Best Gluten Free Dinner Rolls: Soft, Fluffy, and Perfect for Any Holiday Table

Last Updated on October 26, 2025 by Chef Josie

There’s nothing quite like the smell of warm, freshly baked rolls wafting through the kitchen; that golden crust giving way to a soft, pillowy center. These Best Gluten Free Dinner Rolls are everything you’ve been craving: tender, buttery, and beautifully light without a trace of dense or gritty texture. Whether you’re gluten-sensitive, cooking for guests, or simply love great bread, this recipe proves that gluten-free baking can be every bit as delicious and satisfying as the real thing.

I developed this recipe after years of testing countless gluten-free bread recipes that fell flat (literally). What makes this version shine is the perfect balance of flours and a touch of honey for that bakery-style flavor. These rolls rise high, bake golden, and melt in your mouth, the kind of bread you’ll be proud to serve at Thanksgiving or any dinner gathering.

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Why You’ll Love These Gluten-Free Dinner Rolls

• Soft and Fluffy Texture: Just like traditional rolls, no crumble or dryness.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, no fancy tools required.
• Perfect for Holidays: A beautiful gluten-free addition to Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
• Freezer-Friendly: Bake ahead and reheat easily for stress-free entertaining.
• Versatile: Delicious with butter, jam, or used for mini sandwiches.

Ingredient Breakdown

• Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: Use a 1:1 blend with xanthan gum included (such as King Arthur or Bob’s Red Mill).
• Instant Yeast: Gives these rolls a light, airy rise.
• Warm Milk (or Dairy-Free Alternative): Helps activate the yeast and keeps the rolls tender.
• Honey or Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and feeds the yeast.
• Eggs: Add structure and richness to the dough.
• Butter (or Vegan Butter): For that classic soft, buttery flavor.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.

Substitutions:

• For dairy-free, use almond milk and vegan butter.
• For vegan, swap eggs for flax eggs (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water per egg).
• Add chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme for a savory version.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast:
   In a small bowl, combine warm milk (about 110°F), honey, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix the Dough:
   In a large bowl, combine gluten-free flour and salt. Add yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until smooth and sticky (it will be wetter than traditional dough).
3. First Rise:
   Cover and let rise in a warm place for 45–60 minutes until slightly puffed.
4. Shape the Rolls:
   Grease your hands lightly and form 8–10 equal-sized balls. Arrange them in a greased baking pan.
5. Second Rise:
   Cover again and let rise for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Bake:
   Brush the tops with melted butter and bake for 18–22 minutes, until golden brown.
7. Finish & Serve:
   Brush with more butter right out of the oven and sprinkle with flaky salt if desired. Serve warm.

Notes and Top Tips

• The dough will be sticky, that’s normal! Don’t add extra flour.
• Use room temperature eggs and milk for best rise.
• If your kitchen is cold, let the dough rise near a warm oven or on the counter under a damp towel.
• Brush with garlic butter before baking for a savory twist.
• Freeze baked rolls up to 2 months; reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

• Serve warm with butter, honey, or jam.
• Perfect alongside soups, stews, or Thanksgiving turkey.
• Make mini sandwich sliders for leftover turkey or ham.
• Add herbs or shredded cheese to the dough for a flavored version.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Reheat: Wrap in foil and warm in the oven at 300°F for 5–10 minutes.
• Freeze: Freeze cooled rolls in a sealed bag for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before reheating.

Conclusion

These Best Gluten-Free Dinner Rolls are soft, golden, and full of that homemade warmth every table deserves. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or just want to enjoy the smell of fresh bread, these rolls will have everyone reaching for seconds, gluten-free or not.

Bake a batch this weekend and taste the difference for yourself. Once you do, you’ll never go back to store-bought again.

FAQs

1. Why are my gluten-free rolls dense?
Make sure your yeast is active and your dough isn’t too dry. Gluten-free dough should be sticky and soft before baking.

2. Can I make these without eggs?
Yes, replace eggs with flax eggs or an egg replacer. They’ll still be soft, though slightly less fluffy.

3. What’s the best gluten-free flour to use?
A high-quality 1:1 baking blend that includes xanthan gum, such as Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur, works best.

4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Shape the rolls, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let them rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.

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