Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, enjoy good food, and create memories. While the turkey and stuffing often steal the spotlight, there’s something magical about a warm, freshly baked roll. These Thanksgiving Herb-Infused Dinner Rolls are a perfect addition to your holiday spread. Soft, buttery, and delicately infused with fresh herbs, they are ideal for sopping up gravy or simply enjoying with a pat of butter. This guide will walk you through every step to ensure you bake the best herb-infused dinner rolls for your Thanksgiving table.
What Are Thanksgiving Herb-Infused Dinner Rolls?
These dinner rolls are a savory, aromatic bread option, designed to complement the rich and hearty flavors of a Thanksgiving meal. Unlike traditional rolls, these feature a delightful blend of fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley, giving them a fragrant and flavorful twist. The buttery texture and slightly crisp top make them the perfect accompaniment to your Thanksgiving feast. They are easy to prepare and elevate any meal, from turkey to gravy, and even soups like butternut squash.
The Origin of Thanksgiving Herb-Infused Dinner Rolls
While rolls themselves have been a staple in many cultures for centuries, the concept of herb-infused bread is something that has gained popularity in recent decades. By incorporating fresh herbs into traditional bread dough, bakers have added complexity and flavor, creating a perfect balance of lightness and richness. These herb-infused rolls were likely influenced by the rustic breads of Europe, where fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme are commonly used in baking.
For Thanksgiving, this recipe was developed to offer a unique twist on classic dinner rolls, turning them into something special that pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the holiday feast.
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Herb-Infused Dinner Rolls
To make about 12–15 rolls, gather the following ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (or use 1½ tsp dried mixed herbs)
For Brushing:
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- Extra chopped herbs for garnish
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method
1. Activate the Yeast
To begin, activate the yeast by combining the warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Whisk them together and let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step is crucial because it wakes up the yeast and ensures your dough rises properly.
2. Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer), combine the flour and salt. Add in the activated yeast mixture, egg, softened butter, and freshly chopped herbs (rosemary, thyme, and parsley). Stir the mixture until it forms a soft dough. The dough should be slightly tacky to the touch, but not sticky. If it feels too sticky, you can gradually add more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.
3. Knead the Dough
Next, knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes in a stand mixer with a dough hook. Kneading is important to develop the gluten, which gives the dough its elasticity and texture. The dough should feel smooth and elastic when ready. If the dough sticks to your hands or the counter, sprinkle a little flour to make kneading easier.
4. First Rise
Once kneaded, place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 1–1½ hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
5. Shape the Rolls
After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 12–15 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and arrange them in a greased 9×13″ baking dish or on a lined sheet pan. The rolls should be close together, as they will rise further during the second proofing.
6. Second Rise
Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise again for about 30–45 minutes, or until puffy and nearly doubled in size.
7. Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 15–18 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. The rolls should have a soft, pillowy interior with a slightly crispy top.
8. Herb Butter Glaze
While the rolls are still warm, brush them generously with melted butter mixed with garlic powder and extra herbs. This glaze will infuse the rolls with more flavor and create a beautiful, glossy finish. Let the rolls sit for 5 minutes before serving so that the butter has time to soak in.
Variations of Thanksgiving Herb-Infused Dinner Rolls
While this recipe is delicious on its own, there are many ways to personalize these herb-infused dinner rolls:
1. Cheesy Herb Rolls
For a cheesy version, add grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese to the dough before mixing. This will give the rolls a rich, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with Thanksgiving turkey and stuffing.
2. Garlic and Rosemary Rolls
For an even more intense flavor, increase the garlic powder in the herb butter glaze or incorporate fresh garlic into the dough along with the herbs.
3. Gluten-Free Herb Rolls
To make these rolls gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure you use certified gluten-free yeast and follow the same instructions.
FAQs About Thanksgiving Herb-Infused Dinner Rolls
1. Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time, shape the rolls, and refrigerate them overnight. The next day, let them rise for about 30 minutes before baking.
2. Can I freeze the rolls?
Yes, these rolls freeze well. After baking, allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.
3. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute dried herbs for fresh. Use about 1½ teaspoons of dried rosemary, thyme, and parsley in place of the fresh herbs. The flavor may be slightly less intense, but it will still be delicious.
4. What can I serve these rolls with?
These herb-infused rolls are perfect for Thanksgiving dinner, especially paired with turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, and butternut squash soup. Leftover rolls can be sliced and used for mini turkey sandwiches the next day.
Conclusion: Thanksgiving Herb-Infused Dinner Rolls
These Thanksgiving Herb-Infused Dinner Rolls are a wonderful addition to your holiday table. With their soft, buttery texture and fragrant blend of fresh herbs, they perfectly complement the richness of a Thanksgiving feast. Whether you’re using them to soak up gravy, pairing them with turkey, or enjoying them with a warm pat of butter, these rolls will be a hit with your family and friends. By following this step-by-step guide, you can create rolls that are both beautiful and delicious, elevating your Thanksgiving meal to the next level. Happy baking!
Thanksgiving Herb-Infused Dinner Rolls Recipe: A Warm and Flavorful Addition to Your Feast
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including rising time)
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These dinner rolls are a savory, aromatic bread option, designed to complement the rich and hearty flavors of a Thanksgiving meal. Unlike traditional rolls, these feature a delightful blend of fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley, giving them a fragrant and flavorful twist. The buttery texture and slightly crisp top make them the perfect accompaniment to your Thanksgiving feast. They are easy to prepare and elevate any meal, from turkey to gravy, and even soups like butternut squash.
Ingredients
For the Dough
1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
2¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
3 tbsp granulated sugar
3½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
1 tsp salt
1 large egg, room temperature
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (or use 1½ tsp dried mixed herbs)
For Brushing
3 tbsp melted butter
½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
Extra chopped herbs for garnish
Instructions
In a small bowl, whisk warm milk, sugar, and yeast.
Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
In a large bowl (or stand mixer), mix flour and salt.
Add yeast mixture, egg, butter, and herbs.
Mix until a soft dough forms — it should be slightly tacky but not sticky.
Knead for 8–10 minutes (or 5 in mixer with dough hook) until smooth and elastic.
If too sticky, add flour 1 tbsp at a time.
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Punch down dough and divide into 12–15 equal pieces.
Shape each into a smooth ball and arrange in a greased 9×13″ baking dish or on a lined sheet pan.
Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes, until puffy and nearly doubled again.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake for 15–18 minutes, until golden brown on top.
While warm, brush generously with melted butter mixed with garlic powder and extra herbs.
Let sit for 5 minutes before serving to soak in the flavor.
Notes
These Thanksgiving Herb-Infused Dinner Rolls are soft, buttery, and packed with aromatic herbs—perfect alongside roasted turkey or your favorite holiday sides. Brush with melted butter before serving for an extra golden, flavorful touch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 160
Keywords: Thanksgiving Herb-Infused Dinner Rolls
