Buttermilk Rolls

Name: Buttermilk Rolls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup buttermilk; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1 package (0.25-ounce) dry yeast; 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt

Published: June 7, 2025

by eva

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Buttermilk Rolls are a delightful addition to any meal, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering. These rolls are soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavor, making them an irresistible side dish. Their unique texture and taste come from the buttermilk, which adds richness and moisture. Perfect for sopping up gravy or enjoying with butter, Buttermilk Rolls will quickly become a favorite in your home.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, perfect for bakers of any level.
Fluffy Texture: The buttermilk creates soft and airy rolls that melt in your mouth.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these rolls with soups, stews, or as a snack on their own.
Perfect for Gatherings: Ideal for holidays or family meals where you want to impress guests.
Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake just before serving.

Tools and Preparation

To make these delightful Buttermilk Rolls, you’ll need some essential tools and equipment. Having the right tools ensures smooth preparation and baking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine ingredients without spilling.
Plastic wrap: This helps keep the dough moist as it rises, ensuring optimal texture.

Ingredients

For the Dough

1 cup buttermilk
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for the baking dish
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
One .25-ounce package dry yeast
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt

How to Make Buttermilk Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Buttermilk Mixture

Heat the buttermilk, butter, and sugar in a pot until simmering. Whisk in the baking soda and let it cool to lukewarm. While this cools, add 1/4 cup lukewarm water to a bowl and stir in the yeast. Let it stand for about 5 minutes. Once ready, whisk the yeast mixture into the cooled buttermilk mixture.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Then add the liquid ingredients from step one. Mix until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Knead and Rest the Dough

Knead the dough directly in the bowl until it comes together smoothly, which should take about 2 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Shape the Rolls

Butter your 9-by-13-inch glass baking dish generously. Divide the rested dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball. Arrange them closely together in your buttered dish. Lightly cover with plastic wrap again and let rise until nearly doubled in size; this should take about 1 1/2 hours.

Step 5: Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Once preheated, bake your rolls until they are puffed up and golden brown; this usually takes around 15 minutes. Serve warm for best results!

How to Serve Buttermilk Rolls

Buttermilk rolls are a delightful addition to any meal. They are soft, fluffy, and versatile enough to pair with various dishes. Here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your dining experience.

With Butter and Jam

Classic Spread: A generous pat of butter with your favorite fruit jam creates a simple yet delicious treat.
Honey Drizzle: Warm the rolls slightly and drizzle with honey for a sweet finish.

As Part of a Meal

With Soup: Serve alongside creamy soups like tomato or potato leek for a comforting combo.
With Salads: These rolls complement salads well, especially hearty ones like Caesar or Cobb.

For Breakfast

With Eggs: Pair warm buttermilk rolls with scrambled or poached eggs for a satisfying breakfast.
French Toast Style: Slice the rolls, dip in egg mixture, and fry for a unique take on French toast.

Snacking

Plain or Toasted: Enjoy them plain or lightly toasted with a sprinkle of sea salt as a snack.
Cheese Pairing: Serve with slices of cheese for a savory afternoon treat.

How to Perfect Buttermilk Rolls

Making perfect buttermilk rolls is easier than you think. Here are some tips to ensure your rolls come out fluffy and delicious every time.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your yeast is fresh for proper rising.
Knead Properly: Knead the dough until smooth; this develops gluten for fluffiness.
Let It Rise: Allow sufficient time for the dough to rise; this enhances flavor and texture.
Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures.
Brush with Butter After Baking: Brushing melted butter on top adds flavor and keeps the rolls soft.

Best Side Dishes for Buttermilk Rolls

Buttermilk rolls make an excellent accompaniment to many dishes. Here are some side dishes that pair beautifully with them.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Smooth, buttery mashed potatoes complement the fluffy texture of buttermilk rolls perfectly.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized add color and nutrition to your plate.
Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the soft rolls, making it an ideal side.
Grilled Chicken Salad: Lightly seasoned grilled chicken on a bed of greens pairs nicely with these rolls.
Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans offer a hearty option that complements the lightness of the rolls.
Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice or quinoa make for a nutritious addition to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many home bakers encounter pitfalls when making Buttermilk Rolls. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Not measuring ingredients accurately: Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precise measurements. This ensures the correct dough consistency.
Skipping the yeast proofing step: Proofing activates the yeast, which is essential for fluffy rolls. Take the time to let it sit before mixing.
Using cold ingredients: Ensure that buttermilk and butter are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can hinder dough rising.
Over-kneading the dough: Knead just until smooth to avoid tough rolls. A gentle touch is key for soft texture.
Not letting the dough rise enough: Allow ample time for rising; this ensures light and airy rolls. Be patient for best results.

Refrigerator Storage

Store Buttermilk Rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking if stacking.

Freezing Buttermilk Rolls

Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Buttermilk Rolls

Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake wrapped rolls for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
Microwave: Heat individual rolls on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds until warm.
Stovetop: Place rolls in a covered skillet over low heat, turning occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Buttermilk Rolls so soft?

The combination of buttermilk and butter creates a rich, tender texture that keeps these rolls soft and fluffy.

Can I use whole milk instead of buttermilk?

While whole milk can work, buttermilk adds flavor and moisture. Consider adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic buttermilk’s acidity.

How do I know when my dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size and feel puffy to the touch. You can gently poke it; if it springs back slowly, it’s ready.

How can I customize my Buttermilk Rolls?

Feel free to add herbs, cheese, or garlic powder to enhance flavor. For sweet versions, mix in cinnamon or dried fruits.

Final Thoughts

Buttermilk Rolls are not only delightful but also versatile as a side dish or snack. Their warm, fluffy texture pairs well with various meals. Experiment with different add-ins and make this recipe your own!

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