Buttermilk Rolls
Buttermilk Rolls are a delightful addition to any meal, bringing warmth and comfort to your table. These rolls are soft, fluffy, and infused with a rich buttery flavor that makes them perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or just a cozy dinner at home. Their versatility shines as they pair wonderfully with soups, stews, or even as a stand-alone snack. Plus, the use of buttermilk adds a unique tanginess that sets them apart from regular bread rolls.

Why You’ll Love This Buttermilk Rolls
Buttermilk Rolls are not just any rolls; they have special qualities that make them irresistible.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be enjoying fresh rolls in no time.
- Incredible Flavor: The combination of buttermilk and butter creates a rich taste that elevates every bite.
- Versatile: These rolls can complement any meal, from casual dinners to festive feasts.
- Soft and Fluffy: Each roll is light and airy, making them perfect for sopping up sauces or spreads.
- Homemade Goodness: Baking from scratch brings an unmatched satisfaction and aroma to your kitchen.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making Buttermilk Rolls, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Baking dish
- Plastic wrap
- Oven
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl is essential for combining ingredients thoroughly without spills.
- Whisk: This tool ensures that mixtures are blended evenly, especially when incorporating dry and wet ingredients.
- Baking dish: A good baking dish helps achieve even cooking and browning for those lovely rolls.
Ingredients
For the Rolls:
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for the baking dish
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- One .25-ounce package dry yeast
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt

How to Make Buttermilk Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Buttermilk Mixture
- In a pot, heat the buttermilk, butter, and sugar until simmering.
- Whisk in the baking soda. Let this mixture cool until lukewarm.
- While cooling, combine 1/4 cup lukewarm water with the dry yeast in a bowl; let it stand for 5 minutes.
- Once cooled, whisk the yeast mixture into the buttermilk mixture.
Step 2: Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
- Add the cooled liquid mixture to the flour mix.
- Stir until a soft dough forms; knead gently in the bowl for about 2 minutes until smooth.
- Cover with plastic wrap and let it stand for 30 minutes.
Step 3: Shape and Rise
- Butter a 9-by-13-inch glass baking dish generously.
- Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces; roll each piece into a ball.
- Place the balls in the buttered dish close together; lightly cover with plastic wrap.
- Allow to rise until nearly doubled in size (about 1 1/2 hours).
Step 4: Bake the Rolls
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F.
- Bake the rolls until they are puffed and golden brown (approximately 15 minutes).
- Serve warm alongside your favorite dishes.
Enjoy these delicious Buttermilk Rolls with friends and family—they’re sure to be a hit!
How to Serve Buttermilk Rolls
Buttermilk rolls are a delightful addition to any meal and can be served in various ways. Their soft, fluffy texture makes them perfect for soaking up sauces or enjoying on their own. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
With Soups
- Pair with a hearty vegetable soup for a comforting meal.
- Serve alongside a creamy tomato bisque for a classic combination.
As Sliders
- Use buttermilk rolls as the base for mini burgers or pulled pork sliders.
- Fill them with chicken salad or tuna salad for a light lunch option.
With Dips
- Serve warm rolls with a side of garlic butter for dipping.
- Pair with hummus or spinach dip for a flavorful appetizer.
For Breakfast
- Slice open and spread with butter and jam for a simple breakfast treat.
- Use them to create breakfast sandwiches filled with eggs and cheese.
How to Perfect Buttermilk Rolls
Perfecting buttermilk rolls is all about technique and attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your rolls turn out soft and delicious every time.
- Use fresh yeast: Ensure your yeast is fresh for proper rising and fluffiness.
- Knead properly: Knead the dough until it’s smooth, which helps develop gluten for structure.
- Let it rise: Be patient during the rising process; this step is crucial for fluffy rolls.
- Don’t skip the butter: Butter not only adds flavor but also keeps the rolls moist.
- Check oven temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated to 425°F for even baking.

Best Side Dishes for Buttermilk Rolls
Buttermilk rolls are versatile and pair well with many dishes. Here are some fantastic side dishes that complement their flavor beautifully.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized make a great pairing.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Buttery mashed potatoes are perfect for slathering with warm roll goodness.
- Green Salad: A fresh garden salad provides a nice contrast to the rich, soft rolls.
- Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken adds protein and pairs beautifully with the rolls.
- Macaroni and Cheese: The creaminess of mac and cheese contrasts nicely with fluffy rolls.
- Chili: A bowl of chili is perfect for scooping up with these tasty rolls.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making buttermilk rolls, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final product. Here are some tips to ensure your rolls turn out perfectly.
- Using cold ingredients: Always use lukewarm buttermilk and water. Cold ingredients can prevent the yeast from activating properly, leading to dense rolls.
- Skipping the rest period: Allowing the dough to rise is crucial for fluffy texture. Skipping this step results in hard, flat rolls. Be patient!
- Over-kneading: Knead just enough until the dough is smooth. Over-kneading can lead to tough rolls instead of soft and tender ones.
- Not measuring accurately: Use precise measurements for flour and liquids. Too much flour can dry out the dough, while too little can make it sticky.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Preheat your oven fully before baking. An incorrect temperature can cause uneven baking or burnt bottoms.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover buttermilk rolls in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Instructions
- Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag.
- Buttermilk rolls can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Instructions
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place a roll on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 15-20 seconds. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid. Heat each roll for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making buttermilk rolls, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries answered.
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
You can substitute regular milk by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice per cup of milk. Let it sit for a few minutes to curdle before using it in the recipe.
How do I know when my rolls have risen enough?
Your dough should nearly double in size during the rising process. It should feel puffy and airy when ready.
Can I add herbs or cheese to my buttermilk rolls?
Absolutely! Feel free to add herbs or shredded cheese into the dough for added flavor and variety.
What’s the best way to serve buttermilk rolls?
Serve warm with butter or alongside soups and stews as a comforting side dish.
Final Thoughts
Buttermilk rolls are a delightful addition to any meal, offering warmth and comfort with every bite. Their versatility allows you to customize them with various flavors or toppings according to your taste preferences. Try making these soft, fluffy rolls at home!

Buttermilk Rolls
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
Description
Buttermilk Rolls are a soft and fluffy delight that brings warmth and comfort to your dining table. Infused with rich buttery flavor and a unique tang from buttermilk, these rolls are perfect for family dinners, holiday feasts, or as a stand-alone snack. Their versatility makes them an excellent accompaniment to soups, stews, or just slathered with butter. Easy to make with straightforward steps, Buttermilk Rolls offer homemade goodness that will elevate any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 (0.25-ounce) package dry yeast
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a pot, heat buttermilk, butter, and sugar until simmering. Whisk in baking soda and let cool.
- Combine lukewarm water with yeast in a bowl; let sit for 5 minutes. Mix into the cooled buttermilk mixture.
- In a large bowl, whisk flour and salt together. Add the liquid mixture and stir until a soft dough forms; knead gently for about 2 minutes.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Divide the dough into 12 pieces; shape into balls and place in a greased baking dish. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled (about 1.5 hours).
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake rolls for approximately 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: SIDES
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (60g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg