Soft, fluffy, and utterly irresistible, Easy Big Fat Yeast Rolls are the kind of homemade comfort food that warms the heart and fills the home with the most delightful aroma. These golden rolls are pillowy on the inside with a perfectly light crust, making them a must-try for any bread lover. Whether you’re new to baking or already a kitchen pro, this recipe promises amazing results without fuss. Plus, who doesn’t love the satisfaction of pulling apart a freshly baked roll?
Fun fact: this classic roll recipe has roots in traditional dinner rolls served in southern homes, and they’ve stood the test of time for one good reason—they’re just that good. Think of them as the cozy cousin of our fan-favorite Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls—equally inviting but with a simpler, back-to-basics vibe. So get your apron on and prepare to fall in love with baking all over again!
What is Easy Big Fat Yeast Rolls?
What’s with the name “Big Fat Yeast Rolls,” you ask? Well, it’s exactly what it sounds like—big, fluffy, and loaded with that irresistible homemade goodness! These rolls puff up beautifully in the oven thanks to the yeast, creating soft clouds of deliciousness. And yes, they’re fat in the best possible way—plump, tender, and just begging for a pat of butter.
Legend has it, someone’s grandma once declared, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” just as she pulled a tray of these rolls out of the oven. Who could argue with that? So go on, give them a whirl—you’ve got nothing to lose and a whole lot of fluffy goodness to gain!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a bread recipe that delivers on both taste and simplicity, this is it. First off, the highlight: these rolls are ultra-soft and fluffy with just the right touch of sweetness, making them perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They’re basically little clouds of joy.
Secondly, they’re a budget-friendly way to enjoy bakery-style rolls at home. Why buy pricey store-bought buns when you can whip these up with pantry staples? The ingredients are simple, the process is satisfying, and the results are delicious.
Finally, the flavor! That mild, slightly sweet taste makes these rolls a blank canvas for all your favorite toppings—think melted butter, honey, or even a swipe of jam. They’re also ideal for sopping up soups and sauces, much like our savory Cheese-Stuffed Dinner Rolls.
Give them a go, and don’t be surprised if they become your new breadbasket staple!
How to Make Easy Big Fat Yeast Rolls
Quick Overview
This recipe is a dream come true for anyone who loves soft, home-baked bread but doesn’t want to spend all day in the kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of rising time, you’ll have warm, delicious rolls on the table in about two hours. Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend brunches!
Ingredients:
- 500 g flour
- 50 g sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 10 cl of oil
- 25 cl milk
- 1 egg
- 1 packet of baker’s yeast (or 20 g of fresh yeast)
Step-by-Step:
- In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients: flour, sugar, salt, oil, milk, egg, and yeast.
- Knead the dough well until it pulls away from the sides of the bowl and becomes smooth and elastic.
- Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and place a small blanket over it. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Once risen, punch down the dough to release the air (this is called degassing).
- Divide the dough into rolls of approximately 60 g each. Shape them as desired.
- Place the rolls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and let them rest for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Brush the tops of the rolls with egg yolk for a shiny finish.
- Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving—or tear in immediately and enjoy the warmth!
What to Serve Easy Big Fat Yeast Rolls With:
These rolls are incredibly versatile! Serve them warm with butter at breakfast, alongside a hearty soup or stew at lunch, or as a dinner side with roasted meats and veggies. They’re also perfect for mopping up gravies or stuffing with sandwich fillings like pulled pork or turkey. Pair them with a glass of iced tea or a comforting hot chocolate for a cozy meal.
Top Tips for Perfecting Easy Big Fat Yeast Rolls
- Use warm milk (not hot!) to activate the yeast properly and help the dough rise faster.
- Knead thoroughly until the dough is smooth—this develops the gluten for that perfect texture.
- Don’t skip the second rise, as it gives the rolls their soft and fluffy structure.
- For extra flavor, mix in a touch of garlic powder or herbs into the dough.
- Avoid overbaking, or they may turn dry. Keep an eye on the oven during the last few minutes.
Storing and Reheating Tips
To store, place the rolls in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in foil. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped and pop them in a freezer bag—they’ll last up to 3 months.
To reheat, warm them in a 160°C (320°F) oven for 5-10 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds with a damp paper towel to restore moisture.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of fresh or active dry? Yes! Just use 1 packet (about 7 g) of instant yeast and skip the proofing step.
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely. After the first rise, punch it down and store in the fridge overnight. Bring to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Can I add fillings like cheese or herbs? Definitely! Get creative—fold in your favorite ingredients before shaping the rolls.
Conclusion
There you have it—Easy Big Fat Yeast Rolls that are just as fun to make as they are to eat. Perfectly fluffy, lightly sweet, and endlessly versatile, these rolls will quickly earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. Whether for everyday meals or special occasions, they bring a warm, homemade touch to any table. So why wait? Give them a try today and let the deliciousness speak for itself.
Ingredients
- 500 g flour
- 50 g sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 10 cl of oil
- 25 cl milk
- 1 egg
- 1 packet of baker’s yeast (or 20 g fresh yeast)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, oil, milk, egg, and yeast.
- Knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
- Cover the bowl with a towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough to release air and divide into rolls (about 60 g each).
- Shape and place rolls on a parchment-lined baking tray.
- Let rolls rise again for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Brush tops with egg yolk for shine.
- Bake 10–15 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool slightly and serve warm.
Notes
Use warm milk (not hot) for better yeast activation. Rolls can be frozen and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Easy Big Fat Yeast Rolls
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Tray
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 500 g Flour
- 50 g Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 10 cl Oil
- 25 cl Milk Use warm milk for better yeast activation.
- 1 whole Egg For brushing on top for shine.
- 1 packet Baker's Yeast Or 20 g of fresh yeast.
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, oil, milk, egg, and yeast.
- Knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
- Cover the bowl with a towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough to release air and divide into rolls (about 60 g each).
- Shape and place rolls on a parchment-lined baking tray.
- Let rolls rise again for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Brush tops with egg yolk for shine.
- Bake for 10–15 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool slightly and serve warm.