Easy No Knead Yeast Rolls
This Easy No Knead Yeast Rolls recipe is one that anyone can make with success. These made-from-scratch Southern style yeast rolls smell simply heavenly while baking and the taste is only elevated when served warm slathered with butter straight from the oven.

Ingredients to Make No Knead Yeast Rolls Recipe
No Knead Rolls? It can’t be possible right? Well, I’m here to tell you that it IS possible! I was intrigued at the no knead phenomenon and after working on this recipe, I discovered that it truly is easy and requires no special equipment at all. After developing these rolls and making them for my family I can say, I’m a “no knead bread” believer now! These homemade dinner rolls are family tested and approved perfect for Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving or any special occasion. They can also be prepared in advance and baked just before serving for a time saver.
Key ingredients you’ll need to make No Knead Dinner Rolls Recipe: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)
- Flour – All purpose flour forms the base of the dough.
- Yeast – This recipe uses rapid rise yeast which activates more quickly. You can use classic active dry yeast, but the rolls will take longer to rise.
- Sugar – Granulated sugar balances the flavor and “feeds” the yeast.;
- Liquid – Warm whole milk or water. Milk will give the dough a creamier texture.
- Salt – Salt is imperative for the bread to taste seasoned.
- Whole Egg – One whole egg binds the dough.
- Butter – Salted or unsalted butter for richness.

How to Make Easy No Knead Yeast Rolls Recipe
- Bloom the Yeast – First, start with fresh yeast and one teaspoon of granulated sugar dissolved in warm milk. You can also use warm water. Make sure it’s not boiling or it could kill the yeast. Let this mixture stand until it becomes frothy.
- Sift the Dry Ingredients – Use a whisk to sift together all purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt and one large egg.
- Combine – Add the sifted flour mixture and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir with an electric mixer on low speed. (Alternately, mix by hand until the mixture is fully moistened.)
- Let Stand – Cover the bowl with a damp tea towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in warm spot.
- Roll the Dough – After the dough has doubled in size, divide the bread dough pinching equal pieces (gold ball size amounts), rolling with your hands stretching the dough and pulling the ends tucking them under.
- Transfer Dough to a Prepared Pan – Place side by side in a buttered pan.
- Let Rise – Brush the tops with melted butter then cover and let rise for 1 hour.
- Oven – Bake the rolls per the recipe until puffy and golden brown.
- Serve – You can brush the tops with more butter once removed from the oven, then serve and enjoy!
Kitchen Equipment to Make No Knead Rolls
- Large bowl and measuring cup of small bowl for the yeast.
- Large whisk for sifting the dry ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- 10-inch springform pan or square 9×9-inch baking pan.
- Pastry brush and small bowl to melt the butter for brushing the tops.
- Instant read thermometer is handy for testing the water, if you’re unsure.
- A large non-stick silicone spatula incorporates the flour into the wet ingredients more easily without sticking. You could also use a wooden spoon.
- Ice Cream Scoop – Using an ice cream scoop helps maintain conformity in size and facilitates even baking.

What is Rapid Rise Yeast?
Rapid rise yeast is a variation of instant yeast. It has smaller granules that dissolve easily in liquid and rise quickly in the dough. You can use long acting active dry yeast in the same amount, just allow more time for the bread to rise.
Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions
- Use Lukewarm Milk or Water – Temperature matters when working with yeast. If you use hot water or milk, it will kill the yeast and the bread won’t rise. So, use an instant read thermometer, if you’re unsure and make sure the liquid is lukewarm or around 110°F. Not boiling. If after following the procedure the yeast doesn’t foam, throw it out and start over.
- Fresh Herbs – You may like to incorporate herbs like rosemary, chives or parsley to change up the flavor profile.
- Seasonings – You could add garlic powder, onion powder or dry Italian seasoning to your taste.
- Double the Recipe for More Rolls – Can this yeast rolls recipe be doubled? Yes, you can double the amounts. A double batch may require a fair amount of extra kneading to fully incorporate all of the ingredients. Otherwise, make two single batches when you need more rolls.
- Pan Options – You can bake these rolls in an oven safe skillet or buttered muffin cup of a cupcake pan.
- Serve the Rolls – If you’re looking for a deliciously savory main course to go with these rolls, try my this Oven Braised Beef Stew or Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast.
Storage and Leftovers
- Make-Ahead Tip – Can I prepare these rolls in advance and chill them overnight in the refrigerator? Yes, you sure can! These rolls can be prepared the night before, then after forming the dough into rolls, place them into the prepared pan and cover loosely with plastic wrap. The dough will continue to rise overnight even when chilled in the refrigerator ready for baking the next day.
- Bring to Room Temperature -When making the dough in advance, allow the rolls to rest and rise on the counter for 1 hour prior to baking.
- Leftovers – Store leftover No Knead Yeast Rolls (baked rolls) tightly wrapped in heavy duty aluminum foil or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheating – Gently reheat in single servings in the microwave.
- Freezer – You can freeze the rolls prior to the second rise or after baking for up to 2 months. If the dough is frozen prior to baking, thaw overnight in the fridge then allow 1 hour or so on the counter prior to baking to allow the rolls to rise.

