Texas Roadhouse’s Rolls

Texas Roadhouse’s rolls are famous for their soft, buttery texture and irresistible flavor. This recipe allows you to recreate these delicious rolls in the comfort of your own home. With simple ingredients and straightforward directions, you can enjoy freshly baked rolls anytime you want.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup warm milk
• 1 package or 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for the board
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup butter, melted plus 1/4 cup butter, melted (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt

Honey Cinnamon Butter:

• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Directions:

1. In a cup or small bowl, stir together the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Allow the yeast to proof and begin to activate while you prepare the other ingredients. (This is not necessary, but I prefer this to using milk cold out of the refrigerator).
2. Using a stand mixer or food processor, combine the flour, egg, 1/3 cup melted butter, and salt.
3. Gradually add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 5-10 minutes.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Punch down the dough and divide it into 20 equal-sized pieces. Shape each piece into a roll and place them in a greased baking dish or on a baking sheet.
7. If desired, brush the tops of the rolls with the remaining 1/4 cup melted butter.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
9. While the rolls are baking, prepare the honey cinnamon butter by mixing together the softened butter, cinnamon, honey, and powdered sugar until well combined.
10. Serve the warm rolls with the honey cinnamon butter on the side for spreading.

Tips:

• Make sure the milk is warm but not too hot, as it can kill the yeast.
• Knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten and achieve the desired texture.
• Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for the best results.
• Brushing the rolls with melted butter before baking adds flavor and helps them brown evenly.
• Adjust the amount of cinnamon or honey in the butter according to your taste preferences.

Conclusion:

With this recipe, you can enjoy the irresistible taste of Texas Roadhouse’s rolls right at home. Whether served as a side dish for dinner or enjoyed as a snack, these soft, buttery rolls are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

1. Can I make these rolls ahead of time and freeze them for later use?

• Yes, you can definitely prepare Texas Roadhouse rolls ahead of time and freeze them for later enjoyment. After shaping the rolls, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the rolls to a freezer bag or airtight container. When ready to bake, allow the rolls to thaw and rise at room temperature until doubled in size, then proceed with baking according to the recipe instructions. Freezing the rolls at the dough stage rather than after baking helps maintain their freshness and texture.

1. Can I substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour in this recipe?

• While you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, keep in mind that it will alter the texture and flavor of the rolls. Whole wheat flour tends to produce denser and heartier baked goods compared to all-purpose flour. If you prefer a lighter texture, you may want to use a combination of whole wheat and all-purpose flour or experiment with different ratios to achieve the desired result. Additionally, you may need to adjust the liquid content slightly as whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture than all-purpose flour.

1. What is the purpose of proofing the yeast, and how can I tell if it’s activated properly?

• Proofing the yeast allows it to activate and begin fermenting, which is essential for leavening the dough and achieving a light, fluffy texture in the rolls. To proof the yeast, combine it with warm liquid (in this case, warm milk and sugar) and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. During this time, the yeast should become frothy and bubbly, indicating that it’s active and ready to be incorporated into the dough. If the yeast mixture doesn’t foam or bubble, it may be inactive or expired, and you’ll need to start with fresh yeast to ensure successful baking.

1. Can I make these rolls without a stand mixer or food processor?

• Yes, you can absolutely make Texas Roadhouse rolls without a stand mixer or food processor. While these appliances make the mixing and kneading process more efficient, you can achieve the same results by mixing and kneading the dough by hand. Simply combine the ingredients in a large bowl and use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 10-15 minutes until smooth and elastic. This method requires a bit more effort but is entirely feasible for making delicious homemade rolls.