Frozen Dinner Rolls Recipe
Frozen unbaked dough rolls just need time and warmth to thaw and proof properly before baking, once they've doubled in size the oven does the rest, turning out rolls that taste like they were made from scratch with almost none of the hands-on work.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Total
- 215 min
- Servings
- 12
Ingredients
- 12 rolls frozen unbaked dinner rolls (such as Rhodes)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 122
- Protein
- 4g
- Carbs
- 15g
- Fat
- 5g
Based on the recipe as written, one serving. Recalculates if you swap an ingredient above. An estimate only, exact values depend on the specific ingredients used.
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Instructions
- 1Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan. Arrange the frozen rolls in the pan with about 1 inch of space between them; they'll expand to touch as they rise.
- 2Cover the pan loosely with greased plastic wrap and let the rolls thaw and rise at room temperature until doubled in size, 3 to 5 hours depending on kitchen warmth. Alternatively, refrigerate overnight, then let sit at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours the next day until doubled.
- 3Once the rolls are doubled and look puffy and touching, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 4Brush the tops lightly with the beaten egg for a shiny, golden crust (skip this for a softer, matte finish).
- 5Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until the tops are deep golden brown and the internal temperature reads 190 to 200°F (88 to 93°C).
- 6While the rolls bake, stir the melted butter and minced garlic together.
- 7As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush generously with the garlic butter. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and flaky salt.
- 8Let the rolls rest in the pan for 5 minutes before pulling apart and serving warm.
Tips & variations
- For a shinier, bakery-style crust, brush the rolls with the egg wash right before they go in the oven rather than right after thawing.
- Placing the pan of frozen rolls over a warm (not hot) oven that's been preheated and then turned off, or near a stovetop with the exhaust fan off, speeds up the rise on a cold day.
- Swap the garlic butter for plain melted butter and a sprinkle of flaky salt for a more classic dinner roll, or add a pinch of dried rosemary or thyme to the butter.
- If rolls are crowded tightly in a smaller pan, they'll bake into square-sided pull-apart rolls rather than round ones; both work, it's purely aesthetic.
Storage & reheating
Store baked rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Baked rolls also freeze well for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature, then warm in foil in the oven before serving.
Tips from the Tulo kitchen
- Setting the pan of frozen rolls inside a larger cold oven with just the oven light on creates a gently warm, draft-free spot that speeds up rising without a proofing box.
- Rolls placed touching each other in the pan rise taller and stay softer on the sides than rolls spaced far apart, since they support each other and trap steam as they bake.
FAQ
Can I bake frozen dinner rolls without thawing them first?
No, most frozen unbaked dinner roll dough needs to thaw and proof first; baking straight from frozen produces a roll that's browned outside but raw and dense in the center. Some brands sell fully baked, already-thawed rolls meant to go straight into the oven, so check the package instructions to see which type is on hand.
Why didn't my frozen dinner rolls rise?
The most common cause is a kitchen that's too cool or a covering that's too tight, trapping no warmth. Move the pan somewhere warmer, like near (not on) a warm stovetop, and give it more time; yeast dough can take much longer to double in a cold room.
Can I freeze the rolls again after baking them?
Yes. Cool the baked rolls completely, then freeze in a sealed freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in foil in the oven to bring back the soft texture.
What temperature should frozen dinner rolls be baked at?
350°F (175°C) is standard for most frozen roll dough and gives an evenly cooked interior with a golden, not overly dark, crust. Check the package instructions, since some brands recommend 325°F for a slower, more even bake.