These pull-apart, fluffy, and quick vegan dinner rolls are flavored with simple ingredients. The everything bagel seasoning is what makes them the BEST vegan dinner rolls.

Homemade dinner rolls don’t have to be boring, right?

Even though they are a side dish, these delicious vegan dinner rolls can be eaten by themselves.

They might even take center stage at the dinner table because they are simply gorgeous!

Closeup view of the top of the dinner rolls in the baking dish
You can’t resist these dinner rolls!

Ingredients

Here is a quick look at the ingredients. It is to understand why these specific ingredients were chosen. To get the full instructions, go to the bottom of this post.

Milk – Milk is great for making a rich dough. I always prefer it over warm water because it gives the dough a better texture. Also, the rolls turn out extra fluffy because of it. You can use whole milk or dairy free milk like almond milk.

Active dry yeast – I prefer this over Instant yeast because I feel like my rolls rise very well with it. If you are interested in learning more, there is a masterclass on the difference between the two types of yeast.

Sugar – Sugar makes the yeast activate properly and together, they make these rolls very soft.

Butter – I have used regular butter in this recipe, but you are welcome to use vegan butter instead. Check out my post on why I don’t use vegan/plant-based butters anymore.

All purpose flour – This flour is the best flour for dinner rolls because they rise well with active dry yeast. If you are GF, you can still enjoy a good bun! Try this super easy gluten-free slider buns recipe.

Pink Salt – This salt tastes so good and it also brings 84 minerals with it.

Everything bagel seasoning – This seasoning is truly the star of the recipe. It takes plain old dinner rolls and turns them into super cool rolls! You can make your everything bagel seasoning at home or buy it from (Affiliate Link) Amazon.

If you are confused about vegan and vegetarian ingredients, consult my handy-dandy guide! It will clear things up for you.

🍅 Handy Tip: Always heat milk stove top and not in the microwave. On the stove top, the milk will heat evenly.

Closeup and angle view of a few vegan dinner rolls on a copper plate with a turquoise tea towel in the back.
look at how fluffy and tall these dinner rolls look!

Yeast and they shall rise

Many readers have asked me to make yeast-free rolls. I have tried to make a good batch without yeast, but, never succeeded.

You can use a combination of baking soda and baking powder to do the work of yeast. Rhian’s Recipes has a vegan, gluten-free version of dinner rolls.

Personally, I love using yeast because they make very soft dinner rolls.

🍅 Measuring Tip: If you are using active dry yeast packets, you will need 2 of the packets (1/4 oz per packet). If you are using rapid dry yeast, it amounts to 2 Tbsp.

top view of the 24 dinner rolls fully basted with the everything bagel seasoning. A turquoise tea towel on the side
These easy dinner rolls are seriously delicious right out of the oven!

Answering Common Questions

How do you make yeast rolls light and fluffy?

Making sure the yeast and milk mixture is frothy before mixing it with the flour is very important. If your yeast mixture is not frothing up, then you have to discard that mixture and start again. Also, make sure you give the dough 30 minutes to rise and then let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes before putting it in the oven.

Can I use a mixer to make the dough?

Yes, you can use a mixer. Place the mixture in a bowl of a stand mixer and let the dough hook work its magic. The setting should be medium speed.

Why is my yeast not frothing?

The main reason yeast doesn’t froth in the milk is because the milk temperature is not right. The milk needs to be 100°F-110°F. If you don’t own a thermometer, you will need to gauge the temp manually. It should be lukewarm like you are going to feed it to a baby.
Closeup view of the top of the dinner rolls in the baking dish

How to freeze dinner rolls

Wrap the leftover dinner rolls in parchment paper. Then, place it in a (Affiliate Link) BPA-Free freezer bag and date it.

👩‍🍳 Cooking tip: It is vital to let the dough rise for 30 minutes. Also, as soon as you form the dinner rolls, set it aside for 30 minutes. So, when you finally put the baking tray in the oven, the rolls will rise very well in the oven.

Can I make it in an air fryer?

Yes, you can make the dinner rolls in the air fryer. Line the basket with parchment paper and arrange each dough ball just like in the baking dish.

