Dutch Oven Pull-Apart Dinner Rolls 😋

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of fresh, homemade bread baking in the oven, and these Dutch Oven Pull-Apart Dinner Rolls will fill your home with that comforting scent. These rolls are incredibly soft, buttery, and perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a holiday dinner, a family meal, or just because you’re craving something fresh and delicious. The Dutch oven helps create a perfect environment for baking these rolls, giving them a golden crust with a soft, fluffy inside that just melts in your mouth.

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Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup whole milk, warmed (not too hot)

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the Dutch oven)

For the Butter Coating:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or rosemary (optional, for extra flavor)

• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a slight sweetness)

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Stir to dissolve the sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top of the milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the yeast is bubbly and foamy.

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.

• Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs to the flour mixture. Stir everything together with a wooden spoon or spatula until a dough forms. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step if you prefer.

• Once the dough begins to come together, transfer it to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as you knead, but avoid adding too much to keep the rolls soft.

• Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

2. Shape the Rolls:

• After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles.

• Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball by gently cupping it in your hands and rolling it on the countertop.

• Lightly grease a Dutch oven (or a similar oven-safe pot with a lid) with olive oil. Arrange the dough balls in the Dutch oven, placing them close together but not too crowded. This will allow them to rise up and stick together as they bake, creating that wonderful pull-apart effect.

3. Second Rise:

• Cover the Dutch oven with a towel or plastic wrap and let the dough balls rise for about 30-45 minutes, or until they’ve puffed up and nearly doubled in size again.

4. Bake the Rolls:

• While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Once the rolls have risen, remove the towel or plastic wrap and place the Dutch oven in the preheated oven. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown on top.

• Check them by gently tapping the top—if they sound hollow, they’re ready!

5. Butter the Rolls:

• While the rolls are baking, melt the butter for the coating. Once the rolls are done baking, remove the Dutch oven from the oven and immediately brush the tops of the rolls with the melted butter. This adds flavor and gives them a beautiful, glossy finish.

• If you like, you can add a sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary to the butter for extra flavor, or drizzle a little honey over the top for a touch of sweetness.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

• Allow the rolls to cool for a few minutes before serving. These rolls are best served warm and can be enjoyed with butter, honey, or jam. They’re also perfect alongside soups, stews, or any hearty meal.

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Tips for Perfect Dutch Oven Pull-Apart Dinner Rolls:

• Milk Temperature: Make sure the milk is warm but not hot—around 110°F (43°C). Too hot, and it can kill the yeast; too cold, and the yeast won’t activate properly.

• Kneading: If you’re new to kneading dough, remember to be gentle but thorough. The goal is a smooth, elastic dough that’s not too sticky but still soft and slightly tacky.

• Dutch Oven: The Dutch oven traps heat and moisture, creating the perfect environment for these rolls to rise and bake evenly. If you don’t have a Dutch oven, you can use any oven-safe pot with a lid or a covered baking dish.

• Flavor Variations: You can customize these rolls by adding garlic powder, cheese, or herbs into the dough for a savory twist. Adding cinnamon and sugar to the dough would also create a lovely sweet roll.

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Nutritional Information (per roll):

• Calories: 190-220

• Fat: 8g

• Carbs: 28g

• Sugar: 3g

• Protein: 3g

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These Dutch Oven Pull-Apart Dinner Rolls are soft, buttery, and perfect for any occasion. The Dutch oven creates the ideal baking environment, giving these rolls a golden crust and soft, airy interior. Serve them alongside your favorite meal or enjoy them with a dollop of butter for a comforting treat!