness to each bite.
Whether you’re serving them alongside a hearty soup, a fresh salad, or using them as sandwich buns, these rolls are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
In this recipe, I’ll guide you through the process of making these fluffy, golden rolls from scratch. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to bring this bakery-style goodness right to your home oven.
Perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike, these mayonnaise rolls are a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with a variety of meals. Let’s dive in and bake some magic!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Mayonnaise rolls stand out because of their incredibly soft texture and subtle richness. The mayonnaise acts as both a fat and an emulsifier, helping to trap moisture and keep the rolls fresh longer.
Unlike traditional bread recipes that rely solely on butter or oil, these rolls have a uniquely tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. Whether you want to enjoy these rolls for breakfast with jam, as a burger bun alternative, or simply with a pat of butter, they adapt perfectly.
Plus, the ingredients are simple and easy to find, making this a reliable recipe to keep up your sleeve for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- ½ cup mayonnaise (regular or light)
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for brushing)
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or dough whisk
- Stand mixer with dough hook (optional, but helpful)
- Kitchen towel or plastic wrap
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Pastry brush
- Cooling rack
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Stir gently to dissolve the sugar, then sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg, mayonnaise, and melted butter until smooth. Add the frothy yeast mixture and stir to combine.
- Add the dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt into the wet mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or dough whisk until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook and knead on medium speed for about 6-7 minutes.
- First rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the rolls: Punch down the risen dough to release any air bubbles. Divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a smooth ball and place them evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Second rise: Cover the rolls loosely with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let them rise for another 30-40 minutes until they puff up noticeably.
- Preheat the oven: While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake: Brush the tops of the rolls with a little melted butter for a golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
- Cool: Remove the rolls from the oven and transfer them to a cooling rack. Brush again with melted butter while they are still warm for extra softness and shine.
Tips & Variations
“For even softer rolls, try adding a tablespoon of honey to the dough or substituting half of the all-purpose flour with bread flour for extra chew.”
If you want to add more flavor, consider mixing herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough. Garlic powder or grated cheese can also add a savory twist.
To make these rolls gluten-free, substitute a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly to achieve the right dough consistency.
For a slightly sweet variation, increase the sugar to ¼ cup and add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the wet ingredients. These make excellent dinner rolls or even breakfast buns.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Roll (1 of 12) |
---|---|
Calories | 150 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 20 g |
Protein | 4 g |
Fat | 6 g |
Saturated Fat | 1.5 g |
Cholesterol | 20 mg |
Sodium | 200 mg |
Fiber | 1 g |
Serving Suggestions
Mayonnaise rolls are incredibly versatile. Serve them warm with a pat of butter and honey for a simple breakfast treat.
They also make fantastic sandwich buns—try them with deli meats, cheese, and fresh veggies for a delicious lunch option.
For dinner, these rolls pair wonderfully with soups like classic tomato or creamy chicken noodle. You can also serve them alongside salads such as Caesar or garden salad to round out a light meal.
Feeling indulgent? Use these rolls as slider buns for mini burgers topped with your favorite cheeses and sauces.
Their soft, tender crumb holds up well to juicy fillings without falling apart.
Conclusion
Making mayonnaise rolls at home is a rewarding baking project that yields soft, flavorful bread perfect for a variety of meals. The use of mayonnaise creates a tender crumb that stays fresh longer than many traditional rolls, making them ideal for preparing ahead or freezing for later use.
This recipe is straightforward, requires common pantry ingredients, and offers plenty of room for creativity through variations and additions. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a kitchen novice, these rolls are approachable and delicious.
Give this recipe a try and enjoy the warm aroma and satisfying texture of homemade mayonnaise rolls. Don’t forget to explore other tasty bread recipes like Classic Dinner Rolls, Garlic Herb Focaccia, and Soft Pretzel Buns to expand your baking repertoire.
📖 Recipe Card: Mayonnaise Rolls
Description: Soft and fluffy rolls made with mayonnaise for extra moisture and tenderness. Perfect as a side or sandwich base.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 12 rolls
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- In a bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Mix flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
- Add mayonnaise, egg, and melted butter to the yeast mixture.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients and knead into a soft dough.
- Let dough rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Divide dough into 12 portions and shape into rolls.
- Place rolls on a baking sheet and let rise 20 minutes.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18-20 minutes until golden.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal per roll | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 25 g
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