The Perfect Homemade Rolls for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones, sharing stories, and indulging in a feast that warms both the heart and soul. While the turkey may be the star of the show, it’s often the supporting cast—the side dishes, sauces, and especially the bread—that truly make the meal memorable. There’s something magical about homemade rolls gracing the table, their golden tops glistening with melted butter, and their soft interiors inviting everyone to reach for just one more. These rolls are more than just an accompaniment; they’re a comforting tradition that brings a sense of home to every bite.

The Tradition of Bread at Thanksgiving

Bread has always held a place of honor at the Thanksgiving table. From the early days of the Pilgrims to today’s modern celebrations, homemade bread is a symbol of abundance and hospitality. Rolls, in particular, are a favorite because of their versatility. They can be served with butter, used to mop up gravy, or even be the base for those delightful next-day turkey sandwiches.

But what makes a Thanksgiving roll truly perfect? It’s all about texture and flavor. The ideal roll should be soft yet sturdy enough to hold up under a pat of butter. It should have a slightly golden crust that gives way to a pillowy, tender interior. And, of course, it should taste rich and buttery, with just a hint of sweetness.

The Joy of Homemade Rolls

Making rolls from scratch might seem intimidating, but it’s a rewarding process that’s well worth the effort. The aroma of yeast dough rising in the kitchen is a comforting reminder of the holiday season. And when you serve those homemade rolls, warm from the oven, you’re offering your loved ones more than just food—you’re sharing the love and care that went into every step of the recipe.

This recipe for homemade Thanksgiving rolls is designed to be foolproof. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, you’ll find the steps easy to follow. The ingredients are simple—flour, yeast, milk, butter, sugar, and salt—but the results are anything but ordinary. The rolls come out soft and fluffy, with a buttery flavor that’s sure to impress.

Tips for the Perfect Rolls

To ensure your rolls are a hit, here are a few tips:

• Temperature Matters: Make sure your milk is warm, but not hot, when mixing it with the yeast. This helps activate the yeast without killing it.
• Kneading: Don’t skip the kneading process. Kneading develops the gluten in the dough, giving your rolls their structure.
• Rising Time: Be patient during the rising times. Letting the dough rise until it’s doubled in size will give your rolls the light, airy texture you’re looking for.
• Serving: Serve the rolls warm with plenty of butter. You can also add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an extra touch of flavor.

A Special Addition to Your Thanksgiving Table

These homemade rolls are sure to become a cherished part of your Thanksgiving tradition. They’re perfect for soaking up gravy, complementing your favorite sides, or simply enjoying on their own. And because they’re made from scratch, they carry a little extra love and care—something we all need a bit more of during the holidays.

So, this Thanksgiving, take a little time to bake these rolls from scratch. The smiles and satisfaction on the faces of your family and friends will make every minute in the kitchen worthwhile. Plus, the memory of those warm, buttery rolls will linger long after the last crumb is gone, becoming a beloved part of your holiday traditions for years to come.

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With these homemade Thanksgiving rolls, you’ll be adding a touch of warmth and love to your holiday table, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Enjoy every bite!

Homemade Thanksgiving Rolls

These soft and fluffy rolls are perfect for your Thanksgiving table. They have a buttery flavor and a golden crust, making them the ideal companion for your holiday feast.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)

Instructions:

Prepare the Yeast Mixture:

• In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until the mixture becomes foamy.

Make the Dough:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the melted butter and egg to the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
• Pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture and mix until a dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.

Knead the Dough:

• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
• Alternatively, you can knead the dough using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for about 5-7 minutes.

First Rise:

• Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Shape the Rolls:

• Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 12-15 equal portions.
• Shape each portion into a ball and place them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet or in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Ensure there’s some space between each roll for rising.

Second Rise:

• Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise again in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes, until puffy.

Bake the Rolls:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once preheated, bake the rolls for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

Finish with Butter:

• Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush the tops with melted butter for a glossy finish and extra flavor.

Serve:

• Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving. They’re best served warm with butter.

Nutritional Facts (per roll):

• Calories: 170 kcal
• Total Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 180mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 4g

Key Nutritional Information:

• Vitamin A: 4% DV
• Calcium: 3% DV
• Iron: 8% DV

These values are estimates and can vary depending on the exact ingredients and portions used. The rolls provide a good balance of carbohydrates and fats, making them a satisfying addition to your Thanksgiving meal.

Tips:

• If you prefer a sweeter roll, you can increase the sugar to 3 tablespoons.
• These rolls can be made a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container and reheat them in the oven before serving.
• For a richer flavor, you can replace the milk with buttermilk.