More Southern Style Yeast Rolls and Bread Recipes to Make
- For brunch, breakfast or tea time, you’ll love my recipe for sweet Orange Cinnamon Rolls.
- Honey Yeast Rolls can be made in advance then placed into the refrigerator overnight prior to baking.
- You won’t believe how easy it is to make a loaf of Beer Bread.
- Easy Garlic Parmesan Pull Apart Bread is spectacular dipped in warm marinara for serving.
- Bake a loaf of Potato Bread for sandwiches.
- Bake a loaf of Whole Wheat Bread for sandwiches.
- A sweet option Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is a tasty option.
- Delicious homemade French Bread.
- Another bread loving recipe to try this recipe for Buttery Crescent Rolls from Taste of Home.
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Helpful Kitchen Items:
Easy No Knead Yeast Rolls
Ingredients
- 2 (1/4 oz each) packets rapid rise yeast [i.e. Fleischmann's or similar] (Two 1/4 oz packets)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar plus 1 tsp
- 1 1/3 cup milk (may use water)
- 4 cups all purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 8 Tbsp butter divided
Instructions
- In a large measuring cup, dissolve both packets of yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar in 1 1/3 cup of lukewarm milk or water. (110°F) If you use hot milk or water, it will kill the yeast and the bread won't rise. It should be lukewarm, not boiling.
- Let the yeast mixture stand on the counter for 5-7 minutes to allow the yeast to "bloom." You'll see bubbles and froth begin to gather on the top.
- Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, use a whisk to sift together flour, salt and sugar. Add the egg.
- After the yeast has developed, gradually add to the dry ingredients in the bowl, along with 5 tablespoons of melted butter.
- Begin to blend the ingredients together, using a large silicone spoon or spatula incorporating more liquid as you go. (A silicone spatula makes this task a lot easier.)
- After incorporating all of the flour place turn the dough then place into a buttered bowl, and cover with a damp tea towel or plastic wrap sprayed with cooking spray.
- Allow the dough to sit in a warm place, covered for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Uncover the dough and gently punch down the dough. Use a medium size ice cream scoop, lightly sprayed with cooking spray, to separate the dough into equal pieces. (You can also pinch off each piece of dough with your hands.)
- Roll formed dough into a ball (gold ball size) gently stretching and folding the dough under itself.
- Arrange formed dough side by side, in a buttered non-stick metal baking pan. (i.e.10-inch springform pan or similar.)
- Melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in a small bowl. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the tops of the rolls. Reserve some of the melted butter to brush on the tops after the rolls come out of the oven, too.
- Cover with a damp cloth and allow the rolls to rise in a warm place until doubled, about one hour.
- Uncover rolls and place into a preheated 400°F. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until puffed and golden.
- Serve immediately with butter.
- To Make the Yeast Rolls in Advance: After forming the dough into rolls, cover loosely with plastic wrap sprayed with cooking spray and refrigerate overnight. Allow 45 minutes to 1 hour on the counter then uncover and brush with melted butter just before baking. Bake in a preheated 400°F for for 20-22 minutes until golden. The rolls will continue to slowly rise even in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Use Lukewarm Milk or Water – Temperature matters when working with yeast. If you use hot water or milk, it will kill the yeast and the bread won’t rise. So, use an instant read thermometer, if you’re unsure and make sure the liquid is lukewarm or around 110°F. Not boiling. If after following the procedure the yeast doesn’t foam, throw it out and start over.
- Rapid Rise Yeast – What is rapid rise yeast? Rapid rise yeast is a variation of instant yeast. It has smaller granules that dissolve easily in liquid and rise quickly in the dough. You can use long acting active dry yeast in the same amount, just allow more time for the bread to rise.
- Fresh Herbs – You may like to incorporate herbs like rosemary, chives or parsley to change up the flavor profile.
- Seasonings – You could add garlic powder, onion powder or dry Italian seasoning to your taste.
- Double the Recipe for More Rolls – Can this yeast rolls recipe be doubled? Yes, you can double the amounts. A double batch may require a fair amount of extra kneading to fully incorporate all of the ingredients. Otherwise, make two single batches when you need more rolls.










