Name: French Bread Dinner Rolls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-488010H58M56S
Total time: PT-488010H58M56S
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 cup warm water (under 110°F); 1 teaspoon active dry yeast; 1/2 teaspoon honey; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt

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French bread dinner rolls are soft, chewy, and irresistibly golden on the outside with a tender interior. These bakery-style rolls are perfect for holiday meals, weeknight dinners, or even as the base for mini sandwiches. With a few simple ingredients and some patient rising time, you can create homemade rolls that taste better than anything from the store.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic French bread texture with a crispy crust and soft center
Simple ingredients you likely already have on hand
Make-ahead friendly with overnight refrigeration
Perfect for serving with soups, roasts, or holiday feasts
Versatile enough to enjoy as dinner rolls, sandwich buns, or snack rolls

Ingredients

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

1 cup warm water (under 110°F)
1 teaspoon active dry yeast
1/2 teaspoon honey
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt

Directions

In a mixer bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and honey. Let sit for 8 minutes until foamy.
Add flour and salt, then knead with a dough hook on medium speed for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and pulling away from the sides.
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 45 minutes.
Fold each side of the dough over itself to form a square. Cover and let rise another 45 minutes. Repeat the folding once more, then let rise 30–45 minutes until doubled in size.
Grease two 8–9 inch round cake pans or one 9×13 pan.
Divide dough in half, then each half into 5 pieces (10 rolls total). Shape into smooth balls, tucking edges underneath. Place seam-side down in pans. Cover.
Refrigerate shaped rolls for at least 4 hours or up to 2 days.
Preheat oven to 500°F. Remove rolls from the fridge and let rise until doubled.
Mist with water before baking. Bake at 500°F for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 400°F and bake 10–15 minutes more, until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.
Cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 10 rolls.
Prep time: 20 minutes (plus rising)
Rising time: About 2.5 hours + refrigeration
Cook time: 20–25 minutes
Total time: About 3 hours active + resting

Variations

Brush with garlic butter before serving for a savory twist.
Sprinkle sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or coarse salt on top before baking.
Shape into baguette-style loaves instead of rolls.
Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for extra flavor.
Use whole wheat flour for a slightly denser, nutty roll.

storage/reheating

Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freeze baked rolls for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature.
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or in the microwave for 20 seconds.

FAQs

Why do I need to refrigerate the rolls before baking?

The slow rise in the fridge deepens the flavor and improves texture.

Can I skip the water misting step?

Misting helps create a crisp, golden crust. Skipping it will make the crust softer.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, use the same amount and skip the proofing step.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

You can knead by hand for 10–12 minutes until smooth.

Can I make smaller rolls?

Yes, divide into 12–15 pieces and reduce baking time slightly.

How do I know when the rolls are baked through?

They should sound hollow when tapped on top and be deep golden brown.

Can I add butter to the dough?

Yes, adding 1–2 tablespoons of softened butter will make them richer.

Why does the recipe call for folding the dough multiple times?

Folding realigns the gluten and creates a chewier texture.

Can I bake these straight after shaping instead of refrigerating?

Yes, but the flavor won’t be as complex as with a cold rise.

What should I serve these with?

They’re perfect with soups, stews, roasted meats, or holiday meals.

Conclusion

French bread dinner rolls are the ultimate homemade side, combining a crisp crust with a tender, chewy inside. With simple ingredients and a little patience, you can create bakery-quality rolls right in your kitchen. Whether served warm with butter, alongside a hearty dinner, or as sandwich buns, these rolls are sure to become a family favorite.