A dinner roll is a small, soft, and delectable type of bread commonly served as a side dish that complements meals or as a vehicle for spreads, such as butter, jam, or honey. These tender buns come in various shapes - round, knot, crescent, or even braided - and sometimes feature a shiny glaze or sprinkling of seeds on top depending on the recipe or desired aesthetic. Dinner rolls owe their satisfying taste and texture to a specific combination of ingredients: flour, yeast, sugar, salt, butter, and milk.
Dinner rolls can be either plain or flavored with additional components like herbs, garlic, or cheese. They are an integral part of diverse cuisines, including European, American, and Asian gastronomies. Versatile and crowd-pleasing, dinner rolls are synonymous with special occasions, such as Thanksgiving or Christmas meals, but are equally suitable for casual gatherings or daily use. Making dinner rolls at home can be a rewarding experience, as homemade rolls often surpass the quality of store-bought alternatives.