Soft and Fluffy Gluten-Free Dinner Rolls
Learn how to make perfect Soft and Fluffy Gluten-Free Dinner Rolls, and delicious. Easy recipe with simple ingredients for any meal or holiday table!
You know what always made me nervous at family gatherings? The bread basket. There’s something about watching everyone tear into warm, pillowy dinner rolls while you’re left wondering if there’s anything safe for you to eat. But here’s the thing—gluten-free dinner rolls can be just as soft, buttery, and irresistible as their wheat-based cousins, and I’m here to prove it.
This recipe for gluten-free dinner rolls changed everything for me. They’re golden on top, tender inside, and pull apart with that satisfying little stretch you’d expect from any great dinner roll. Whether you’re planning Thanksgiving dinner or just want something special for Tuesday night pasta, these rolls deliver every single time.
The best part? You don’t need any fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. With a simple gluten-free flour blend, a bit of yeast magic, and about an hour of rise time, you’ll have a basket of warm rolls that’ll make everyone at your table happy—gluten-free or not.
Table of Contents
Soft and Fluffy Gluten-Free Dinner Rolls
Equipment
- Electric mixer
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Kitchen thermometer
- Ice cream scoop
- Small spatula
- Kitchen towel
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cup gluten-free flour all-purpose blend
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- ¼ cup unsalted butter softened (dairy-free works too)
- 1 ¼ cup milk at room temperature (any milk works)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
For Brushing
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
Instructions
- In the mixing bowl of your electric mixer, combine your gluten-free flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Give everything a quick whisk to distribute the yeast evenly throughout the flour—this helps your gf dinner rolls rise beautifully and consistently.
- Warm your milk to exactly 45°C (115°F) using a kitchen thermometer. This temperature is crucial because milk that’s too hot will kill the yeast, and milk that’s too cool won’t activate it properly. Add the warmed milk along with the softened butter, room-temperature eggs, and apple cider vinegar to your flour mixture, then mix until you have a smooth, thick batter.
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan generously with butter or cooking spray. You can also use two 9-inch square pans, round cake pans, a cast-iron skillet, or even a lined baking sheet if that’s what you have on hand.
- Using an ice cream scoop sprayed with gluten-free cooking spray, portion the dough into equal-sized balls and place them in your prepared pan. Use a small offset spatula dipped in water to gently smooth the tops of each roll—this creates that beautiful, even surface that’ll turn golden brown in the oven.
- Drape a clean kitchen towel over your pan and set it in a warm spot for 1 hour. The rolls should puff up noticeably and look soft and pillowy.
- Position your oven rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat to 350°F (177°C). Baking these gluten-free soft dinner rolls on a lower rack prevents the tops from browning too quickly while the centers finish cooking.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the tops turn a gorgeous golden brown. The rolls should sound slightly hollow when tapped, and an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center should read around 190°F.
- The moment they come out of the oven, brush the tops generously with melted butter for that classic shiny finish and extra flavor. Let them cool for just a few minutes before pulling them apart. Cover any leftover rolls tightly and store at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Notes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free flour | 3 cups | All-purpose GF blend works best |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | |
| Instant yeast | 2 teaspoons | |
| Eggs | 2 large | Room temperature |
| Unsalted butter | ¼ cup | Softened (dairy-free works too) |
| Milk | 1¼ cups | Room temperature (any milk works) |
| Sugar | 2 tablespoons | |
| Apple cider vinegar | 1 teaspoon | Or lemon juice |
For brushing:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
Step 1: In the mixing bowl of your electric mixer, combine your gluten-free flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Give everything a quick whisk to distribute the yeast evenly throughout the flour—this helps your gf dinner rolls rise beautifully and consistently.
Step 2: Warm your milk to exactly 45°C (115°F) using a kitchen thermometer. This temperature is crucial because milk that’s too hot will kill the yeast, and milk that’s too cool won’t activate it properly. Add the warmed milk along with the softened butter, room-temperature eggs, and apple cider vinegar to your flour mixture, then mix until you have a smooth, thick batter.
Step 3: Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan generously with butter or cooking spray. You can also use two 9-inch square pans, round cake pans, a cast-iron skillet, or even a lined baking sheet if that’s what you have on hand.
Step 4: Using an ice cream scoop sprayed with gluten-free cooking spray, portion the dough into equal-sized balls and place them in your prepared pan. Use a small offset spatula dipped in water to gently smooth the tops of each roll—this creates that beautiful, even surface that’ll turn golden brown in the oven.
Step 5: Drape a clean kitchen towel over your pan and set it in a warm spot for 1 hour. The rolls should puff up noticeably and look soft and pillowy. Well… if your kitchen is chilly, try placing the pan near (not on!) a warm stovetop or in an oven with just the light on.
Step 6: Position your oven rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat to 350°F (177°C). Baking these gluten-free soft dinner rolls on a lower rack prevents the tops from browning too quickly while the centers finish cooking.
Step 7: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the tops turn a gorgeous golden brown. The rolls should sound slightly hollow when tapped, and an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center should read around 190°F.
Step 8: The moment they come out of the oven, brush the tops generously with melted butter for that classic shiny finish and extra flavor. Let them cool for just a few minutes before pulling them apart—the hardest part is waiting! Cover any leftover rolls tightly and store at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Options: These gluten free dairy free dinner rolls are incredibly easy to make. Simply swap the butter for your favorite dairy-free spread (I love using Earth Balance), and use unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or any plant-based milk you prefer. The texture stays just as tender and delicious.
Egg Substitutes: If you need an egg-free version, you can try using flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water, left to thicken for 5 minutes). Keep in mind this may affect the rise slightly, but you’ll still get tasty rolls. Some readers have had success with commercial egg replacers designed for baking as well.
