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.
Easy 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 boys I can say, I’m a “no knead bread” believer now, and these are family tested and approved perfect for any special occasion. They can also be prepared in advance and baked just before serving for a time saver. No stress bread gets a five star rating from me.
Easy Homemade Yeast Rolls Recipe
How to make No Knead Yeast Rolls:
- Frist, 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.
- Next, use a whisk to sift together all purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt and one large egg.
- To the yeast add the sifted dry ingredients along with melted butter. Mix using a mixer or by hand until the mixture is fully moistened.
- Cover the bowl and let the dough rest.
- After the dough has doubled in size, punch it down then divide the bread dough into even amounts, rolling with your hands stretching the dough and pulling the ends tucking them under.
- Repeat until all of the dough has been used, placing side by side in a buttered pan.
- Brush the tops with melted butter then cover and let rise again for 1 hour.
- Bake the rolls in a 400°F oven per the recipe for 20-22 minutes until puffy and golden.
- You can brush the tops with more butter once removed from the oven, if desired.
- Serve and enjoy!
How to Make the Best Homemade No Knead Yeast Rolls
This recipe for Southern yeast rolls is a cinch to make. No, really. You’ll love these fluffy rolls for holiday gatherings, brunches or any time homemade bread is on the menu. 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.
- Ingredients you’ll need to make this recipe for homemade Southern style yeast rolls: Rapid rise yeast, sugar, water, milk, salt, one large egg, all purpose flour and butter.
- 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 a thermometer if you’re unsure and make sure the water is lukewarm or around 110°F. Not boiling. If after following the procedure the yeast doesn’t foam, throw it out and start over.
- 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.
- A large non-stick silicone spatula incorporates the flour into the wet ingredients more easily.
- Using an ice cream scoop helps maintain conformity in size and facilitates even baking.
- 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 into rolls, place them into the pan and cover loosely with plastic wrap. The dough will continue to rise overnight.
- When making ahead, allow the rolls to rest and rise on the counter for 1 hour prior to baking.
- 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.
- Store leftover yeast rolls tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days. Gently reheat in the microwave.
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.
Thanks for visiting come back soon!
Disclosure ~ If a purchase is made using one of the affiliate links on this website we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
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 medium size 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 spoon 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 cloth.
- Allow the dough to sit in a warm, draft free place, covered for 1 hour or until doubled.
- Uncover and punch down the dough. Use a medium size ice cream scoop, lightly sprayed with cooking spray, to separate the dough into even portions. You can also pinch off pieces of dough with your hands.
- Roll into a ball in your hands, gently stretching and folding under. Arrange 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 and using a pastry brush, lightly brush the tops. 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 again 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.
What is the yeast ratio to my jar yeast. It says 2 1/4 packages but I buy the jar yeast.
Two 1/4 oz packets of yeast is equal to 2 1/4 teaspoons for each packet.
I made these, they tasted awesome but looked more like a biscuit than a roll….wonder what I did wrong? I am planning on trying it again!
These rolls don’t have a smooth texture due to no kneading. That said, you can certainly work them just a bit to make the surface more smooth and then stretch the rolls and fold them under when forming into rolls.
I’ve made these an love them ! Can I flash freeze balls to lay out later to rise and bake ?
Hi Sandy, you sure can. I’m glad you love these!
Could the flour be replaced with 1 to 1 gluten free flour to make these rolls gluten free?
That’s a great question, I haven’t tested this recipe with gluten free flour. If you give it a whirl, come back and let us know how it goes.
Can i use bread flour, if so do I need to adjust anything due to higher protein?
You can use bread flour and you may need to turn the dough a few more times due to the adaptation of the main ingredient. Let us know how it goes!
Delicious, yeasty, and easy to make rolls. My family loved them. I even froze half of the rolls and used them later.
Wonderful, I’m so happy you loved these, thank you!
How do you freeze for later?
Hi Melissa,
I am trying to eat more plant-based foods, but I love the simplicity of your recipe.
Could I substitute the granulated sugar for a healthier sugar and the flour for a ggluten-free flour?
Hi Sarah, I haven’t tested it but, think this recipe could be adapted, sure. If you try it, come back and let us know how it went.
I used Swerve sweetener and they were good.
Good to know, thanks!
What’s the difference in taste between using milk instead of water in this recipe??
Personal preference.
Using milk will produce a more tender product than water. That’s why french bread always just uses water, so it is crispier.
Best rolls I have EVER tasted!!!
Thanks so much!
Great rolls and an easy recipe to follow. Thank you for sharing!
I’m so happy you loved these, thanks so much!
I used butter flavored crisco instead of butter…just now putting them to rise. Do you think it’ll be ok?
Hi Maria, I haven’t tested these using Crisco but, they should still work. Let me know how it turns out.
Thanks for the fast response! I just now put them in the oven. They rose just fine so I’ll let you know!
Maria, I used half Crisco and half butter. How did yours turn out??
Sorry Melissa I missed it but I just got my answer so I’m going to the kitchen and make them pop them in the fridge and bake them the next day thank you Melissa you have a happy Thanksgiving
Hi Hazel, thank you so much and the same to you and yours!
Can I make these the night before put them in the fridge and bake them in the next afternoon for Thanksgiving
Yes, you can!
Followed the recipe. Mine just came out wet and when I added more flour, it ruined it.
Wow sorry to hear that 🤔 maybe u should try again. Hopefully u won’t give up…….
Hi Melissa!
I was wondering if the 2oz scoop was for the small or large size rolls?
Thanks!
Hi Dani, the smaller scoop will yield a medium-size roll.
can i put it in a bread pan instead of rolling it into a small bun?
and can i add a chocolate sheet (for marble bread) into these no-knead yeast rolls?
Going to make these for Thanksgiving…. they look delicious!
I didn’t know making rolls could be so easy! Loved this recipe.
OH MY GOSH, this is the best recipe. My go-to for TG!
These rolls are so easy and come out perfect every time!
I loved it! SO easy to make and delicious!
These are the best homemade rolls!