Since November has arrived the only thing that has been on my mind is Thanksgiving dinner! One of the most classic sides of any dinner and especially Thanksgiving dinner are homemade rolls. These rolls are super fluffy, easy to make, and you can even make them in advance and freeze the dough!
Homemade rolls
Thanksgiving Homemade Rolls
1/4 cup warm water (110F)
2 packets of active dry yeast
1 1/2 cups warm whole milk (110F)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/2 tsp. salt
2 eggs
6 – 6 1/2+ cups all-purpose flour, or bread flour if available
egg wash (1 egg whisked)
In a stand mixer, pour warm water and add in yeast, let it stand for a few minutes until foamy. In a separate bowl, combine all wet ingredients. Whisk together warm milk, melted butter, sugar, salt and 2 eggs. Add the wet ingredients to the yeast mixture.
Gradually add in the flour 1 cup at a time until it creates a soft, shaggy dough, you may have to add in more flour depending on the consistency. With the dough hook attached, knead the dough for 7-10 minutes until soft and pulling clean from the sides. When ready lift out dough, grease the bowl and place the dough back in the bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a towel and place in a warm spot to rise for 1 hour.
Once it has risen, grease and flour 2 baking sheets and preheat oven to 375F. Make golfball sized balls (or a little larger depending on how big you want them) of dough and place them on the baking sheets 2 inches apart from each other. Cover formed rolls with towel, place the baking sheets in a warm spot, and let it rise for an additional 30 minutes – 1 hour. (This step can be skipped if you’re wanting to make them quicker, they won’t be as fluffy but they’re still be delicious).
Once the rolls are ready to be baked, prepare an egg wash by whisking an egg in a bowl. With a brush, add egg wash to the surface of each roll, this will help them brown, and then sprinkle lightly with flour (this is just for looks so it’s optional!). Place rolls into preheated oven at 375F for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
For making in advance: If you want to make these in advance, these rolls can be shaped and frozen for up to 2 months. With defrosting, all you have to do is add 2 hours onto the second rise before you bake them!