Are you a fan of Texas Roadhouse and their famously soft, buttery rolls? If you’ve ever wanted to recreate these delectable bread rolls at home, you’re in luck! This Texas Roadhouse Rolls recipe will help you make these beloved rolls from scratch, complete with their signature honey butter spread. Perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or just because, these rolls are sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Rolls:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
For the Honey Butter:
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), softened
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
Preparing the Dough
- Warm the Milk and Butter: In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it’s warm but not boiling. Add the butter and stir until melted. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool to about 110°F (43°C).
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the granulated sugar in the warm milk mixture. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture. Add the egg and mix until a dough forms. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook or mix by hand.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed for 4-5 minutes.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
Shaping and Baking
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Shape the Rolls: Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into 12-15 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls with a cloth and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes, or until they’ve doubled in size.
- Bake the Rolls: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
- Brush with Butter: Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush the tops with melted butter.
Making the Honey Butter
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, honey, and powdered sugar until smooth and well combined.
- Serve: Spread the honey butter on the warm rolls and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Rolls
- Yeast Freshness: Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best results. Check the expiration date and activate it in warm milk as described.
- Temperature: The milk should be warm to the touch but not hot, as too much heat can kill the yeast.
- Flour Measurement: Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off to avoid using too much flour.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Texas Roadhouse Rolls are incredibly soft and fluffy with a light, airy texture. The sweet honey butter adds a delightful touch, making these rolls irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just enjoying a cozy meal at home, these rolls are a hit with everyone.
1. Can I make Texas Roadhouse Rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls ahead of time. You can either shape and refrigerate the rolls overnight before baking or freeze them after shaping. If refrigerating, let them rise at room temperature before baking. If freezing, thaw them at room temperature and let them rise before baking. Follow the reheating instructions to ensure they come out soft and fluffy.
2. How can I make sure my rolls are soft and fluffy?
To ensure your rolls are soft and fluffy, follow these tips:
- Use Fresh Yeast: Ensure your yeast is fresh and not expired. Test it by proofing in warm milk with sugar before adding it to the dough.
- Proper Kneading: Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. This helps develop the gluten, which gives the rolls their structure.
- Correct Rising Times: Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size. Under or over-proofing can affect the texture.
3. Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?
Yes, you can make some substitutions:
- Milk: You can use almond milk or another non-dairy milk in place of whole milk. Adjust the temperature of the milk accordingly.
- Butter: Substitute with margarine or a dairy-free butter alternative if needed.
- Flour: You can use whole wheat flour for a slightly denser roll, but it may alter the texture and flavor slightly.
4. What’s the best way to store leftover rolls?
For storing leftover rolls:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.