🍞 Grandma’s Easy No-Yeast Dinner Rolls
Soft, fluffy, buttery, and beautifully golden, these Grandma’s Easy No-Yeast Dinner Rolls are perfect when you want fresh homemade bread without waiting for dough to rise. Made with simple pantry ingredients, milk, and mayonnaise for extra tenderness, these quick rolls come together in minutes and bake into delicious little breads with a soft, fluffy center.
No yeast, no kneading, and absolutely no rising time required! Serve them warm with butter, alongside soups and stews, or as a delicious addition to any family dinner.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
- Total Time: 25–28 minutes
- Servings: 4 small rolls
- Difficulty: Easy
- Category: Bread, Side Dish
- Cooking Method: Baking
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (125 g)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk (120 ml)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon melted butter, for brushing (optional)
Note: The original ingredient list specifies 1 teaspoon salt. For a more balanced flavor, this recipe uses ½ teaspoon. The quantities are designed for approximately four small rolls.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients
Add the milk and mayonnaise to the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
Avoid overmixing, as too much mixing can make the rolls dense instead of tender. If the dough feels extremely wet, add flour one tablespoon at a time until it becomes manageable.
4. Shape the Rolls
Lightly flour your hands and divide the dough into four equal portions. Gently shape each portion into a round roll.
Place the rolls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them. Smooth the tops lightly without pressing the dough too much.
5. Bake Until Golden
Bake for approximately 15–18 minutes, or until the rolls are puffed, cooked through, and lightly golden on top.
For a deeper golden finish, you can switch the oven to broil for the final 30–60 seconds, watching carefully to prevent burning.
6. Brush with Butter
Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush the tops with melted butter while they are still warm.
Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Grandma’s Tips for Perfect Dinner Rolls
- Don’t overmix: Stir just until the ingredients come together to keep the texture tender.
- Measure flour correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off rather than packing it down.
- Use fresh baking powder: Old baking powder may prevent the rolls from rising properly.
- Don’t overbake: Remove the rolls once they are cooked through and lightly golden to avoid dryness.
- Brush with butter: This adds a lovely shine and delicious buttery flavor.
- Work gently: These rolls don’t need kneading. Handle the dough as little as possible.
Delicious Variations
- Garlic Butter Rolls: Mix ¼ teaspoon garlic powder into the melted butter before brushing.
- Herb Dinner Rolls: Add ½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs to the flour mixture.
- Cheesy Rolls: Fold ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese into the dough.
- Parmesan Rolls: Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the tops before baking.
- Honey Butter Rolls: Add 1 teaspoon honey to the milk mixture and brush with honey butter after baking.
What to Serve with No-Yeast Dinner Rolls
These quick homemade rolls are wonderful alongside:
- Creamy chicken soup or vegetable soup
- Beef stew or pot roast
- Roast chicken and mashed potatoes
- Spaghetti and creamy pasta dishes
- Fresh salads and roasted vegetables
- Butter, honey, jam, or homemade garlic spread
Storage Instructions
At Room Temperature: Store completely cooled rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
In the Refrigerator: Keep them in an airtight container for up to 4 days, although refrigeration may make them slightly firmer.
Freezing: Place cooled rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5–7 minutes, or microwave briefly until soft and warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really make dinner rolls without yeast?
Yes! Baking powder acts as the leavening agent, helping the rolls rise in the oven without needing yeast or proofing time.
Why use mayonnaise in dinner rolls?
Mayonnaise contains oil and egg, which help add moisture, tenderness, and richness to the dough.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
These rolls are best mixed and baked immediately because baking powder begins reacting once it comes into contact with liquid. Preparing the dough too far ahead may reduce their rise.
Why are my rolls dense?
Dense rolls usually result from too much flour, overmixing, expired baking powder, or overbaking. Measure carefully and handle the dough gently.
Can I use self-rising flour?
You can, but omit the baking powder and salt if using self-rising flour. The texture may vary slightly.
Approximate Nutrition Information
Per roll, based on 4 rolls:
- Calories: 175 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Sodium: 390 mg
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the ingredients and brands used.
A Little Homemade Bread, Without the Wait!
These easy no-yeast dinner rolls prove that homemade bread doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a handful of everyday ingredients and less than 30 minutes, you can enjoy warm, soft, buttery rolls straight from your oven.
They’re simple, comforting, and perfect for those moments when dinner needs a little something extra. Make a batch once, and they’ll quickly become a favorite at your family table!