Gluten-Free Dinner Rolls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These dinner rolls are a must-try for anyone craving soft, homemade bread without the gluten. They have the perfect balance of tenderness, buttery richness, and a light, airy texture. With simple ingredients like gluten-free flour, eggs, butter, and milk, these rolls are surprisingly easy to make while yielding results that feel indulgent. The best part? They’re versatile enough to serve as a side for just about any dish, from holiday feasts to casual family dinners. Whether you’re gluten-free by necessity or by choice, these rolls are sure to become a favorite at the dinner table.

this Recipe

Ingredients

• 3 cups gluten-free flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 teaspoons instant yeast

• 2 eggs (at room temperature)

• ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened) – dairy-free option available

• 1 ¼ cups milk (at room temperature) – can use lactose-free or dairy-free milk

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In the mixing bowl of your electric mixer, combine the gluten-free flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.

2. Warm the milk to about 45°C (115°F). It’s important not to overheat the milk, as it can kill the yeast. Check the temperature using a thermometer.

3. Add the warmed milk, softened butter, eggs, and apple cider vinegar to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix everything together until fully combined, forming a dough.

4. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan (or two 9-inch square or round pans). Alternatively, you can use a cast-iron skillet or a lined baking sheet.

5. Use an ice cream scoop to drop dough balls into the prepared pans. Lightly spray the scoop with gluten-free cooking spray to prevent the dough from sticking.

6. Smooth the tops of the dough balls with a small spatula.

7. Cover the pan with a kitchen towel and place it in a warm area to rise for about 1 hour.

8. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and position the rack in the lower part of the oven to ensure the tops don’t brown too quickly.

9. Bake the rolls for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.

10. Once baked, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and brush it over the tops of the rolls before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 15 rolls

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes (including rising time)

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover rolls tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

• Reheating: To reheat, wrap the rolls in foil and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 15-20 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use a different flour blend for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a different gluten-free flour blend, but make sure it’s one that contains xanthan gum or guar gum, which help provide structure to the rolls.

Can I make these rolls dairy-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter or margarine, and use a non-dairy milk such as almond milk or oat milk.

What type of yeast should I use?

This recipe calls for instant yeast, which is ideal for gluten-free baking. If you don’t have instant yeast, you can use active dry yeast, but be sure to activate it first by dissolving it in warm water with a little sugar.

Can I freeze these rolls?

Yes, these rolls freeze well! To freeze, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, thaw and warm in the oven.

Do these rolls need to rise before baking?

Yes, the dough needs to rise for about 1 hour before baking to ensure they become fluffy and soft.

Can I use egg replacers in this recipe?

Yes, you can use egg replacers like flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water for the eggs. However, the texture may differ slightly.

Can I make these rolls without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can mix the dough by hand using a bowl and a spoon, but a stand mixer makes the process much easier.

Why is apple cider vinegar used in this recipe?

Apple cider vinegar helps activate the yeast and creates a slightly tangy flavor in the rolls, enhancing the overall taste.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it after the first rise. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking the rolls.

Can I make these rolls without sugar?

Yes, you can omit the sugar, though it helps to activate the yeast. You can also substitute it with a small amount of honey or another sweetener if desired.

Conclusion

These Gluten-Free Dinner Rolls are a delicious and easy-to-make bread option for anyone following a gluten-free diet. With a soft, buttery texture and golden, flaky top, they’ll quickly become a favorite on your dinner table. Plus, they’re versatile enough to pair with any meal, from casual weeknight dinners to holiday spreads. Whether you’re new to gluten-free baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to impress.