Easy, No-Knead Dinner Rolls

These no-knead dinner rolls are a total game-changer when time is tight. Using a simple muffin tin means no fiddly shaping – just scoop, rise, and bake! You’ll get golden, crisp tops with soft, pillowy centers that feel like a warm hug on your holiday table. 🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞

I get it — the holidays are already a whirlwind, and adding homemade rolls might seem like a stretch. But on this crisp November morning, trust me, you’ve got this in the bag. I promise it’s easier than you think!

How to Make No-Knead Dinner Rolls

Start by whisking together flour, salt, sugar, instant yeast, and thyme for a fragrant base:

Next, pour in lukewarm water.

Stir everything until it forms a sticky, shaggy ball of dough:

Set it aside in a warm, cozy spot for 1.5 to 2 hours until it doubles in size:

Then, gently deflate the dough using two forks. (Be sure to check the video for an easy technique to make it smooth.)

Divide the dough evenly into a buttered 12-cup muffin tin:

Let the dough rise again for 15 to 20 minutes or until it puffs just over the edges of the muffin cups:

Once puffed, slide the pan into the oven. Bake until the tops are beautifully golden brown — about 25 minutes:

… until light, fluffy, and perfectly browned.

I highly recommend brushing the warm rolls with butter and sprinkling a little sea salt on top for that addictively crispy crust.

Honestly, don’t skip the butter and sea salt — it takes these from good to wow.

Slide these warm beauties into a cozy bread basket and call everyone to the table — butter ready and waiting!

Between you and me, sometimes I think I could skip the turkey and just snack on these rolls all day long.

Storage Tips

To keep your rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container or a resealable bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also pop them in the fridge for up to a week, but just know they might lose a bit of their soft texture.

If you want to keep them longer, freezing is the way to go! Follow the freezing tips above to have fresh-tasting rolls whenever you want.

Make-Ahead Tips

Mix your dough the night before and let it chill in the fridge. The slow rise actually helps develop flavor, so your rolls will taste even better. Just remember to take the dough out in the morning to warm up and finish its rise before baking.

Another great tip: prep your muffin tin with butter ahead of time so you’re ready to shape and bake quickly on the big day.

Variations

• Herb Mix: Swap the thyme for rosemary, sage, or oregano for a different flavor twist.
• Cheese Rolls: Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded Parmesan or cheddar for cheesy goodness.
• Sweet Rolls: Add a tablespoon of honey to the dough for a touch of sweetness.
• Garlic Butter: Mix softened butter with garlic and parsley and brush it on warm rolls for an extra savory finish.

Serving Suggestions

These rolls are a dream alongside any holiday meal — especially turkey and stuffing. They’re perfect for soaking up gravy or dunking into your favorite soup.

Try serving them with a pat of herbed butter or alongside a cheese board to impress your guests. They also make a great base for mini sandwiches if you have leftovers.

Recipe FAQs

• Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast? Yes! Just proof it in warm water with a pinch of sugar for 5-10 minutes before mixing it into the dough.
• Why is my dough so sticky? This high hydration dough will feel sticky and wet – that’s exactly what you want for soft rolls. Resist the urge to add extra flour!
• Can I make these rolls gluten-free? This recipe uses regular flour for the best texture, but you can try a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just note the texture will be different.
• How do I know when the rolls are done baking? They should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when you tap the bottom. About 25 minutes usually does the trick.