As Thanksgiving approaches, the anticipation of a scrumptious feast filled with traditional delights is in the air. While the turkey takes center stage, it’s the often-overlooked side dishes that can truly elevate the dining experience. One such hidden gem is the homemade Thanksgiving rolls – soft, pillowy, and infused with the warmth of freshly baked goodness. In this article, we’ll explore the joy of baking these rolls from scratch and share a delightful recipe for you to try.
The Art of Baking: A Therapeutic Prelude
Baking has a magical way of bringing people together, and the process of making homemade Thanksgiving rolls is no exception. The journey begins with the careful combination of simple yet essential ingredients. The alchemy of yeast, sugar, milk, and flour creates a dough that will transform into golden, fluffy rolls that are impossible to resist.
A Symphony of Flavors: The Ingredients
Before embarking on this culinary adventure, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 1/4 teaspoons dry active yeast
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (plus an extra tablespoon for the yeast)
- 1 large egg (at room temperature)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted, divided)
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose or bread flour (divided)
- Neutral oil or cooking spray (for greasing)
- Flaky sea salt
Crafting the Dough: A Symphony of Textures
Begin by warming the milk and activating the yeast, creating a foamy mixture that sets the stage for the dough. The addition of egg, salt, butter, and sugar further enriches the mixture. Slowly incorporate the flour, allowing the dough to come together in a mesmerizing dance within the stand mixer. The result is a smooth, elastic dough ready to rise and fulfill its destiny as delectable rolls.
The Rise and Shine: Letting the Dough Flourish
After the initial rise, the dough is divided into individual pieces and shaped into round balls. Placed in a baking pan, covered, and left to rise once more, the rolls undergo a transformation, puffing up to perfection. This second rise is a crucial step, imparting an airy lightness that defines a perfect dinner roll.
Into the Oven: Aromas Fill the Air
As the rolls gracefully rise, the anticipation builds. Preheat the oven and bake until the tops achieve a golden brown hue, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. The careful rotation and occasional foil tenting ensure an even bake, resulting in a tray of heavenly goodness.
The Final Touch: Butter and Sea Salt Elegance
No Thanksgiving roll is complete without a finishing touch. A brush of melted butter and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt elevate the rolls, adding a touch of richness and a hint of savory indulgence. These final steps turn a humble roll into a centerpiece-worthy delight.
Conclusion: A Thanksgiving Tradition Worth Embracing
As you gather with loved ones this Thanksgiving, consider adding the charm of homemade rolls to your feast. The process of crafting these delectable treats is a labor of love, and the reward is a tray of rolls that will undoubtedly steal the show. Share the joy of breaking bread with those around you, and let the aroma of freshly baked Thanksgiving rolls become a cherished part of your holiday traditions.
Thanksgiving rolls
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- small heatproof bowl
- stand mixer
- 13"-by-9" baking pan
Ingredients
- 1 c whole milk
- 2 1/4 tsp dry active yeast (from a 1 1/4-oz. packet)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar, divided
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted, divided
- 3 1/4 c all-purpose or bread flour, divided
- Neutral oil or cooking spray, for greasing
- Flaky sea salt
Instructions
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, heat the milk in 30-second intervals until it reaches 110°F, or feels warm to the touch. Pour the warm milk into the bowl of a stand mixer with the dough hook attached.
- Add the yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar to the milk and whisk together. Let it rest for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes foamy.
- Once foamy, add the egg, salt, 4 tablespoons of butter, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar. Beat the mixture on medium speed for about 30 seconds until well combined.
- Add 1 cup of flour and continue beating on medium speed for another 30 seconds until everything is incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add the remaining 2 1/4 cups of flour and beat on medium speed for about 1 minute, until the dough starts to come together and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Continue beating for another 3 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- Lightly grease a large bowl with oil. Place the dough into the bowl, turning it to coat with the oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Grease a 13x9-inch baking pan with oil or cooking spray. Punch down the dough to release air. Divide it into 12 equal pieces (about 70 grams each), shaping each piece into a smooth ball. Arrange the dough balls in the prepared pan.
- Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a towel and allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, until puffed up.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and arrange a rack in the lower third of the oven. Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through. If the rolls brown too quickly, cover them with foil.
- Once golden brown, remove the rolls from the oven and brush them with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle with sea salt before serving.
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