Gluten-Free Dinner Rolls

Name: Gluten-Free Dinner Rolls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (Ensure it's gluten-free certified.); 1 packet instant yeast (Equivalent to 2 1/4 teaspoons.); 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (Adds sweetness and helps yeast activation.); 1 teaspoon salt (Enhances flavor.); 3/4 cup milk (Dairy or non-dairy alternative.); 2 tablespoons butter (Softened; can use dairy-free substitute.); 2 large eggs (Can be substituted with applesauce for egg-free version.); 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (Balances flavors and improves dough texture.)

Gluten-free dinner rolls are a delightful addition to any meal, ensuring that those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy fresh, fluffy bread. These rolls serve as the perfect accompaniment to your favorite dishes or stand alone as a tasty snack. With their soft texture and buttery flavor, they’re a true crowd-pleaser. In this article, we’ll dive into why you’ll love these rolls, provide a detailed list of ingredients, guide you through the step-by-step process of making them, and answer some frequently asked questions!

Why You’ll Love It

You’ll absolutely adore gluten-free dinner rolls for many reasons, starting with their delightful taste and texture. These rolls offer the same comfort that traditional bread does, without the gluten that can cause discomfort for many people. Imagine biting into a warm, fluffy roll that melts in your mouth. That’s something everyone should be able to enjoy!

Beyond their deliciousness, gluten-free dinner rolls are incredibly versatile. You can serve them alongside soups, salads, or your favorite entrees. Not to mention, they’re perfect for holidays or gatherings, providing that extra touch of warmth to your dining table. The best part is that they’re simple to make, allowing even novice home cooks to create something special.

Additionally, these gluten-free rolls use accessible ingredients that you likely have on hand or can easily find in any grocery store. They can be made dairy-free too, accommodating more dietary needs. There’s something heartwarming about baking bread at home, and these rolls are not only satisfying to eat but also a rewarding experience to create.

In short, the combination of flavor, texture, versatility, and ease of preparation makes gluten-free dinner rolls a beloved staple in any household.

Ingredients

To create these scrumptious gluten-free dinner rolls, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
2 tablespoons butter (or dairy-free substitute), softened
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Now let’s dive into the details of these ingredients. The foundation of our rolls is the gluten-free all-purpose flour, which provides the necessary structure while being gentle on the tummy. Instant yeast serves as the leavening agent, helping the rolls rise beautifully. Granulated sugar adds a hint of sweetness, enhancing the flavor while also supporting the yeast in doing its job. Salt is essential as it deepens the flavor profile, making each bite more enjoyable.

We then introduce liquid ingredients: milk and softened butter. The milk adds moisture, creating a tender crumb, while the butter enriches the rolls with a rich, buttery flavor. The eggs not only add richness but also provide structure and help the rolls rise. Lastly, the apple cider vinegar balances the flavors and creates a more tender bread by enhancing the dough’s elasticity.

When combined in the right way, these ingredients yield irresistibly fluffy gluten-free dinner rolls that are perfect for any occasion.

How to Make Gluten-Free Dinner Rolls

Step 1

To begin your journey towards making the perfect gluten-free dinner rolls, start by gathering all your ingredients. In the mixing bowl of your electric mixer, combine the gluten-free flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients together well until everything is evenly distributed. This step ensures that the yeast is well integrated, setting a strong foundation for the rolls.

Step 2

Next, it’s time to add the wet ingredients. Warm the milk to about 45°C (115°F); I recommend using a thermometer for accuracy. The right milk temperature is crucial because if it’s too hot, it could kill the yeast. Once your milk is warmed to the right temperature, pour it into the bowl along with the softened butter, eggs, and apple cider vinegar. Mix everything together until fully combined. The mixture should be smooth, and all ingredients should be well incorporated.

Step 3

After mixing, it’s important to prepare your baking pans. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or opt for two 9-inch round or square pans. You could also use a cast-iron skillet or a lined baking sheet; whatever you prefer! Using an ice cream scoop, carefully portion the dough into your greased pans. Spraying the scoop with gluten-free cooking spray can help prevent the dough from sticking. Once the dough is in the pans, utilize a small spatula to smooth out the tops, ensuring each roll looks appealing.

