Dutch Oven Pull-Apart Dinner Rolls
Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through your home. These Dutch Oven Pull-Apart Dinner Rolls are not only soft and fluffy, but they also make any dinner feel special. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy Sunday dinners, these rolls are sure to please everyone at the table.
Why Make This Recipe
Why not treat yourself and your loved ones to delicious homemade rolls? They are surprisingly easy to make and require only a few simple ingredients. Plus, making bread from scratch is a fun way to spend some time in the kitchen. Once you taste these buttery, pull-apart rolls, you will want to make them again and again!
How to Make Dutch Oven Pull-Apart Dinner Rolls
Ingredients:
- 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
- 1 1/4 cups warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 egg
Directions:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
- Add the warm milk, melted butter, and egg to the dry ingredients. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-6 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 16 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball.
- Place the dough balls in a greased Dutch oven in a circular pattern. Cover the Dutch oven with the lid and let the rolls rise again for 30-40 minutes, or until puffy.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush the tops of the rolls with more melted butter.
- Bake in the Dutch oven (covered) for 15 minutes. Then, remove the lid and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve Dutch Oven Pull-Apart Dinner Rolls
These rolls are best served warm. You can enjoy them as they are, or serve them with butter, jam, or your favorite dip. They pair wonderfully with soups, salads, and any main dish.
How to Store Dutch Oven Pull-Apart Dinner Rolls
To store leftovers, let the rolls cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for about 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just wrap them well in plastic wrap and then put them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Dutch Oven Pull-Apart Dinner Rolls
- Make sure your milk is warm but not hot! The right temperature helps activate the yeast for the dough to rise properly.
- Brush the rolls with melted butter right after baking for extra flavor and softness.
- Don’t rush the rising times; the dough needs that time to develop its flavor and texture.
Variation
You can add herbs or garlic powder to the dough for a tasty twist. Cheese could also be added in the middle of each ball for cheesy pull-apart rolls.
FAQs
1. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast? Yes, but you will need to dissolve it in the warm milk first and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before mixing it with other ingredients.
2. What if I don’t have a Dutch oven? You can use any oven-safe baking dish with a lid. If not, cover the dish with aluminum foil while baking.
3. How do I know when the rolls are done? The rolls should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when you tap the bottom. An internal temperature of 190°F is a good indicator they’re fully baked.