There’s something so comforting about homemade bread — the way it fills your kitchen with that warm, yeasty smell and brings everyone to the table a little faster. These Homemade Overnight Dinner Rolls are my go-to when I want fresh, soft rolls without spending all afternoon in the kitchen. The dough is mixed the night before, left to rise slowly in the fridge while you sleep, and baked the next day just before serving.
They’re light, buttery, and perfectly golden — the kind of roll that makes any meal feel special. Whether you’re serving Sunday supper, bringing a dish to a potluck, or hosting Christmas dinner, these rolls are a guaranteed hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Make-ahead convenience: Mix the dough in the evening and bake the next day.
- Soft and fluffy: The slow overnight rise creates the best texture and flavor.
- Versatile: Perfect alongside soup, roast dinners, or to make sliders with leftovers.
- Crowd-pleasing: This recipe makes plenty — ideal for feeding family or guests.
- Freezer-friendly: Bake and freeze extras to enjoy later.
When to Make These Rolls
These overnight rolls have a place at almost every table, but here are a few times they really shine:
🌟 Christmas Morning
Prep the dough on Christmas Eve, and you’ll have fresh, homemade rolls to serve with breakfast casserole or alongside your holiday feast without extra stress.
🥘 Potlucks & Gatherings
They travel beautifully and reheat well, making them a great contribution to any community meal or church potluck.
🍳 Sunday Brunch
Serve them warm with butter and jam, or make a savory version with breakfast sausage and eggs.
🍖 As a Side Dish
These rolls pair wonderfully with ham, turkey, or roast beef — they’re also perfect for soaking up gravy.
🍳 With Leftovers
Slice them open for mini sandwiches or sliders. They’re especially good the next day with a fried egg and slice of ham.
Tips for Success
- Use warm (not hot) milk and water when proofing your yeast. Too hot and it will kill the yeast; too cool and it won’t activate properly.
- Don’t rush the rise. The overnight rest gives the rolls a better flavor and softer crumb.
- Brush with butter right after baking for that bakery-style golden sheen.
- Freeze baked rolls in an airtight bag. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 300°F oven until soft.
How to Make Overnight Dinner Rolls
You can find the full recipe below, but here’s the quick overview:
- Mix the dough and knead until smooth.
- Let rise for an hour, then shape into rolls.
- Arrange in a greased pan, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight.
- In the morning, let them rest on the counter while the oven preheats.
- Bake until golden, brush with butter, and enjoy warm.
Homemade Overnight Dinner Rolls
Soft, buttery, and easy — perfect for holidays, potlucks, or everyday family dinners.
Ingredients
- 3 cups water
- 1 tbsp active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3 Eggs
- 1/2 cup oil
- 2 tsp salt
- 10 cups flour
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and a pinch of the sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Stir in sugar, oil, egg, and salt. Mix well.
- Add flour one cup at a time, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface OR in the mixer with the dough hook 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise about 3 hours, punching down every half hour.
- Punch down and divide into 24-30 balls. Arrange on greased sheet pans.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap and allow to rest and rise overnight in a cool kitchen.
- In the morning, preheat oven to 350°F.
- Bake 18–22 minutes or until golden brown.
- Brush with melted butter and serve warm.
Storage & Freezing
- To store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- To freeze: Once baked and cooled, freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp or reheat in the oven.
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