I shall be trying these this week. they look awesome. Thanks for sharing!
I suck lol….. I thought I was on a roll….. but mine didn’t look like yours ???? I had way to much flour left and my ball was not completely sticking together….. I’ve never made bread of any sort, so I didn’t know if I could add liquid? I live in an extremely dry area? I’m going to keep trying until I get it!
Bread making takes practice so don’t give up! I’ve never had to add liquid but if you do, do so in small amounts. Like 1 tablespoon at a time. I’m very intrigued as to what could have been the issue so, let me know if you try again.
Glad see that I hate knead on bread. Your recipe so awesome. Thank u for that
My pleasure enjoy!
Hello Melissa,
Made the rolls last night – and they turned out excellent: super fluffy, though I’ve made a few changes:
Didn’t had any butter, so I used Ghee. I was a bit worried after reading that ghee can can change the baked goods, but the rolls came out just fine.
Used water instead of milk (as suggested in your recipe).
Only had a medium egg.
Used half spelled flour and half strong bread flour.
The dough was very wet, I couldn’t form any roll. So I just dropped dollops of wet dough in the springform and put it in the fridge overnight.
This morning they were HUGE :-).
And after 20 min in the oven they came out soft and warm and browned and all fluffy. It looked like a cake and I cut it into sandwiches size pieces. Perfect. Perfect.
Defenitely a keeper.
Thanks for the recipe.
Greetings from Holland.
Nadja
Wonderful! Thanks so much for taking the time to let me know and I’m delighted to know those adaptations worked well for you! Thanks for visiting from beautiful Holland.
Hi Melisa u so fantastic,your recipe is so easy to make but i followed yr instructions but why are my yeast rolls hard on top is it ok lyk that my dear
Hi Sarah, I’m not sure why they turned out hard. Did you brush the tops with butter? If not, make sure you do that net time.
Hi Melissa,
I wanted to say thanks for this failproof recipe. I made spaghetti and realized I had no rolls and had just come from the store. I tried your recipe and it was heaven sent! I made a garlic butter mixture to brush on the tops and voilà; no more store bought rolls for this family.
That is music to my ears, I’m so happy to hear it, thanks!
Has anyone made this the day before then baked them off the next day?
Hi Melissa
You have some tasty looking recipes!! I made your 7-up pound cake and, everyone loved it.
Wonderful!
I have been making this recipe for over a year now. My husband loves it and so do I. So easy and fabulous; and I love to bake. I always make this with pot roast, which is what we had tonight. Just wanted to say, thanks!
Ps, I use milk to make this and it tastes like something right out of the bakery. 😀
Diana C
Thanks Diana, I’m so happy your family is enjoying this easy bread. I appreciate your kind comment.
melissa,
Made these several times and love this recipe. Used milk or yogurt mixed with water,stuffed cheese in them, eat for breakfast, lunch, supper or a little pick me up. Just wonderful. Thanks so much.
Oh wonderful, I’m delighted you’re enjoying these. Thanks for taking the time to let me know!
I made these just now. Oh my my my oh so delicious. Soft just sooooft. As we say here. HEERLIJK.
Wonderful, thanks for letting me know!
Love this recipe. So moist, just lovely.
Oh great Aileen!
Also… I only have 1% Lactaid milk. Will this work for these rolls? If not I’ll just use the water. Wasn’t sure if they turned out better with milk. Thanks again! 🙂
Hi Rhonda, I’ve never tested this recipe with that product but expect it should work. If you try it let me know how it goes.
I’m new to cooking and will be making these for dinner tonight. I’m going to allot about 5 hrs. (I can be a little slow). I wanted to know if these could sit for awhile after the 2nd rising in case I’m not ready to bake them yet? If so, how long? I want to time it where they’re hot out of the oven for dinner. Thank you.
Yes they can, they should do fine if allowed an extra hour or so.
Wanted to let you know that this recipe worked just fine in the bread machine. I added the liquids first, then dry, selected the dough setting and let it go. I did stop the machine about 8 minutes early because the dough was starting to lift the lid. They were a big hit at our family Easter lunch (especially withe cinnamon butter) and everyone took some home.
Wonderful, I am so happy to hear how this dough does in a bread machine. I’m delighted you enjoyed them!
All ovens vary a little. So, if you want to brown the tops more after baking for the recommended time you can adjust the oven to broil at the end of baking. Watch carefully.
Hi, I Made these yesterday. They came out very well, lovely texture and taste too.
However, the browning part from the top wasn’t that good. Do I need to bake with both the top and bottom elements on? Or have to turn the top element at a later stage?
Thanks!
Sure,just cover and chill.
Hi Melissa, one more query. Can I make them a day before and keep in fridge to save on time. Many thanks!