There’s something magical about warm, golden dinner rolls hitting the table during fall. The comforting aroma of freshly baked bread, the steam rising as you pull one apart, it’s the kind of food that invites you to slow down and savor. Gluten Free Dinner Rolls have become a reader favorite on GoldenGlutenFree.com not just because they’re soft and fluffy, but because they deliver all the cozy vibes of traditional bread, without any of the gluten.
Ciao! I’m Sam, a Tuscan-born chef turned gluten-free convert. I didn’t start my career making gluten-free bread. I was classically trained in Florence, where the scent of rustic pane and focaccia surrounded me every day. But years of fatigue, brain fog, and health concerns led to the discovery that I was gluten-intolerant. That shift hit hard, I had to rethink everything. But I didn’t want to lose the heart of Italian cooking: good bread shared with good people. So I began experimenting. After countless trials, I developed these gluten free dinner rolls, pillowy, slightly chewy, and perfect with any meal.
Whether you’re setting the table for a cozy Thanksgiving, prepping for Sunday supper, or just craving something homey midweek, these dinner rolls have you covered.
Gluten Free Dinner Rolls
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- Round Baking Dish or Skillet
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer with Paddle Attachment
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour with xanthan gum
- 1 tbsp sugar or honey
- 2 1/2 tsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp sea salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup warm milk plant-based or dairy, about 105–110°F
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
Optional Toppings
- melted butter for brushing, with optional garlic powder
- fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Warm the milk to about 105–110°F.
- Add the warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vinegar to the dry ingredients. Mix with a hand or stand mixer for 3–4 minutes until a sticky dough forms.
- Cover and let the dough rise in a warm spot for 45 minutes, until doubled in size.
- Grease your hands and shape the dough into 8 equal rolls. Place into a greased baking dish or cast-iron skillet.
- Cover and allow a second rise for 20–30 minutes while preheating the oven to 375°F.
- Bake uncovered for 18–22 minutes until golden. Optionally brush with melted butter during the final 5 minutes of baking.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving warm.
Notes
Nutrition
Ingredients You’ll Need for Gluten Free Dinner Rolls
Let’s keep it simple but delicious. Here’s what you’ll need to make gluten free dinner rolls that are light, flavorful, and easy to whip up.
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum)
- 1 tbsp sugar (helps activate the yeast)
- 2 ½ tsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp sea salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ¾ cup warm milk (plant-based works just fine)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
Optional Toppings:
- Melted butter with a pinch of garlic powder for brushing
- Fresh rosemary or thyme for a herby finish
You might already have these in your pantry, especially if you’ve baked other gluten free staples like my soft homemade gluten free bread or gluten free biscuits recipe. These dinner rolls follow a similar philosophy: minimal fuss, maximum flavor.
How to Make Gluten Free Dinner Rolls: Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix the dry ingredients.
In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. Warm the milk.
Use a thermometer if needed, warm, not hot. You’re aiming for about 105°F to 110°F to activate the yeast.
3. Add the wet ingredients.
Pour in the warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vinegar. Mix using a hand mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment for about 3–4 minutes. The dough should be sticky, not dry.
4. Let it rise.
Cover the bowl with a towel and place in a warm, draft-free space. Let it rise for about 45 minutes or until it doubles in size.
5. Shape the rolls.
Lightly grease your hands with oil and shape the dough into 8 even balls. Place them in a greased round baking dish or cast-iron skillet, leaving space for expansion.
6. Second rise.
Cover again and let rise for another 20–30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375°F during this time.
7. Bake.
Bake uncovered for 18–22 minutes or until golden brown. A brush of melted butter in the last 5 minutes adds a glossy, delicious finish.
8. Rest and serve.
Let them cool for 10 minutes before serving warm. For pairing ideas, they go wonderfully with gluten free casseroles or a bowl of quick gluten free soups.
Tips for Perfect Gluten Free Dinner Rolls Every Time
Getting gluten-free baking right takes a bit of know-how. Here are my tested tips to help you succeed from the first batch.
Choose the right flour.
Use a 1:1 gluten free blend that includes xanthan gum. If it doesn’t, add ¾ tsp xanthan gum per cup.
Avoid overmixing.
While gluten-free dough doesn’t develop gluten, too much mixing can still affect the rise. Once it’s smooth, you’re good.
Don’t skip the vinegar.
It reacts with the baking process to create a more tender crumb. It also helps the rolls rise higher.
Use a warm proofing spot.
Your oven with the light on works great for colder days. A consistent warm temperature = consistent results.
Brush with butter.
It’s optional, but brushing melted butter on top before and after baking gives your rolls that bakery finish. You can even try garlic-infused butter for a savory kick, just like I do in my gluten free mac and cheese with hidden veggies.
Gluten Free Variations & Flavor Ideas
Want to mix things up or tailor the recipe to different tastes? Here are a few reader-loved variations:
Dairy-Free Version:
Swap milk for almond or oat milk and use dairy-free margarine instead of butter. Still fluffy, still delicious.
Herb & Garlic Dinner Rolls:
Add ½ tsp garlic powder and 1 tsp finely chopped rosemary into the dough. Top with coarse salt before baking.
Mini Sliders:
Shape smaller rolls for mini sandwiches or sliders. Great for parties or batch prep.
Pumpkin Dinner Rolls for Fall:
Swap out ¼ cup of the milk for pumpkin puree. Add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to complement fall meals like simply gluten free full plate dinners.
Sourdough Tang:
Stir in a spoonful of dairy-free yogurt or use a gluten free sourdough starter for a tangy flavor, similar to my gluten free sourdough cinnamon rolls.
How to Store and Reheat Gluten Free Dinner Rolls
Gluten free baked goods can dry out quicker than their gluten-filled cousins. Here’s how to keep your rolls fresh and ready.
At Room Temperature:
Store in an airtight container or zip bag for up to 2 days.
In the Fridge:
Keep up to 5 days, but always warm before serving for best texture.
Freezer-Friendly:
Wrap each roll in parchment, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, pop in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes or microwave for 20–30 seconds.
Quick Tip:
Spritz rolls with a bit of water before reheating in the oven to recreate that just-baked softness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are gluten free dinner rolls healthier than regular ones?
They can be, especially if made with lower-sugar ingredients and whole grain gluten free flours. However, always check flour blends, as some may have added starches.
Can I use almond flour or coconut flour instead?
Not as a direct swap. These flours behave very differently and absorb moisture fast. Stick with a tested all-purpose gluten free blend for best results.
Do I need to knead gluten free dough?
No kneading required! Gluten-free dough doesn’t develop elasticity like wheat dough. Just mix until smooth.
Why didn’t my gluten free rolls rise?
Check your yeast, it may be expired or the milk could’ve been too hot. Also, make sure your environment is warm enough for proofing.
Conclusion
These gluten free dinner rolls prove you don’t need wheat to bring joy to the table. They’re soft, inviting, and full of possibilities, just like any good meal should be. Whether you serve them with gluten free large portion comfort food or a vibrant fall soup, they’re sure to impress both gluten-free and gluten-loving guests alike.
I hope these rolls bring warmth to your kitchen and joy to your meals. From my Tuscan heart to your American table, buon appetito!