Name: 5-Ingredient Quick Dinner Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-489370H42M44S
Total time: PT-489370H42M44S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup milk; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

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I absolutely love how this 5-Ingredient Quick Dinner Rolls Recipe transforms a few simple pantry staples into soft, golden dinner rolls in just 15 minutes. This recipe never fails to impress me when I want fresh, warm bread without the fuss of yeast or long rising times. Whether I’m serving these rolls alongside a comforting soup or just grabbing one fresh out of the oven for a quick snack, they always hit the spot with their tender crumb and subtle richness.

Why You’ll Love This 5-Ingredient Quick Dinner Rolls Recipe

What makes this recipe so special for me is the incredibly tender texture paired with a slight golden crust that you don’t often find in quick bread recipes. The flavor is delicate but satisfying, with the mayonnaise adding an unexpected moistness that keeps each bite fluffy and soft. I appreciate how it’s just enough to remind me of classic dinner rolls without any overwhelming ingredients or complicated steps.

When I want to whip up something fast, this recipe shines because it couldn’t be easier. There’s no yeast to fuss with or hours of waiting for dough to rise—just mix, scoop, and bake. It’s perfect for last-minute dinners or when unexpected guests show up, and you want something warm and comforting on the table. This is definitely one of my go-to recipes because it feels both homey and impressive all at once.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white baking dish lined with parchment paper contains twelve shiny, golden brown dinner rolls arranged neatly in a 3x4 grid. The rolls have a smooth, glossy surface with a soft, fluffy texture visible at the edges where they touch each other. The baking dish sits on a white marbled textured surface with a wooden rolling pin nearby and a few stacked white plates partially visible on the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The charm of this recipe lies in its simplicity, relying on just five ingredients that each play an essential role. They combine to create a dough that’s light, tender, and perfectly golden. You’ll be amazed how these small pantry staples come together for such big flavor and texture!

Pro Tip ✨

Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Flour: Provides structure and a soft base for the rolls to rise without yeast.
Baking powder: Acts as the leavening agent, helping the rolls puff up quickly.
Salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the overall taste of the dough.
Milk: Adds moisture and richness, creating a tender crumb.
Mayonnaise: Brings a subtle tang and keeps the rolls incredibly soft and moist.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease or line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Pour in ½ cup of milk and 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise, then stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until a sticky dough forms. Be careful not to overmix—just combine everything until there are no dry patches of flour.

Step 4: Using a spoon or scoop, drop dough portions evenly spaced on your prepared baking tray—aim for about 6 to 8 rolls depending on your preferred size.

Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the rolls are lightly golden on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving to enjoy their perfect soft texture.

Servings and Timing

This 5-Ingredient Quick Dinner Rolls Recipe makes about 6 to 8 medium-sized rolls, perfect for a small family dinner or to accompany a cozy meal for two with leftovers. The prep time is a quick 5 minutes since mixing is so straightforward, with a baking time of about 12 to 15 minutes, totaling roughly 20 minutes from start to finish. There’s no resting or rising time required, which is a huge plus when I want bread fast!

How to Serve This 5-Ingredient Quick Dinner Rolls Recipe

A soft, shiny golden brown roll with a smooth top is placed in the center of a round white plate. The roll is split open, showing its fluffy, light cream-colored inside with a moist texture. The top of the roll is sprinkled with a few coarse white salt crystals. In the blurred background, several more rolls appear stacked together. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving these warm or at room temperature with practically any meal that could use a soft, tender bread companion. They pair beautifully with creamy soups like tomato bisque or chicken pot pie, where soaking up the broth is half the fun. They’re also fantastic alongside breakfast dishes like scrambled eggs with bacon or a fresh fruit salad for a casual brunch.

For a little extra flair when serving, I like to brush the tops lightly with melted butter and scatter a pinch of fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving—this adds color and an inviting aroma that really elevates the presentation. If I’m hosting a gathering, I arrange the rolls in a rustic basket lined with a soft linen napkin for a cozy, welcoming vibe.

When it comes to drinks, these rolls shine with a glass of chilled white wine or a light rosé for adults, while kids enjoy them with a simple glass of cold milk or freshly brewed herbal tea. Whether it’s a festive holiday meal or a casual weekday dinner, these rolls always bring that comforting touch, best enjoyed warm or freshly baked.

Variations

I love getting creative with this recipe depending on what I have on hand or my mood. If you want a dairy-free version, swapping the milk for almond or oat milk works wonderfully, and using vegan mayonnaise keeps it totally plant-based without sacrificing softness. I’ve also tried adding a teaspoon of garlic powder or dried rosemary to the dough for an herby twist that’s perfect for savory meals.

If you’re looking to add some whole grains or fiber, replacing half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour gives the rolls a nuttier flavor and a bit more texture. Just keep in mind the rolls may turn out slightly denser but still deliciously moist. Another fun option is brushing them with a little honey butter as soon as they come out of the oven to add a subtle glaze and gentle sweetness.

As for cooking methods, I’ve even baked these rolls in a cast iron skillet or muffin tins to experiment with different shapes and crust textures. No matter which way I try them, this versatile 5-Ingredient Quick Dinner Rolls Recipe never disappoints!

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I store these rolls in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature. They usually stay fresh and soft for up to 2 days, which is perfect for quick grab-and-go snacks or sandwiches the next day. If you want to keep them fresher for longer, making sure they’re completely cool before sealing is key to preventing any sogginess.

Freezing

These dinner rolls freeze beautifully. I wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them all together in a freezer-safe zip-top bag. They keep well frozen for up to 3 months. When I’m ready to enjoy my frozen rolls, I thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a couple of hours before reheating.

Reheating

To bring these rolls back to life, I gently warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. This method crisps up the outside slightly while keeping the inside soft and moist—just like fresh-baked. I avoid microwaving since it can make the texture rubbery or tough, which is the last thing I want with these tender rolls.

FAQs

Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can use self-rising flour, but you should omit the baking powder and salt since self-rising flour already contains those. This will keep the roll texture balanced and prevent over-leavening.

Is it possible to make these rolls gluten-free?

Absolutely! Using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend designed for baking can work well here. Just ensure your baking powder is gluten-free too. The texture might be slightly different but still soft and tasty.

Can I add sweeteners like sugar or honey to these rolls?

You certainly can if you prefer a hint of sweetness. Adding a tablespoon of sugar or honey to the dough gives a subtly sweet roll perfect for breakfast or snack time. Just keep in mind this will slightly change the flavor profile.

How do I know when the rolls are fully baked?

Look for a light golden-brown color on top and edges, and insert a toothpick into a roll’s center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The rolls should spring back when gently pressed.

Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?

Yes, doubling the ingredients works great. Just make sure to space the rolls out on your baking sheet to allow for even cooking, or you might want to bake them in batches for the best results.

Conclusion

I hope you’ll love making and sharing this 5-Ingredient Quick Dinner Rolls Recipe as much as I do. It’s one of those gems that bring warmth and comfort to any meal with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction. Give it a try next time you want fresh, soft dinner rolls fast—you won’t regret it!