Buttermilk Rolls
Buttermilk Rolls are a delightful addition to any meal, perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or simply enjoying with butter. These rolls are soft, fluffy, and infused with a rich flavor that only buttermilk can provide. Their unique texture and taste make them an irresistible comfort food option that pairs well with various dishes, from soups to roasted meats.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
- Deliciously Soft: The buttermilk adds moisture and flavor, resulting in rolls that are wonderfully soft and tender.
- Versatile Side Dish: These rolls complement a wide range of meals, from casual weeknight dinners to festive occasions.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Enjoy them the next day by reheating; they stay fresh and delicious.
- Homemade Goodness: There’s nothing quite like the aroma of fresh rolls baking in your oven—it’s pure comfort!
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin making these Buttermilk Rolls, gather your tools. Having everything on hand makes the process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Baking dish (9-by-13-inch)
- Plastic wrap
- Oven
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl gives you enough space to combine your ingredients without making a mess.
- Whisk: This tool is essential for achieving a smooth mixture when combining wet ingredients like buttermilk and yeast.
- Baking dish: A good-quality dish helps ensure even baking of the rolls, contributing to their perfect texture.
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
- Heat the buttermilk, butter, and sugar in a pot until simmering.
- Whisk in the baking soda, then let cool to lukewarm.
- In another bowl, combine 1/4 cup lukewarm water with the dry yeast. Let stand for 5 minutes.
- Whisk the yeast mixture into the cooled buttermilk mixture.
Step 2: Form the Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Add the liquid mixture to the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough in the bowl until it becomes smooth (about 2 minutes).
- Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Step 3: Shape the Rolls
- Butter your 9-by-13-inch glass baking dish.
- Divide the dough into 12 pieces and roll each piece into a ball.
- Place the balls in the buttered dish, arranging them closely together.
- Lightly cover with plastic wrap again and let rise until nearly doubled in size (about 1 1/2 hours).
Step 4: Bake Your Rolls
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F.
- Bake the rolls until they are puffed and golden brown (about 15 minutes).
- Serve warm for maximum enjoyment!
How to Serve Buttermilk Rolls
Buttermilk rolls are versatile and can complement many meals. These soft and fluffy rolls can be served in various ways, making them a perfect addition to any table setting.
As a Side to Soups
- Creamy Tomato Soup: The softness of the rolls pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of tomato soup.
- Chicken Noodle Soup: Enjoy these rolls alongside a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup for comfort on chilly days.
With Salads
- Caesar Salad: The crunchy elements of Caesar salad contrast nicely with the fluffy buttermilk rolls.
- Garden Salad: A light garden salad makes a refreshing accompaniment to these buttery rolls.
For Breakfast
- With Jam or Honey: Spread some jam or drizzle honey over warm rolls for a sweet breakfast treat.
- Served with Eggs: Pair your buttermilk rolls with scrambled eggs or an omelet for a hearty start to your day.
At Barbecues
- With Grilled Meats: These rolls are perfect for soaking up juices from grilled meats, enhancing your barbecue experience.
- As Sliders: Use them as bases for sliders filled with pulled pork or chicken for a fun twist.

How to Perfect Buttermilk Rolls
To achieve the best buttermilk rolls, following a few simple tips can make all the difference. These tricks ensure your rolls are soft and flavorful every time.
- Use Fresh Yeast: Always check the expiration date on your yeast package; fresh yeast ensures proper rising.
- Knead Properly: Kneading the dough until it’s smooth helps develop gluten, giving your rolls their desired texture.
- Let Dough Rise Fully: Be patient during the rising process; allowing the dough to double in size is crucial for fluffy rolls.
- Preheat Your Oven: Make sure your oven is at the right temperature before baking; this helps create that perfect golden crust.
- Brush with Butter After Baking: A little melted butter brushed on top after baking adds flavor and keeps your rolls soft.
Best Side Dishes for Buttermilk Rolls
Buttermilk rolls pair wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance their delightful taste. Here are some excellent options you might consider:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes flavored with garlic create a comforting combination.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrition alongside your fluffy rolls.
- Macaroni and Cheese: The cheesy goodness of mac and cheese complements the light texture of buttermilk rolls perfectly.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and brightness, balancing out the richness of the rolls.
- Baked Beans: Sweet baked beans offer a hearty side that works well with soft bread.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn is an ideal summer side dish that pairs delightfully with warm buttermilk rolls.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Buttermilk Rolls, it’s easy to run into some common issues. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for and how to avoid them.
- Incorrect Temperature: Using buttermilk that is too hot can kill the yeast. Always let the mixture cool to lukewarm before combining it with yeast.
- Over-kneading Dough: Kneading too long can lead to tough rolls. Aim for about 2 minutes until the dough is smooth and soft.
- Insufficient Rising Time: Not allowing the dough enough time to rise will result in dense rolls. Be patient and let them nearly double in size.
- Skipping the Butter: Avoiding butter for greasing the baking dish can cause sticking. Always use a generous amount of butter for best results.
- Ignoring Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can affect texture and color. Ensure your oven is preheated accurately to 425 degrees F.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Buttermilk Rolls in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Buttermilk Rolls
- Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Buttermilk Rolls
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and bake for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds per roll until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Place rolls in a skillet with a lid over low heat, warming for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Buttermilk Rolls soft?
To ensure soft rolls, do not over-knead the dough and allow it enough time to rise.
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
While regular milk won’t yield exactly the same flavor, you can substitute it by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to one cup of milk.
How long does it take to make Buttermilk Rolls from scratch?
The total time is approximately 2 hours, including rising time.
What should I serve with Buttermilk Rolls?
These rolls pair well with soups, stews, or as a side with any family meal.
Can I customize my Buttermilk Rolls?
Absolutely! You can add herbs or cheese for extra flavor or make them sweet by adding cinnamon and sugar.
Final Thoughts
Buttermilk Rolls are a delightful addition to any meal. Their soft texture and rich flavor make them versatile as a side dish or even as a snack on their own. Feel free to experiment with different herbs or toppings to customize your rolls according to your taste preferences.

Buttermilk Rolls
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Buttermilk Rolls are a must-try for bread lovers, combining a rich, buttery flavor with an irresistibly soft texture. These fluffy rolls make the perfect accompaniment to any meal, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create homemade rolls that fill your kitchen with an inviting aroma. Enjoy them warm with butter or as a delightful side to soups, salads, or savory dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 package (0.25 oz) dry yeast
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Heat buttermilk, butter, and sugar in a pot until simmering. Stir in baking soda and let cool.
- In a separate bowl, combine lukewarm water with yeast and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Whisk the yeast mixture into the cooled buttermilk mixture.
- In a large bowl, mix flour and salt, then combine with the liquid mixture to form a soft dough.
- Knead for about 2 minutes until smooth, cover with plastic wrap, and let rest for 30 minutes.
- Divide dough into 12 balls and place in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise until nearly doubled (about 1.5 hours).
- Preheat oven to 425°F and bake rolls for about 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (50g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg