Gran’s Dinner Rolls (For a Crowd)

Everyone in our family knows my mom can feed a crowd. With five kids who all grew up and added 14 grandchildren to the mix, she’s had plenty of experience making meals that are not only satisfying but also stretch to feed a house full of hungry people. When our children were young, keeping everyone fed was no small task, and she quickly learned that one of the best ways to fill a tummy was with an incredibly fluffy, buttery dinner roll—warm from the oven and impossible to resist.

These rolls aren’t just a side dish; they’re a staple in our family. They can be used in so many ways—perfect for making all kinds of sliders, from ham and cheese to barbecue pulled pork. The dough itself is also incredibly versatile. You can use it to make bierocks (German stuffed rolls) by filling them with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef and cabbage. And if you want to get ahead on meal prep, these rolls freeze beautifully, so you can always have fresh, homemade bread ready to go whenever you need it.

Whether you’re feeding a large family, prepping for a gathering, or just want a go-to recipe for soft, homemade rolls, this one is for you. I hope it becomes a favorite in your home just like it has in ours!

Gran’s Dinner Rolls (For a Crowd)

Cook Times:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Rise Time: 90 minutes (combined)
• Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 1/2 hours

Ingredients:

• 4 cups warm water
• 4 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons coconut oil
• 2 eggs, beaten (room temperature)
• 1 Tablespoon salt
• 9–10 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

• In a large bowl, combine warm water and active dry yeast.
• Add sugar, eggs, salt, and 3–4 cups of flour. Whisk until well combined and smooth.
• Begin adding flour one cup at a time, stirring after each addition with a large spoon.

Knead the Dough:

• Once you’ve added about 8 cups of flour, start kneading in the rest of the flour.
• Knead until the dough becomes elastic and smooth. It will transition from stiff to soft and pliable.
• If using a stand mixer, knead with a dough hook on low speed for 5–8 minutes.

First Rise:

• Grease a large bowl with olive oil and place the dough inside, turning once to coat.
• Cover and let rise for 45–60 minutes, or until doubled in size and domed.

Shape the Rolls:

• Turn the dough onto a clean surface and divide it into three equal sections.
• Divide each section into 12 pieces, making 36 rolls total.
• Grease three 9×13” baking pans with olive oil.
• Take a piece of dough, place it in your palm, and pull the sides up, pinching them together at the bottom.
• Dip the smooth top in the excess oil in the pan, then place pinched side down in the pan.
• Arrange 4 rows of 3 rolls per pan.
• Once complete, cover rolls and let rise 30-45 minutes until almost doubled.

Bake the Rolls:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.
• Remove from the oven and baste with melted butter.

Enjoy your warm, homemade dinner rolls!

Nutrition Facts (Per Roll):

• Calories: 170
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 3.5g
• Sodium: 290mg
• Sugar: 4g