Texas Roadhouse Rolls: A Taste of Southern Comfort
Texas Roadhouse is renowned for its warm hospitality and mouthwatering dishes, but perhaps none are as beloved as their iconic rolls. These soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet rolls are a staple at every Texas Roadhouse location, and now you can recreate them in the comfort of your own kitchen. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make these irresistible rolls from scratch, along with a delicious honey butter to slather on top. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply craving a taste of Southern comfort, these Texas Roadhouse rolls are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
For the rolls:
- ¼ cup warm water
- 1 tbsp. active dry yeast
- 1 ½ tbsp. butter
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp. salt
- 3 ½ cups flour
For the honey butter:
- ½ cup butter, room temperature
- ½ tbsp. ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp. powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp. honey
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. In a saucepan, heat the butter and milk until warm but not boiling. Remove from heat and add the sugar, stirring until dissolved. Let the mixture cool slightly, then add the yeast mixture, egg, and salt.
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the wet ingredients with the flour. Mix until a soft dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let it Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-1 ½ hours until doubled in size.
- Shape the Rolls: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place them in a greased baking dish, leaving space between each roll.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise for an additional 30-45 minutes until puffy and doubled in size.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Honey Butter: While the rolls are baking, prepare the honey butter by combining the room temperature butter, ground cinnamon, powdered sugar, and honey in a small bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Remove the rolls from the oven and brush the tops with melted butter. Serve warm with the homemade honey butter on the side for dipping.
Cooking Notes:
- Yeast Activation: Make sure the water is warm, but not too hot, as it can kill the yeast. The yeast should foam up after sitting for 5 minutes, indicating that it’s active and ready to use.
- Kneading: Proper kneading is essential for developing gluten in the dough, resulting in soft and fluffy rolls. If the dough feels sticky, you can add a little more flour as needed while kneading.
- Rising Time: The dough should double in size during the first rise and puff up during the second rise. If your kitchen is cool, you can place the dough in a slightly warmed oven to help it rise.
- Baking Temperature: Be sure to preheat your oven before baking the rolls to ensure even cooking and a golden brown crust.
Variations:
- Garlic Parmesan Rolls: Add minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese to the dough for a savory twist on the classic rolls. Brush the baked rolls with melted butter and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese before serving.
- Cinnamon Sugar Rolls: Roll out the dough and spread it with softened butter and a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. Roll up the dough, slice it into individual rolls, and bake as directed. Drizzle with a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk once cooled.
- Herb and Cheese Rolls: Mix chopped fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and parsley into the dough along with shredded cheddar cheese. Shape and bake the rolls as usual for a savory and flavorful option.
Keto and Low-Carb Version:
- Almond Flour Rolls: Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a keto-friendly version of these rolls. You may need to adjust the amount of flour and liquid to achieve the desired consistency of the dough.
- Sugar-Free Honey Butter: Use a sugar-free sweetener such as erythritol or stevia in place of the powdered sugar and honey in the honey butter recipe. Adjust the sweetness to taste.
In conclusion, these homemade Texas Roadhouse rolls are a true labor of love, but the end result is well worth the effort. Whether you enjoy them as a side dish for dinner or as a sweet treat any time of day, these rolls are sure to become a favorite in your household. With their soft, pillowy texture and irresistible flavor, they’re perfect for sharing with family and friends. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake up a batch of these delicious rolls that rival the ones served at Texas Roadhouse.
