How to Make Dinner Rolls from Frozen Bread Dough – So Easy, So Delicious!

There’s something magical about the smell of fresh, warm dinner rolls filling your kitchen. But who has time to make them from scratch? The good news—you don’t have to! Frozen bread dough is the ultimate shortcut for soft, fluffy, bakery-style rolls without the fuss.

I’ve tested several creative ways to use frozen dough to make dinner rolls, and today, I’m sharing my absolute favorites. Whether you like classic rolls, buttery pull-aparts, or something with a little twist, I’ve got you covered!

Let’s get baking!

1. Classic Buttery Dinner Rolls

Nothing beats a warm, soft roll slathered in butter. This is the simplest method, but trust me, it delivers that melt-in-your-mouth goodness every time!

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of frozen bread dough (or individual frozen dough balls)
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tsp salt (optional)

Instructions:

1. Take the frozen dough out of the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
2. Once thawed, divide the dough into equal portions (if not using pre-portioned dough balls).
3. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place them in a greased baking dish, about 1 inch apart.
4. Cover with a clean towel and let them rise in a warm place for about 2–3 hours until they double in size.
5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Brush the rolls with melted butter and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
7. Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown on top.
8. Remove from the oven and brush with more butter while warm.

Enjoy:

These are perfect as a side for soups, salads, or just as a snack with jam!

2. Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Rolls

These rolls are irresistibly cheesy, garlicky, and pull apart beautifully. They’re the ultimate side dish for pasta or a great appetizer on their own!

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of frozen bread dough
• 3 tbsp melted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• ½ tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Thaw the frozen dough overnight in the fridge.
2. Cut it into small pieces (about the size of a golf ball).
3. Mix melted butter, garlic, and salt in a bowl.
4. Dip each dough piece into the butter mixture, then roll in Parmesan cheese.
5. Place the coated dough pieces in a greased bundt pan or baking dish.
6. Cover and let rise for 2–3 hours until puffy.
7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
8. Sprinkle with dried parsley before serving.

Enjoy:

These rolls pull apart beautifully, making them fun to eat and even better to share!

3. Honey Butter Crescent Rolls

Sweet, buttery, and with that perfect soft crescent shape, these rolls are a must-try!

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf frozen bread dough
• 3 tbsp melted butter
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp sea salt

Instructions:

1. Thaw the frozen dough and roll it out into a large rectangle.
2. Cut the dough into long triangles, like crescent rolls.
3. Roll each triangle from the wide end to the tip to form a crescent shape.
4. Place rolls on a baking sheet, cover, and let them rise for 2 hours.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Brush the tops with melted butter and bake for 15–18 minutes.
7. While warm, drizzle with honey and sprinkle with sea salt.

Enjoy:

Perfect for breakfast with jam or alongside a hearty dinner!

4. Herb & Cheese Stuffed Rolls

These rolls have a cheesy surprise inside! They’re packed with gooey cheese and flavorful herbs—perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf frozen bread dough
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil or parsley
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• ½ tsp garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Thaw the dough and cut it into 8 equal pieces.
2. Flatten each piece and place a spoonful of cheese in the center.
3. Fold the dough over the cheese and pinch to seal.
4. Place on a baking sheet, seam-side down, and let rise for 2 hours.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Brush with melted butter mixed with garlic powder.
7. Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown.
8. Sprinkle with fresh herbs before serving.

Enjoy:

These are amazing on their own or as a side to pasta!

5. Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Rolls

If you love cinnamon rolls but don’t want to make them from scratch, these are your dream come true!

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf frozen bread dough
• ¼ cup melted butter
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• ½ cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 2 tbsp milk

Instructions:

1. Thaw the dough and roll it into a large rectangle.
2. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon evenly.
3. Roll up the dough tightly, then slice into 1-inch rolls.
4. Place rolls in a greased baking dish and let them rise for 2 hours.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 18–20 minutes.
6. Mix powdered sugar and milk to make a glaze and drizzle over warm rolls.

Enjoy:

These taste just like bakery cinnamon rolls—without the work!

FAQ – How to Make Dinner Rolls from Frozen Bread Dough

1. Can I speed up the thawing process for frozen bread dough?

Yes! If you don’t have time to thaw it overnight in the fridge, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it sit at room temperature for 3–4 hours. You can also use the defrost setting on your microwave (check the dough every 30 seconds to avoid overproofing).

2. How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should be about double in size and feel soft and puffy when lightly pressed. If it springs back quickly, it may need more time.

3. Can I freeze the rolls after baking?

Absolutely! Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight bag or container. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–10 minutes or microwave for 15–20 seconds.

4. What’s the best way to make sure my rolls are soft and fluffy?

• Make sure your dough rises fully before baking.
• Avoid overbaking—remove them when they’re lightly golden.
• Brush with butter after baking to keep them soft.

5. Can I add extra ingredients to the dough?

Yes! You can mix in herbs, garlic, shredded cheese, or even dried fruit before shaping the rolls. Just don’t add too much, or it may affect the rise.

6. What’s the best pan to use for baking dinner rolls?

A baking dish (glass or metal) works best for pull-apart rolls. If you want crispy edges, space them apart on a baking sheet. For a fun twist, try a bundt pan for monkey bread-style rolls.

7. Why are my rolls dense and not fluffy?

This usually happens if the dough hasn’t risen enough or if it was handled too much before baking. Always let it rise properly and avoid pressing too hard when shaping.

8. Can I use frozen dough to make sweet rolls like cinnamon rolls?

Yes! Frozen bread dough works perfectly for cinnamon rolls, sticky buns, or even fruit-filled pastries. Just roll it out, add your fillings, and bake as usual.

9. How do I store leftover rolls?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days . If you need them to last longer, freeze them.

10. What’s the best way to reheat leftover rolls?

For soft rolls, wrap them in foil and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 5–10 minutes . For a quick fix, microwave them for 10–15 seconds with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.

Final Thoughts

Frozen bread dough is a game-changer. Whether you want classic dinner rolls, cheesy stuffed rolls, or sweet cinnamon treats, it’s the ultimate shortcut to homemade goodness. Try one (or all) of these ideas and let me know which one is your favorite!

What’s your go-to dinner roll hack? Let’s chat in the comments!