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Soft Gluten-Free Dinner Rolls

Featured in Fresh-Baked Happiness.

You'll love how soft and pillowy these gluten-free rolls bake up. They're made with a blend of gluten-free flours and activated yeast for easy rising. The buttery top makes each pull-apart roll tender and satisfying. Whether it's for sauces or a quick bite, they're really the perfect side for meals.
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Updated on Tue, 15 Apr 2025 20:54:18 GMT
Soft Gluten-Free Dinner Rolls Pin it
Soft Gluten-Free Dinner Rolls | mecooking.com
After getting hit with celiac disease, my whole family struggled to find decent gluten-free dinner rolls. Everything we tried was awful - too hard, falling apart, or just plain gross. The turning point came when I took a class with Rachel who used to run Gluten Free Mama. Her approach changed everything for us. Rachel let me tweak her amazing recipe that's no longer found online. I'm so glad to share this version with you now. These rolls aren't just something we settle for - they're actually delicious! We make them for every holiday and randomly throughout the month because we love them so much.

My Journey and Breakthrough

Making gluten-free rolls was nothing but headaches before I found this method. We tried so many recipes but ended up with what felt like rocks or sawdust instead of bread. Then Rachel showed me her technique. The way she combined specific gluten-free flours with just the right extra stuff made rolls that taste just like regular ones. You seriously can't tell the difference.

How I Changed the Recipe

What I'm showing you today is my take on Rachel's fantastic method, tweaked so anyone can make awesome gluten-free rolls at home. These aren't just side items - they're the stars of our meals sometimes. They come out super soft inside, taste buttery and rich, and honestly make everyone happy. No more disappointment at bread time!

Where It All Started

Rachel's careful testing is what makes this recipe work so well. She wanted to create something that wouldn't make people miss regular dinner rolls, and she totally nailed it. The secret is both what goes in and exactly how you put it all together.

What You'll Need

  • Quality Flour Mix: 2¾ cups (11½ oz.) of any top-notch gluten-free flour mix. Try Gluten-Free Mama's Almond blend, Authentic Foods Multi-Blend, or something similar that already has xanthan gum added.
  • Gum Helper: 1 1/2 tsp. xanthan gum. Skip this if your flour already includes it.
  • Rising Agent: 2 tsp. SAF instant yeast.
  • Sweetener: 1/4 cup sugar.
  • Flavor Enhancer: 1 tsp. salt.
  • Liquid Base: 1 cup warm water (105-110°F).
  • Fat Component: 2 Tbsp. butter, dairy-free spread, or Spectrum organic shortening.
  • Binding Agent: 1 egg, best if not cold from fridge.
  • Acid Touch: 1 tsp. cider vinegar.

Mix Everything Together

Step 1:
Put all your dry stuff in a big bowl. That means your gluten-free flour, xanthan gum, yeast, sugar, and salt. Give it a good stir so everything gets mixed up evenly.
Step 2:
While your mixer runs slowly, pour in the warm water, melted butter (or whatever fat you're using), egg, and that splash of cider vinegar. Keep mixing until you can't see any dry spots. Then crank up the mixer to medium and let it go for 3 minutes until you've got smooth, well-mixed dough.

Form Your Rolls

Step 1:
Coat an 8" or 9" round cake pan or pie dish with cooking spray.
Step 2:
Grab a 2" scoop or 1/3 cup measure and drop 9 lumps of dough into your pan. Put one right in the middle and arrange the others around it in a circle. Wet your fingers with warm water and smooth the tops of each roll, keeping your fingers damp to stop the dough from sticking.

Let Them Grow

Step 1:
Throw a clean towel over the pan and set it somewhere warm for 45 minutes to an hour. This waiting part can't be rushed - it's what makes your rolls light and fluffy as the yeast does its magic.

Cook Them Up

Step 1:
Get your oven hot at 400°F during the last bit of rising time.
Step 2:
Stick the pan on the middle shelf and bake for about 25-28 minutes. You want the tops to look golden brown and if you have a thermometer, the inside should hit 200°F. Just watch them since every oven cooks a bit differently.

Final Touch

Step 1:
Pull your rolls out when they're done and brush some extra melted butter over the tops - about 1/2 to 1 tablespoon will do. This makes them shiny and adds that last bit of yummy butter flavor that makes everyone grab for seconds.

Soft Baking Dinner Rolls

These gluten-free fluffy rolls are great to share. They bake up soft and golden, great for pairing at dinner.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: Mariana

Category: Breads & Muffins

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 rolls

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1 1/2 cups of warm water (between 100°F and 110°F).
02 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast.
03 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
04 3 1/2 cups of gluten-free all-purpose flour.
05 1 teaspoon of salt.
06 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter.
07 1 egg, large.
08 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum (optional but improves texture).
09 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

Instructions

Step 01

Pour warm water into a big bowl, then stir in the yeast and sugar. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes until it’s bubbly and frothy.

Step 02

In another bowl, mix together the gluten-free flour, salt, and optional xanthan gum.

Step 03

Combine the yeast mixture with the melted butter, egg, and olive oil. Stir until blended.

Step 04

Slowly add the dry mix to the wet mix and stir until it turns into a sticky dough.

Step 05

Work the dough with a dough hook on a stand mixer for about 5 minutes, or knead by hand for roughly 10 minutes, until it feels smooth and stretchy.

Step 06

Put the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and leave it in a warm spot for an hour until it’s doubled in size.

Step 07

Deflate the dough and split it into 12 portions. Roll each into a ball and press down gently into a disk shape.

Step 08

Set the rolls into a greased 9x13-inch dish, spacing them about an inch apart.

Step 09

Lay a clean towel over the rolls and let them rise for 30-45 minutes, just until they puff up a bit.

Step 10

Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 18-20 minutes until golden brown.

Step 11

Take the rolls out of the oven and let them rest in the baking dish for 5 minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Notes

  1. Using gluten-free flour is necessary for anyone avoiding gluten.
  2. Taking the time to activate the yeast and knead properly makes a big difference.
  3. Adding xanthan gum is optional but helps make the rolls hold together better.

Tools You'll Need

  • A large bowl for mixing.
  • A whisk or fork.
  • Stand mixer with a dough hook.
  • Greased bowl for rising dough.
  • 9x13-inch dish for baking.
  • Cooling rack for the rolls.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 150
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~