These Effortless Homemade Blender Dinner Rolls are a revelation for anyone who loves the comforting aroma and taste of freshly baked bread but dreads the traditional kneading process. Living up to their name, these rolls are largely made with the help of a blender or food processor, which does the hard work of mixing and developing the dough, resulting in unbelievably soft, fluffy, and golden-brown dinner rolls with minimal fuss. The simple act of blending the initial wet ingredients with some flour jumpstarts the gluten development, creating a dough that is surprisingly pliable and easy to handle without extensive kneading. Each roll boasts a delicate crust and a tender, airy interior, making them perfect for soaking up gravies, serving alongside a hearty meal, or simply slathering with butter. This recipe demystifies bread baking, making it accessible even for novice bakers and proving that delicious homemade rolls can be achieved with ease and efficiency.
What truly sets these “Blender Rolls” apart is the innovative technique that bypasses the labor-intensive kneading typically associated with yeast breads. The powerful action of a blender or food processor quickly combines the warm milk, yeast, and initial flour, creating a smooth starter that significantly reduces the manual effort later on. The resulting dough is a joy to work with – soft, elastic, and ready to be shaped into perfect individual rolls. As they bake, the rolls rise beautifully, turning a gorgeous golden hue, and filling your kitchen with an irresistible, comforting scent that promises a delightful meal. They are an ideal accompaniment for almost any savory dish, from holiday feasts to simple weeknight dinners. The satisfaction of pulling warm, homemade rolls from the oven, knowing how little effort they required, is truly unparalleled. It’s a game-changer for home bakers looking for a reliable, delicious, and surprisingly easy bread recipe.
Ingredients:
- For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick / 56g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting (approximately, may need slightly more or less)
- For Glazing (Optional):
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing tops after baking)
Instructions:
- Activate Yeast in Blender:
- Pour the 1 cup warm milk into a blender. Make sure the milk is warm (105-115°F / 40-46°C) but not hot, as too hot milk will kill the yeast.
- Sprinkle the 2 teaspoons instant yeast over the warm milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to activate; it should become foamy.
- Add the 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup melted and cooled butter, and 1 teaspoon salt to the blender.
- Secure the lid and blend on low speed for about 15-30 seconds until all the wet ingredients are well combined.
- Add Flour and Blend the Dough:
- Add 2 cups of the all-purpose flour to the blender.
- Secure the lid and blend on low speed, then gradually increase to medium, until a shaggy dough forms and the flour is mostly incorporated, about 30-60 seconds. The dough will be very soft and sticky at this point.
- Transfer the mixture from the blender to a large mixing bowl.
- Gradually add the remaining 1 cup of all-purpose flour, half a cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or a stand mixer with a dough hook until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. You may not need all 3 cups of flour exactly; stop when the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and is manageable but still soft. If using a stand mixer, knead on medium-low speed for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If kneading by hand, sprinkle your work surface with a little flour and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise (Bulk Fermentation):
- Lightly grease a clean large bowl with a little oil.
- Place the dough in the greased bowl, turning once to coat.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Rolls:
- Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air.
- Lightly flour your work surface. Turn the dough out onto the floured surface.
- Divide the dough into 12-16 equal pieces, depending on your desired roll size.
- Shape each piece into a smooth, round ball by gently pulling the edges under to create tension on the top.
- Arrange the shaped rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, leaving a little space between them, as they will expand.
- Second Rise (Proofing):
- Cover the baking pan loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
- Let the rolls rise in a warm, draft-free place for another 30-45 minutes, or until they are visibly puffy and have nearly doubled in size. They should look soft and pillowy.
- Bake the Rolls:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during the last 15 minutes of the second rise.
- Bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through. The internal temperature of a baked roll should be around 200-210°F (93-99°C).
- Butter and Serve:
- Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven.
- If desired, immediately brush the tops of the hot rolls with 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter for extra shine and flavor.
- Let the rolls cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. They are best served warm.
Tips for Success:
- Yeast Viability: Ensure your instant yeast is fresh and active. If your milk isn’t warm enough, or is too hot, the yeast won’t activate.
- Don’t Over-Flour: Resist the urge to add too much flour. A slightly sticky dough will result in softer rolls. The dough should be soft and manageable, not stiff.
- Warm Place for Rising: A good warm environment (like a slightly warmed oven turned off, or near a sunny window) is crucial for proper rising.
- Even Sizing: Try to make your rolls roughly the same size for even baking.
- Storage: Leftover rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or frozen for up to 1 month. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
Enjoy these incredibly easy and delicious Homemade Blender Dinner Rolls!