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Gluten-Free Pull-Apart Dinner Rolls

Featured in: Fresh-Baked Comfort

These gluten-free pull-apart dinner rolls prove that dietary restrictions don't mean sacrificing texture or taste. Made with a carefully crafted blend of gluten-free flours and activated yeast, each roll bakes up soft and pillowy inside with a beautifully golden-brown crust. A brush of melted butter adds richness and shine, while the pull-apart design creates those irresistibly soft edges that make dinner rolls so special. They're perfect for soaking up sauces or simply enjoying warm with a pat of butter.
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Updated on Fri, 10 Jan 2025 20:50:34 GMT
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Gluten-Free Pull-Apart Dinner Rolls | quickierecipe.com
When my family and I were first diagnosed with celiac disease, one of the most daunting tasks was finding a recipe for gluten-free dinner rolls that tasted and felt like the traditional homemade rolls we were accustomed to. For years, we struggled with recipes that yielded rolls that were either too dense, too crumbly, or just plain unpalatable. It wasn’t until I attended a baking class with Rachel, the former owner of Gluten Free Mama, that I finally found a solution. Rachel’s original recipe, which is no longer available online, was a game-changer. With her permission, I have adapted this recipe to share with you, and it has become a staple in our household. These gluten-free dinner rolls are not just a compromise; they are a delight that we enjoy at every holiday meal and at least once a month throughout the year.

Personal Experience and Discovery

Before discovering this recipe, making gluten-free dinner rolls was a frustrating endeavor. Every attempt seemed to end in disappointment, with rolls that were more akin to cardboard than to the soft, fluffy dinner rolls we remembered. But Rachel’s method changed everything. Her approach to using a specific blend of gluten-free flours, along with the right combination of other ingredients, resulted in rolls that were indistinguishable from their gluten-containing counterparts.

Recipe Adaptation and Importance

The recipe I’m sharing today is an adaptation of Rachel’s original, tailored to ensure that it remains accessible and successful for anyone looking to make delicious gluten-free dinner rolls. These rolls are more than just a meal accompaniment; they are a comfort food that brings joy to our table. The texture is pillowy-soft, the taste is rich and buttery, and the overall experience is one of satisfaction and delight.

Recipe Inspiration

The inspiration behind this recipe comes from Rachel’s meticulous approach to gluten-free baking. Her original recipe was designed to mimic the taste and texture of traditional homemade dinner rolls, and it succeeds admirably. The key to this success lies in the careful selection of ingredients and the precise method of preparation.

Ingredients

  • Gluten-Free Flour Blend: 2¾ cups (11½ oz.) of a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. I recommend using Gluten-Free Mama’s Almond flour blend, Authentic Foods Multi-Blend Flour, or a similar blend that includes xanthan gum.
  • Xanthan Gum: 1 1/2 tsp. If your flour blend already includes xanthan gum, you can omit this.
  • Yeast: 2 tsp. of SAF instant yeast.
  • Sugar: 1/4 cup.
  • Salt: 1 tsp.
  • Warm Water: 1 cup (105-110°F).
  • Butter or Margarine: 2 Tbsp. of butter, dairy-free margarine, or Spectrum organic shortening.
  • Egg: 1 egg, preferably at room temperature.
  • Cider Vinegar: 1 tsp.

Preparing the Dough

Step 1:
Combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. This includes the gluten-free flour blend, xanthan gum, yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix these ingredients together to ensure they are well combined.
Step 2:
Next, with the mixer running on low speed, gradually add the warm water, melted butter or margarine, egg, and cider vinegar. Continue mixing until all the ingredients are fully incorporated. Increase the mixer speed to medium and mix for 3 minutes to ensure the dough is smooth and well combined.

Shaping the Rolls

Step 1:
Spray an 8" or 9" round cake pan or pie plate with cooking spray.
Step 2:
Using a 2" scoop or 1/3 cup measuring cup, scoop the dough into 9 mounds in the pan. Place one mound in the center and the rest around it, forming a circular pattern. Dip your fingertips into warm water and smooth out the tops of the rolls, continuing to wet your fingers as needed to prevent sticking.

Rising the Dough

Step 1:
Cover the pan with a dry towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 45 minutes to 1 hour. This step is crucial for allowing the yeast to activate and the dough to rise, giving the rolls their characteristic light and airy texture.

Baking the Rolls

Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 400°F during the last few minutes of the rising time.
Step 2:
Once the oven is ready, place the pan in the middle rack and bake for 25-28 minutes, or until the tops of the rolls are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F. Keep an eye on the rolls as oven temperatures can vary.

Finishing the Rolls

Step 1:
After baking, remove the rolls from the oven and brush them with an additional 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of melted butter. This final step adds a rich, buttery flavor and a glossy finish to the rolls.

Gluten-Free, Baking, Dinner Rolls

Light, fluffy, and perfect for any meal, these gluten-free pull-apart dinner rolls are easy to make and delicious to eat.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: Meryem

Category: Breads & Muffins

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 rolls

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 100°F to 110°F).
02 2 teaspoons active dry yeast.
03 3 tablespoons sugar.
04 3 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour.
05 1 teaspoon salt.
06 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted.
07 1 large egg.
08 1 teaspoon xanthan gum (optional, but helps with texture).
09 1 tablespoon olive oil.

Instructions

Step 01

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently to dissolve the yeast, and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

Step 02

In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, salt, and xanthan gum (if using).

Step 03

Add the melted butter, egg, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix well.

Step 04

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a sticky dough forms.

Step 05

Using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment, knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead by hand for about 10 minutes.

Step 06

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 07

Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten it slightly into a disk shape.

Step 08

Place the rolls in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, leaving about 1 inch of space between each roll.

Step 09

Cover the rolls with a clean towel and let them rise for another 30 to 45 minutes, or until they have puffed up slightly.

Step 10

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 18 to 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

Step 11

Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool in the baking dish for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  1. Using gluten-free all-purpose flour is essential for those with gluten intolerance or sensitivity.
  2. Proper yeast activation and kneading are crucial steps for a good texture.
  3. Xanthan gum is optional but can enhance the texture and structure of the rolls.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl.
  • Whisk.
  • Stand mixer with dough hook.
  • Greased bowl.
  • 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • Wire rack.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 150
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~