Easiest Rhodes Rolls (Frozen Dinner Rolls w/ Butter and Herbs) - Borrowed Bites - Bread (2024)

Who doesn’t love the smell of fresh bread dough or homemade dinner rolls baking in the oven? It brings out all the feels. But sometimes I need a shortcut to get me there. Enter this easy dinner roll recipe.

Since the first time that I saw the inspiration for these white dinner rolls on the Pioneer Woman, they have made a regular appearance at our dinner table. Homemade rolls without all the work.

Not only have these Rhodes frozen dinner rolls been served on big holidays like Easter, Thanksgiving Dinner, and Christmas, but they have also been served to the extended family during our weekend Sunday dinners. Often though I serve these yeast rolls when I need more carbs to fill up bottomless pits a.k.a. teenage boys. With so many different flavor options they are a great addition to any main dish.

If you have any leftover frozen rolls to use up, we have a monkey bread recipe that uses frozen rolls baked in a bundt pan - Rhodes Monkey Bread (with butterscotch pudding and brown sugar) - for special occasion breakfasts. Family tradition mandates that it is served every holiday season! Isn't it amazing what frozen bread dough can do?

🥖 Ingredients

Rhodes rolls: I use Rhodes frozen dinner rolls that are 57 grams each, but feel free to use the smaller ones (38 grams each). See FAQ section below.
Butter: Adds that irresistible flavor and helps the dinner roll dough brown while baking.
Herbs: Fresh herbs are the best. My favorites are thyme and rosemary, but feel free to mix a few together as well.
Salt: Kosher is the best option.

🥣 How to make Rhodes frozen dinner rolls

For the best frozen dinner rolls, pull out a trusty 12-inch cast iron skillet (affiliate) for every dozen rolls, or use a 9x13 pan if that is what you have. Spray the pan with non-stick spray or wipe a thin layer of canola oil evenly across the surface. Place the Rhodes rolls throughout the pan.

Take a piece of plastic wrap and cover the skillet. Spray the outside of the plastic wrap with non-stick cooking spray, then turn the plastic wrap over so that the sprayed side is closest to the frozen rolls.

Spraying the plastic wrap ensures that the thawed rolls will not stick once it is time to bake. If they stick to the plastic wrap, the rolls will deflate which will cause them to lose their soft and fluffy interior.

Thawing instructions

Thaw Rhodes dinner rolls in a warm location for 3-5 hours at room temperature, until they have doubled in size. The actual time varies depending on the temperature of your kitchen. They should be soft and fluffy.

If the dough balls rise too much, usually from being left too long or in too warm of a location, they won’t turn out quite as well. For best results, watch them carefully after the 3 hour mark. Once they are looking ready, gently remove the plastic wrap and melt the butter. Then stir in the herbs and salt.

Baking directions

When it is time to bake, turn the oven to 350 degrees. Once the oven is at temperature, place the Rhodes rolls in the oven for 15-20 minutes. If you are using a different brand of rolls check the back of the bag for cooking time. I'm sure they are all pretty similar.

There is no need to remove the rolls from the pan and place on a wire rack. They cool directly in the pan. For a final punch of flavor and the best appearance, brush tops of rolls softly with reserved butter mixture.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Dinner rolls for a crowd

These easy dinner rolls are great for Sunday Dinner, which around here is usually 20-25 people. When I serve these easy Rhodes rolls at a family gathering I can easily go through three skillets worth.

I'm telling you, they are delectable rolls. I don't want you to miss out so, please, do me a favor... make them as soon as you get a chance. It's the best experience watching other people taste these little pillows of carbs!

When serving Rhodes rolls for large holidays like Easter, a Thanksgiving feast, and Christmas, the biggest consideration is oven space - I can barely fit three 12-inch skillets in my oven, so I only ever triple the recipe. Test how many skillets fit in your oven before deciding how many to make or be sure to bake in batches.

🌿 Flavor variations

Fresh herbs: Thyme, rosemary, sage, chives, or parsley.
Dried herbs: Fresh are better but these can be used in a pinch.
Salt: Kosher salt, garlic salt, or sea salt.
Garlic: Minced garlic is best.

🙋 Questions & Answers

📖 Main dishes to serve with rolls

• Crock Pot Chuck Roast: A tender, flavorful roast made in the slow cooker for the perfect comforting meal.
• Chicken Breasts in Lemon Sauce: An easy one skillet dinner with fresh lemon, garlic, and white wine flavors.
• 5 Ingredient Cast Iron Pork Tenderloin with Honey Butter Sauce: An easy pork tenderloin made in a cast iron skillet or Instant Pot. Rave reviews every time!

👨🏼‍🍳 Tips & Tricks

• Spray plastic wrap with nonstick spray. If not the rolls will deflate when the plastic is removed which will cause them to lose their soft and fluffy interior.
• The best way to ensure the perfect texture is to not let them over rise. They will still be worth eating but not quite as good. Wonder how I know? 😉
• Pour the butter over the tops of the Rhodes rolls paying special attention not to miss the outside edge.