Texas Roadhouse Rolls

I adore these soft, buttery rolls inspired by the iconic Texas Roadhouse—golden on the outside, pillowy on the inside, and perfect for sopping up butter or dip.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these rolls feel freshly baked at home but are easy enough for a casual dinner. The soft, slightly sweet dough is enriched with melted butter for flavor and richness. Every bite is tender, warm, and utterly irresistible.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar (for sweetness and yeast activation)
• Instant yeast
• Warm milk
• Water
• Unsalted butter, melted (plus extra to brush)
• Egg
• Salt

directions

1. I begin by warming the milk and water to about 110°F (43°C), then whisk in the sugar and instant yeast. I let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

2. I whisk in the melted butter, egg, and salt, then gradually add the flour until a soft dough forms.

3. I knead the dough by hand or in a mixer with a dough hook for about 5–7 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic.

4. I place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size—usually about 1 hour.

5. I punch down the dough and divide it into equal pieces (typically 12–16 rolls), then shape each into a smooth ball.

6. I arrange the dough balls in a greased baking pan, cover, and let them rise again until puffy—another 30–45 minutes.

7. I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), brush the tops with melted butter, and bake for about 15–18 minutes, until the rolls are golden-brown.

8. I brush them again with more melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven for that signature soft, glossy finish.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12–16 rolls.
Prep time: ~20 minutes active
Rise time: ~1 hour + 30–45 minutes
Cook time: ~15–18 minutes
Total time: ~2 hours 5 minutes – 2 hours 20 minutes

Variations

• Honey-butter twist: I brush the warm rolls with a honey-butter glaze (equal parts honey and melted butter) instead of plain butter.

• Garlic-herb butter: I mix minced garlic and chopped fresh herbs (like parsley or chives) into the melted butter for brushing.

• Whole wheat version: I swap half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour; I add a bit more water or milk since whole wheat absorbs more moisture.

• Cheesy twist: I drop a cube of cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack) in the center of each dough ball before rolling.

storage/reheating

I store leftover rolls in an airtight container or bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. To refresh them, I reheat individually in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm a batch in a 325°F oven for about 5–7 minutes, loosely covered to keep them soft. For extra flavor, I brush with melted butter after reheating.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes—I substitute active dry yeast at a 1:1 ratio, but I must dissolve it in the warm milk-water mixture for about 10 minutes first until it blooms.

Can I make the dough ahead and refrigerate it?

Definitely. I’ll refrigerate the shaped dough balls after the first rise, covered, for up to 24 hours. Before baking, I let them come to room temperature and rise until puffy, then bake as usual.

Are these rolls freezer-friendly?

Yes. I freeze the baked rolls once cooled in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. To serve, I thaw them at room temperature and warm them in the oven or microwave with a dab of butter.

Can I make these dairy-free?

I can—by substituting the milk with a plant-based milk and using dairy-free margarine or oil for the butter component. The texture is still soft and delicious.

Can I shape them into knots or other shapes?

Absolutely. Instead of round balls, I sometimes twist them into knots or braids. They still bake beautifully and make a charming presentation.

Conclusion

Texas Roadhouse Rolls deliver that irresistible combination of soft, buttery dough and comforting, homemade warmth. I love how versatile they are—perfect plain, glazed, filled, or dressed up. Whether alongside a family dinner or used for mini sandwiches, these rolls are a staple I always enjoy making.