Step 4

Now, cover the pans with a clean kitchen towel and place them in a warm environment to rise for about 1 hour. This rising time is crucial as it allows the dough to puff up, resulting in light and airy rolls. After the rolls have risen, adjust the oven rack to a lower position and preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Baking the rolls on the bottom rack helps prevent the tops from burning. Finally, bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and inviting. As soon as they’re out of the oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and brush it over the tops of the rolls for added flavor and shine.

Directions

In the mixing bowl of your electric mixer, mix together the gluten-free flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt until well combined. Warm the milk to around 45°C (115°F), using a thermometer to ensure you don’t overheat and kill the yeast. Add the milk, softened butter, eggs, and apple cider vinegar to the dry mixture, mixing thoroughly until fully incorporated and smooth. Prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan or two 9-inch square or round pans by greasing them. Alternatively, you can use a cast-iron skillet or a lined baking sheet. Using an ice cream scoop, portion the dough into the pans — spraying the scoop with gluten-free cooking spray first can make this step easier. Utilize a small spatula to smooth out the tops of the dough balls. Cover the pan with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and adjust the rack to a lower position, which prevents the tops from burning during baking. Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 25 to 30 minutes. The tops should turn a lovely golden brown. When finished, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and brush this over the top of the rolls for a glossy finish. Store leftover rolls tightly, keeping them at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Helpful Notes

It’s important to note that gluten-free baking often requires different techniques compared to traditional baking. For instance, kneading is not necessary since gluten-free dough behaves differently. Also, ensure that all ingredients are gluten-free certified to avoid any cross-contamination if strict gluten avoidance is necessary. If you don’t have instant yeast, regular active dry yeast will also work; just proof it first in the warm milk before adding it to the other ingredients.

Moreover, resting time is vital. If you find your rolls are too dense, it could be due to insufficient rising time. Similarly, if your rolls are too dry, consider adding an extra tablespoon of milk to the mixture before baking. For those who prefer a little zest, add herbs or garlic powder to the dough to enhance the flavor profile.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Storing gluten-free dinner rolls can be a little different than traditional bread. If you plan to enjoy your rolls within a few days, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for 2 to 3 days. However, if you’d like to preserve them for a longer period, consider refrigerating them, where they will remain fresh for up to a week.

For freezing, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. This way, you can take out one roll at a time without compromising the others. To reheat, simply remove the desired number of rolls from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature. Once they’re thawed, you can warm them up in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 10 minutes for a soft, fluffy result. Alternatively, you may microwave them for about 15–20 seconds, but be cautious not to overheat, as this can lead to dryness.

FAQs

What can I use instead of gluten-free flour?

You can use any gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that has xanthan gum already added to it. If it doesn’t, consider adding about 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum per cup of gluten-free flour used.

Can I make these dinner rolls egg-free?

Absolutely! To make egg-free rolls, substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg).

How do I know when my rolls are baked properly?

Your rolls are perfectly baked when they have risen well, are golden brown on top, and have a slight hollow sound when you tap them on the bottom.

Can I add herbs and spices to the dough?

Yes! Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to your dough for extra flavor. Garlic powder, rosemary, or even cheese can make delightful additions!

What’s the best way to serve gluten-free dinner rolls?

Serve them warm, brushed with butter, or alongside your favorite dips, soups, and entrees. They also make for wonderful sandwiches!

How can I make these rolls dairy-free?

You can easily make these dinner rolls dairy-free by substituting the milk with a non-dairy alternative (like almond milk) and the butter with coconut oil or another dairy-free option.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Feel free to double the ingredients if you want to make a larger batch. Just be sure to adjust your mixing bowl size or make two separate batches for best results.

Conclusion + CTA

In conclusion, gluten-free dinner rolls bring joy to any meal, serving as soft, savory companions that everyone can enjoy. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create warm, fluffy rolls that are sure to impress. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply wanting to treat yourself to something wholesome, these dinner rolls fit the bill perfectly. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and start baking these delightful gluten-free dinner rolls today! You’ll be thrilled with the results, and your loved ones will savor every bite!