No Yeast Dinner Rolls

No yeast dinner rolls are the perfect solution when you need bread, but you don’t have time to make real dinner rolls. Skip the brown-and-serves and make a batch of these quick bread style rolls. You’ll love how easy they are to throw together.  

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Sometimes you start dinner 30 minutes behind schedule. Sometimes, your husband is standing on your heels looking in all the pots and won’t go away and all you want to do is smack him.

You need dinner done before you lose your sanity, and you need it done now. These little rolls will help.

These rolls follow more of a quick bread style, and use so few ingredients, you’re bound to have most if not all of them on hand right now.

There’s no yeast to kill, no kneading to do–just mix and drop spoonfuls into greased muffin tins (I like this one to get just the right size). Bake ’em up, spread them with butter or jam and you’ve got a fast, easy option.

Why mayonnaise makes these rolls amazing

Mayo in bread dough? Yep! It’s a wonderful binder and, as such, does a great job of bringing all of the ingredients together into moist rolls with a nice, tender crumb.

Mayonnaise also adds a subtle tang to these rolls, making them wonderful accompaniments to rich, savory dishes. 

Chemically speaking, in order for baking powder to activate effectively, it needs to come in contact with some acid.

Mayonnaise is quite acidic and activates the baking powder beautifully, allowing it to work effectively as a leavening agent.

How to Make Self Rising Flour at Home

If you can’t find self-rising flour, make it at home from all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.

Sift together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.  

Is your baking powder fresh? Are you sure?

If you want your rolls to rise properly, it is important to start out with fresh baking powder that is less than 6 months old.

Have a look at the expiration date and think back on whether or not the baking powder has been stored in a cool, dry place. If the expiration date hasn’t passed and the baking powder has been properly stored, you’re in the clear. 

Still unsure? You can test it by mixing 1 teaspoon of baking powder with 1/3 cup of hot water. If the mixture bubbles vigorously, your baking powder good to go. 

A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Dinner Rolls without Yeast 

Combine self-rising flour and sugar in a medium bowl.

Mix the milk and mayonnaise in a second smaller bowl.

Add the milk/mayo mixture to the flour and sugar and stir until just blended.

Drop by spoonfuls into a greased muffin tin and bake. 

Tips for success

Here come a few pearls of wisdom that will help you achieve the best no-yeast dinner rolls you’ve ever had.

• Don’t overmix. Overmixing can cause the glutens in the flour to overdevelop, ending you with tough, overly dense rolls. 
• Handle gently. When working with the dough, use a light hand. Be careful not to press any air bubbles out of the dough as this can keep it from rising properly. 
• Preheat all the way. Be sure that the oven is preheated all the way before baking. I like using an oven thermometer for good measure. 
• Position matters. Position the rolls on the middle rack of the oven. They will bake more evenly, helping you avoid burnt bottoms or tops. 

How to store and freeze leftover rolls

Make a double batch of these dinner rolls and store them for later. Allow them to cool completely before sealing them in an airtight container. You can keep them at room temperature for up to 3 days. Do not refrigerate them. They will dry out. 

If you would like to freeze the dinner rolls, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap before sealing the wrapped rolls together in a freezer bag and popping them in the freezer. Freeze for up to 3 months. Allow the rolls to thaw at room temperature before unwrapping and reheating them in the oven at 350 degrees F for 5-10 minutes. 

3 ways to add flavor variations to your bread

I love these dinner rolls as they are. They go with pretty much anything. That being said, you can easily add a pop of flavor to tailor them to your meal.

• Cheese. Add shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese to the dough. ⅓ cup will do. 
• Herbs. I love adding rosemary or thyme to these rolls, especially during the holidays. Just mix your favorite into the dough and bake as usual. 
• Make it sweet. Fold in a handful of raisins and a teaspoon of cinnamon for a sweet twist on the classic. 
• Try a flavored butter. Brush garlic or honey butter over the top of the rolls the moment they come out of the oven.

What to serve with no yeast dinner rolls

You can’t have dinner rolls without dinner so here are a few of my favorite entrees to serve these warm, fluffy rolls with. 

• Pot roast. I love dipping these rolls in the juices from my Dutch oven pot roast. 
• Spaghetti and meatballs. Sop up the last of the sauce from my spaghetti and meatballs recipe with these dinner rolls. 
• With breakfast. I usually serve my homemade breakfast sausages with biscuits but these rolls make a great substitution.