These Copycat Texas Road House Rolls are the perfect combination of fluffy, soft, and buttery goodness. Inspired by the famous restaurant rolls, they are sweetened with honey and offer a melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes them irresistible. Whether served as a side, turned into sandwiches, or eaten on their own with cinnamon honey butter, they bring a warm, comforting feeling to any meal. With the help of this recipe, you can recreate that beloved taste at home and enjoy a Texas Road House experience right in your own kitchen.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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2 cups of milk
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1/2 cup of warm water
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4 tsp active dry yeast
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5 tbsp granulated sugar (divided)
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3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
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1/4 cup honey
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7.5 cups all-purpose flour (adjust as needed)
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2 eggs
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2 tsp salt
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2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for brushing post-baking)
Directions
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Heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and let cool for about 10 minutes.
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In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and 1 tbsp of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
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To the yeast mixture, add the remaining sugar, honey, cooled milk, and 2 cups of flour. Mix until smooth.
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Add melted butter, eggs, and salt, and continue mixing.
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Gradually add the remaining flour, one cup at a time, until the dough is soft and slightly sticky (add more flour if needed).
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Let the dough rest for a few minutes, then knead for about 5 minutes, adding flour if it becomes too sticky.
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Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise for 45 minutes to an hour until it doubles in size.
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Punch the dough down and roll it out to about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch squares.
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Arrange the squares on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and allow them to rise again for about an hour.
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 14-18 minutes or until golden brown.
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After baking, immediately brush the rolls with melted butter.
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Let the rolls cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrients (approximate per roll, makes 36 rolls)
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Calories: ~130
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Fat: 4 g
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Carbohydrates: 21 g
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Protein: 3 g
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Sugar: 5 g
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Sodium: 200 mg
The Role of Ingredients in Texas Road House Rolls
The ingredients that make up Copycat Texas Road House Rolls are relatively simple, but each one plays a crucial role in ensuring the final product achieves that signature light and fluffy texture.
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Milk and Warm Water: These two liquids provide the necessary hydration for the dough. Milk contributes a richness and slightly sweet flavor, while warm water activates the yeast, helping the dough rise properly.
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Active Dry Yeast: Yeast is the key to creating the light and airy texture of the rolls. It ferments the dough, causing it to rise and develop a tender crumb.
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Sugar and Honey: Both ingredients contribute sweetness, with the honey adding a unique flavor and moisture to the dough. Sugar helps the yeast grow and contributes to the rolls’ golden color when baked.
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Butter: Butter adds richness and flavor, creating the melt-in-your-mouth quality that makes these rolls so addictive.
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Eggs and Salt: Eggs provide structure and a bit of protein to help bind the dough, while salt enhances the overall flavor and regulates the fermentation of the yeast.
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Flour: Flour is the backbone of the dough, giving it structure and stability. The right amount of flour is essential to achieving the correct texture—soft, slightly sticky, and workable.
Together, these ingredients create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and appearance, making these rolls a true comfort food.
The Science of Yeast-Risen Dough
Understanding the role of yeast in bread-making can help demystify the process of making Texas Road House Rolls at home. Yeast is a living organism that feeds on the sugars in the dough, producing carbon dioxide gas as a byproduct. This gas gets trapped in the dough’s gluten network, causing the dough to rise and expand. The yeast fermentation process is what gives these rolls their airy texture and lightness.
For successful fermentation, it’s important to ensure that the yeast is activated properly. The warm water used in the recipe should be between 100°F to 110°F (37°C to 43°C). If the water is too hot, it can kill the yeast, preventing the dough from rising. Likewise, if the water is too cold, the yeast will not be activated effectively, leading to a slow rise or no rise at all. It’s also essential to allow the dough enough time to rise and develop flavor, so be sure to follow the resting and rising times recommended in the recipe.
Techniques for Perfectly Soft Rolls
Achieving the perfect soft texture in these rolls requires attention to a few key steps in the dough-making process.
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Kneading the Dough: Kneading is a critical step in developing the gluten network that gives the rolls structure. The dough should be kneaded for about 5 minutes, which allows the gluten to form and helps the dough become smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, it can be tempting to add too much flour, but be careful—adding flour gradually until the dough is soft and slightly sticky will yield the best results.
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Rising and Proofing: Allowing the dough to rise is a crucial step in making light, fluffy rolls. The first rise lets the yeast develop flavor and causes the dough to double in size. After the dough is punched down and rolled into squares, the second rise helps ensure that the rolls will be tender and airy once baked. Make sure to cover the dough while it rises to retain moisture and create a warm environment for the yeast.
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Baking at the Right Temperature: When baking Texas Road House Rolls, it’s essential to preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature allows the rolls to bake evenly and turn golden brown while preserving their soft, tender interior. Keep an eye on the rolls as they bake, as oven temperatures can vary. The rolls should bake for 14-18 minutes or until they are golden brown on top.
Serving Suggestions for Texas Road House Rolls
While Texas Road House Rolls are delicious on their own, they also pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Whether you’re enjoying a hearty steak, grilled chicken, or a comforting soup, these rolls make the perfect accompaniment to any meal.
One of the best ways to serve these rolls is with a generous serving of cinnamon honey butter. The creamy, slightly sweet butter adds richness and depth to the rolls, making them even more indulgent. You can either spread the butter on top of the rolls or serve it on the side for guests to add as they like.
Additionally, Texas Road House Rolls can be transformed into sandwiches by simply slicing them in half and adding your favorite fillings. The soft texture of the rolls makes them ideal for holding deli meats, cheese, or even vegetables, creating a delicious sandwich for lunch or dinner.
For a more savory option, try pairing these rolls with a rich stew or a creamy pasta dish. Their light and fluffy texture complement heavier dishes, helping to balance the meal and provide a comforting element to the dining experience.
Tips for Success
Making Copycat Texas Road House Rolls at home is a rewarding experience, but there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure success every time.
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Accurate Measurements: Baking is all about precision, so make sure to measure your ingredients accurately. When measuring flour, use the spoon-and-level method to avoid overpacking the flour, which can result in dense rolls.
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Use Fresh Yeast: Ensure that your active dry yeast is fresh and not expired. Old yeast can fail to activate properly, leading to underwhelming results.
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Avoid Overbaking: Overbaking these rolls can cause them to dry out. Keep an eye on them as they bake, and remove them from the oven when they reach a golden brown color. They’ll continue to cook slightly as they cool.
Why These Rolls Are a Must-Try
Copycat Texas Road House Rolls are the perfect balance of softness, sweetness, and richness, making them a must-try for any home baker. The dough is easy to work with, and the end result is a batch of rolls that are just as soft and delicious as the ones served at the restaurant. With their sweet flavor, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and versatility, these rolls can be enjoyed in a variety of ways—from simple side dishes to sandwiches or even desserts.
The best part about these rolls is that they bring the comfort and warmth of Texas Road House into your own kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or enjoying a quiet meal at home, these rolls will add a touch of homemade goodness to your table, making every meal feel a little more special.
Conclusion
Copycat Texas Road House Rolls are a true comfort food that everyone can enjoy. Soft, fluffy, and buttery, they offer the perfect balance of sweetness and texture that makes them irresistible. By following this simple recipe, you can recreate the magic of Texas Road House at home and treat your family and friends to a batch of warm, homemade rolls. Whether served as a side, turned into sandwiches, or enjoyed with cinnamon honey butter, these rolls will surely become a favorite in your home. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and start baking—you won’t be disappointed by the result!