How to Reheat Yeast Rolls for a Fresh-Baked Taste

Discover the best techniques on how to reheat yeast rolls so they taste just as good as when they came out of the oven.

There’s nothing more comforting than the taste of soft, fluffy rolls fresh out of the oven. But what about the next day? Reheating homemade yeast rolls or homemade dinner rolls without losing their tender texture and flavor can be a challenge. 

Reheating Yeast Rolls in the Oven

A regular, conventional oven is the best way to reheat baked rolls while maintaining their soft, fluffy texture.

1. Let Rolls Reach Room Temperature
   Start by letting the leftover rolls reach room temperature if they’ve been stored in the refrigerator or an airtight freezer bag. 
2. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Prepare the Rolls
   Place the soft rolls or thawed rolls on a baking sheet or in a smaller baking dish lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
4. Cover the Rolls
   To keep the rolls from drying out, cover them with a clean kitchen towel or a damp paper towel. Then, cover the entire baking sheet or baking pan with aluminum foil. This traps moisture and helps the rolls stay soft.
5. Bake the Rolls
   Place the covered rolls on the middle rack of the oven and heat for 10-15 minutes, or until they’re warm.

Reheating Yeast Rolls in the Air Fryer

If you enjoy a slightly crispy texture, the air fryer is an excellent option.

1. Preheat the Air Fryer
   Set your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Arrange the Rolls
   Place the rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
3. Reheat the Rolls
   Heat the rolls for 3-5 minutes, checking for desired warmth and crispiness.

Reheating Yeast Rolls in the Crock Pot

Using a crock pot is a convenient way to reheat a larger batch of rolls, especially for gatherings.

1. Prepare the Crock Pot
   Line the bottom of the crock pot with a clean kitchen towel to prevent the rolls from becoming soggy.
2. Layer the Rolls
   Place the rolls in a single layer on top of the towel. If needed, you can add a second layer with another damp kitchen towel in between.
3. Reheat on Warm Setting
   Set the crock pot to its warm setting and let the rolls heat for 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the number of rolls.
4. Serve Warm
   Once heated, remove the rolls and serve immediately. Brush with melted butter if desired.

Reheating Yeast Rolls in the Microwave

This is the fastest method to reheat rolls.

1. Prepare the Rolls
   Place the rolls on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel.
2. Microwave on Low Setting
   Heat the rolls on a low setting for 20-30 seconds, checking for warmth.
3. Serve Immediately
   Enjoy the rolls right away for the best texture.

My Favorite Recipe for Soft and Fluffy Yeast Rolls

My family knows that any occasion that includes homemade rolls means I'll be baking this recipe. I always make a double batch to keep everyone happy. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or reheating them later, these rolls are always a hit.

Baking Tips for Perfect Dinner Rolls

1. Weigh Your Dough: For consistent size and even baking, use a kitchen scale to weigh each dough ball. Aim for 2.5 oz for 14 smaller rolls or 3 oz for a dozen larger rolls.
2. Use a Stand Mixer or Knead by Hand: If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, let it mix on medium speed for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If kneading by hand, work the dough for the same amount of time on a lightly floured surface until it feels soft and springy.
3. Allow Enough Time for Rising: This recipe takes about 3 hours from start to finish, including time for the dough to rise twice. Ensure your dough has doubled in size before shaping it into rolls for that perfect soft texture.
4. Perfect Baking Temperature and Time: Bake your rolls at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. This temperature ensures the rolls bake evenly, achieving a light golden brown finish without drying out.
5. Dust with Flour: After baking, lightly dust the tops of the rolls with flour using a sifter for a rustic, bakery-style finish.
6. Serve Fresh, Reheat Later: These rolls are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but they also reheat beautifully. Follow the reheating tips in this post to keep them as soft and delicious as when they were first baked.

My Family's Favorite Dinner Rolls

My family knows that any occasion that includes homemade rolls means I'll be baking this recipe. I always make a double batch to keep everyone happy. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or reheating them later, these rolls are always a hit.

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Prep Time: 3 hours hours

Ingredients

• ▢ 4 cups all-purpose flour
• ▢ 1 packet 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• ▢ 1 ½ cup warm milk about 110°F
• ▢ ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ▢ 1 teaspoon salt
• ▢ 1 large egg
• ▢ ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
• ▢ 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour for dusting

Instructions

• In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar in the warm milk. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
• In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the frothy yeast mixture, the egg, and the melted butter. Mix on a low setting until a soft dough forms.
• Increase the mixer speed to medium and knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic. If kneading by hand, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and knead for the same amount of time.
• Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a clean dishcloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
• Punch down the dough to release the air. Divide the dough into 12-14 equal portions and shape each portion into a ball. For baking, the 12 larger rolls fit perfectly in a 9x13 baking dish, while the 14 smaller rolls can be evenly divided between two aluminum pie plates.
• Cover the rolls with a clean dishcloth and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until they have puffed up.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F. Before baking, dust the tops of the rolls with all-purpose flour. Bake on the middle rack of the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown.
• Let the rolls cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Storage: Store any leftover rolls in an airtight plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a warm oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes, or in the microwave on a microwave-safe plate for 15-20 seconds.
Make-Ahead Option: The dough can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before the second rise. Simply bring the dough to room temperature, shape the rolls, and proceed with the recipe.

Now You Know How to Reheat Yeast Rolls 

With these reheating tips and a go-to recipe for soft dinner rolls, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious, bakery-quality rolls any day of the week. Whether you’re making them fresh or bringing back the magic of yesterday’s batch, your rolls will be the star of the dinner table. Happy baking!