Texas Roadhouse Rolls

If you’ve ever dined at Texas Roadhouse, you know that their buttery, soft rolls are nothing short of legendary. These rolls are the perfect combination of fluffy, slightly sweet, and buttery goodness that make them an irresistible side to any meal. The best part? You can make them right at home with just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience. Whether you’re new to bread baking or an experienced home baker, this recipe is straightforward and yields rolls that are as close to the restaurant version as you can get. Let’s dive into what makes these rolls so special and how you can recreate them in your kitchen.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Texas Roadhouse Rolls are beloved for their tender crumb and slightly sweet flavor, enriched with honey and butter. What sets this recipe apart is its perfect balance of sweetness and buttery richness, complemented by a soft, pillowy texture that melts in your mouth. Plus, they are incredibly versatile—perfect for accompanying dinner, making sliders, or as a treat with some honey butter spread on top.

Making these rolls from scratch means you get fresh, warm bread whenever you want, without needing to run to the store. The recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have, and with a bit of yeast magic, you’ll have restaurant-quality rolls that impress every time. This recipe is also forgiving, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.

Ingredients

• 1 ¼ cups (300ml) milk, warm but not hot
• 2 tablespoons (28g) melted unsalted butter, divided
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• ¼ cup (6 oz, 85g) honey
• 2 teaspoons instant dry yeast
• 5 ½ cups (660g) all-purpose flour (4 cups plus an additional 1.5 cups)
• ½ teaspoon salt

How To Make Texas Roadhouse Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture

Start by warming your milk to about 110°F (43°C). It should feel warm to the touch but not hot, as too much heat can kill the yeast. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk with the honey and 1 tablespoon of the melted butter. Stir to dissolve the honey. Sprinkle the instant dry yeast over the liquid and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This activation step ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Once the yeast mixture is bubbly, add in the egg and the salt. Mix well to combine. Gradually add the flour, about a cup at a time, mixing after each addition. The dough should start to come together but still be a bit sticky. Add the additional 1.5 cups of flour slowly, stopping when the dough is smooth, elastic, and just slightly tacky to the touch. You can use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook or mix by hand.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

If kneading by hand, turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until elastic and smooth. If using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed for about 5-6 minutes. The dough should spring back when poked lightly.

Step 4: First Rise

Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl, turning once so the top is greasy. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces (about 2 ounces each). Shape each piece into a smooth ball by tucking the edges underneath and pinching the seams.

Step 6: Second Rise

Place the shaped rolls onto a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Brush the tops with the remaining melted butter. Cover the rolls loosely with a towel or plastic wrap and let rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 15-18 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the rolls sound hollow when tapped. As soon as you remove them from the oven, brush the tops with a little more melted butter for that signature shine and extra richness.

Step 8: Enjoy

Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving. These rolls are best enjoyed warm, slathered with butter or honey butter for an extra indulgent touch.

Expert Tips

• Milk temperature: Make sure your milk is warm, not hot. Around 110°F is perfect to activate the yeast without killing it.
• Flour measurement: Flour amounts can vary depending on humidity. Add flour gradually and trust your dough’s texture rather than just the measurement.
• Don’t over-knead: Knead just enough to develop gluten. Over-kneading can make rolls tough rather than soft.
• Proofing environment: A warm, draft-free area helps the dough rise properly. If your kitchen is cold, try placing the dough in an oven with just the light on.
• Brush with butter: Brushing the rolls with melted butter before and after baking gives them that signature soft crust and rich flavor.
• Storage tip: Wrap leftover rolls in foil or plastic wrap to keep them soft and fresh.

Variations and Customizations

• Honey Butter: Mix softened butter with honey and a pinch of salt for a delicious spread to serve with the rolls.
• Garlic Rolls: Add a teaspoon of garlic powder to the dough or brush with garlic butter after baking.
• Herb-Infused: Add fresh chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough or sprinkle on top before baking.
• Whole Wheat Option: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.
• Cheese Rolls: Fold shredded cheddar or parmesan into the dough for a cheesy twist.

How to Store Leftovers

To keep your Texas Roadhouse Rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, wrapping them tightly in foil and freezing is a great option. When you’re ready to eat, thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes to refresh their softness. Avoid storing bread in the refrigerator, as it tends to dry out the rolls faster.

FAQ

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant dry yeast?

Yes! If using active dry yeast, dissolve it in the warm milk and honey mixture and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy before mixing with the other ingredients. Instant yeast can be mixed directly with the flour.

How do I know if my rolls are fully baked?

The rolls should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use an instant-read thermometer; fully baked rolls will register around 190°F (88°C) internally.

Can I make these rolls dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the milk with your favorite plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative to keep the rich flavor and texture.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. This slow fermentation will enhance the flavor. Just make sure to bring the dough to room temperature and allow it to finish its rise before baking.

Conclusion

Texas Roadhouse Rolls are truly a crowd-pleaser, bringing that iconic soft, buttery, and slightly sweet bread right to your home kitchen. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have warm, pillowy rolls that perfectly complement any meal. Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner, holiday feast, or just because, these rolls are sure to become a favorite. Don’t forget to try some variations to make them your own, and enjoy the process of baking this comforting bread from scratch. Happy baking!