Flour Blends: The best results come from a quality all-purpose gluten-free flour blend that already contains xanthan gum. King Arthur Measure for Measure and Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 both work beautifully for these gluten-free dinner rolls. According to trusted gluten-free baking research, blends with a combination of rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch create the most bread-like texture.
Vinegar Options: Don’t have apple cider vinegar? Lemon juice works just as well and adds the same subtle tang that helps activate the yeast and create a better rise in gluten-free baking.
Troubleshooting
Rolls didn’t rise: Make sure your yeast hasn’t expired—check the date on the package. Also verify that your milk wasn’t too hot (above 120°F will kill the yeast) or too cold (below 100°F won’t activate it properly). Your kitchen temperature matters too; if it’s particularly cold, the rising time may need to extend beyond an hour.
Dense or gummy texture: This usually means the rolls needed a few more minutes in the oven. Gluten-free baked goods can look done on the outside while still being underbaked inside. Use an instant-read thermometer and aim for an internal temperature of 190°F to ensure they’re fully cooked through.
Tops browning too fast: Move your oven rack lower and consider tenting the rolls loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking. Every oven runs a bit differently, so getting to know yours helps you nail these gf dinner rolls easy every time.
Dough seems too thick or thin: Gluten-free flour blends can vary in absorption. If your dough looks more like cookie dough than thick pancake batter, add milk one tablespoon at a time until it’s scoopable but not runny. Man, oh man, getting the consistency right makes all the difference!
Storage & Meal Prep
Store your gluten-free soft dinner rolls in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay soft and fresh, especially if you tuck a small piece of bread or a paper towel in the container to absorb any excess moisture.
For longer storage, these rolls freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely, wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes—they’ll taste freshly baked.
Serving Suggestions
These rolls are perfect alongside just about anything. Serve them warm with softened butter at holiday dinners, pair them with your favorite soup or chili, or use them as slider buns for pulled pork or chicken. They’re as light and fluffy as a cloud, making them ideal for soaking up gravy, sauces, or that last bit of pasta sauce on your plate.
Try them with my creamy avocado feta dip for an appetizer spread, or place one alongside slow cooker BBQ meatballs for a crowd-pleasing meal. They’re also wonderful for making mini sandwiches for kids’ lunches—no one will guess they’re gluten-free.
Variations
Garlic Herb Rolls: Mix 2 teaspoons of garlic powder and 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning into your dry ingredients before adding the wet ingredients. Brush the tops with garlic butter (melted butter mixed with minced garlic and fresh parsley) right after baking for an extra flavor boost.
Sweet Honey Rolls: Increase the sugar to ¼ cup and add 2 tablespoons of honey to the wet ingredients. These make a slightly sweeter roll that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch, especially when served with jam or honey butter.
Whole Grain Version: Replace 1 cup of the all-purpose gluten-free flour with a gluten-free whole grain flour blend for added nutrition and a nuttier flavor. You may need to add an extra tablespoon or two of milk since whole grain flours absorb more liquid.
Kid-Friendly Mini Rolls: Use a smaller cookie scoop to make 18-20 mini rolls instead of 12 regular ones. Reduce baking time to 18-22 minutes and watch them carefully. Kids absolutely love having their own individual rolls, and they’re perfect for little hands.
Soft and Fluffy Gluten-Free Dinner Rolls FAQs
Can yeast rolls be made with gluten-free flour?
Absolutely! Gluten-free dinner rolls made with yeast turn out beautifully soft and fluffy when you use the right techniques. The key is using a quality all-purpose gluten-free flour blend, giving the dough time to rise properly, and baking at the correct temperature. These rolls prove that gluten-free baking can be just as successful as traditional baking.
What flour is best for gluten-free bread?
An all-purpose gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum or guar gum works best for these rolls. Popular options include King Arthur Measure for Measure, Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1, and Cup4Cup. According to expert gluten-free flour guidance, blends that combine multiple flours and starches create better texture and structure than single-ingredient flours.
Do rolls have gluten?
Traditional dinner rolls made with wheat flour contain gluten, but these gluten-free soft dinner rolls are completely safe for anyone avoiding gluten. They’re made with certified gluten-free flour blends and contain no wheat, barley, or rye. Always check that your specific flour blend is certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
Which breads contain no gluten?
Breads made specifically with gluten-free flours (like rice flour, almond flour, tapioca starch, or potato starch) are naturally gluten-free. This includes gluten-free dinner rolls, sandwich breads, pizza crusts, and flatbreads made with certified gluten-free ingredients. Just make sure all ingredients, including your flour blend and yeast, are labeled gluten-free to ensure safety.
Is yeast okay for gluten-free diets?
Yes, yeast is naturally gluten-free! Both active dry yeast and instant yeast are safe for gluten-free baking and essential for creating that wonderful rise in these gf dinner rolls easy recipe. Just double-check the packaging to ensure there’s no cross-contamination during processing—most major brands like Red Star and Fleischmann’s are certified gluten-free.
How do I know when my gluten-free dinner rolls are fully baked?
The tops should be golden brown, and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read around 190°F. You can also gently press the top of a roll—it should spring back lightly rather than leave an indentation. If you’re unsure, an extra few minutes in the oven is better than underbaking.
These gluten-free dinner rolls have become a staple at my table, and I hope they become one at yours too. There’s something special about pulling apart a warm, buttery roll that you made yourself—especially when you know it’s completely safe and delicious for your gluten-free lifestyle. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday feast or a regular weeknight dinner, they’ll bring comfort and joy to any meal.
For more gluten-free comfort food favorites, check out my favorite gluten-free cookie recipes that are perfect for dessert after serving these rolls!