Air fryer it at 320°F for 25 Minutes. You may have to experiment with the time depending on your air fryer.

Keep the temperature low because it will cook the rolls from the inside too. High temperatures will burn the top and leave them uncooked from the inside.

Top view of a single vegan dinner roll on a white wax paper and placed in a bowl with a white tea towel
This lone, beautiful homemade dinner roll was made in the air fryer.

I made 25 golf ball sized dough balls and set one aside to make in the air fryer. This is what it looks like when made in the air fryer! 😆

My baking dish (Affiliate Link) stoneware square 10.24″ baking dish

My air fryer (Affiliate Link) ) COSORI MAX XL Air Fryer

How to make easy dinner rolls

  • Heat the milk (plant-based or dairy milk) in a small saucepan. Heat stove top for 1 minute. Make sure it’s lukewarm before adding the yeast and sugar
angle view of a stainless steel pan with milk being heated on a burner
  • Add the dry ingredients (sugar and active dry yeast). Mix well and set aside for 3 minutes
Top view of a white bowl filled with lukewarm milk, yeast and sugar. A spoon inside the bowl for mixing it.
  • In a large mixing bowl, add the 4.5 cup flour. You may have to sift it if it’s clumpy.
Top view of a glass bowl filled with flour. On the side, the bowl with the yeast milk is visible
  • Add the salt. I used pink, but, you can use sea salt too.
pink salt added to the flour in the glass bowl
  • Add 8 Tbsp of butter. That’s 1 big stick or 2 mini sticks. The butter should be softened to room temperature
2 mini sticks of softened butter added to the flour in the glass bowl
  • After 3 minutes, the yeast starts to froth up. This is what it will look like.
top view of the yeast frothing up in the bowl with the milk
  • When the yeast turns frothy, slowly introduce it to the flour. Add it with one hand and mix with the other.
Top view of the flour starting to be turned into dough with the addition of frothy yeast milk
  • Knead the dough until it’s soft and there are no knots. It’s okay if it’s a sticky dough. Optionally, put the dough in an oiled bowl (avocado oil) so it doesn’t stick too much.
Top view of the kneaded dough
  • Cover with a kitchen towel (or plastic wrap) and set your rise time for 30 minutes. Put the bowl in a warm place. This is the first rise.
front view of a turquise tea towel covering the bowl with the dough.
  • At the 30-minute mark, remove the kitchen towel and give the dough a soft punch. This will deflate the flour. Knead it again for about 30 seconds.
Top view of the dough with a punch outline in the middle
  • Make golf ball size dough balls and place them in a buttered square baking sheet. They should be equal pieces. Make sure the top is smooth. There should be no wrinkles or lines on it.
top view of the author's hand holding a golf-size ball made from the dough. A buttered square baking dish is also visible
  • I made 25 balls (only 24 are put into the square dish. I used one to make in the air fryer)
Top view of 25 dinner roll balls in a 10.24" grey square baking dish
  • Cover the dinner rolls with the kitchen towel and again, let it rise for 30 minutes. This is the second rise.
Angle view of the grey baking dish being covered by a turquise tea towel
  • After the dinner rolls have been rising for 20 minutes, prepare your oven. Make sure you remove any pots and pans in it before turning it on to 350°F
  • When there are 2 minutes left for the dough balls to rise, put melted vegan butter in a bowl.
top view of a white bowl with a partially melted butter stick
  • Add the Everything Bagel seasoning to the melted butter and mix well. Sometimes, I will add extra sesame seeds.
top view of a white bowl with melted butter and everything bagel seasoning
  • Remove the kitchen towel and use a brush to baste the top of the dinner rolls with the everything bagel butter. Make sure you get it into every nook and cranny
top view of a green basting brush on top of the dinner rolls. Some of the dinner rolls have been basted with the everything bagel seasoning
  • The dinner rolls are now ready to be put into the preheated oven. 350°F for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
top view of the 24 dinner rolls fully basted with the everything bagel butter
  • Tada!!! These quick dinner rolls are all done!
Top view of the dinner rolls right out the oven
Wish I could let you smell the amazing aromas coming out of these dinner rolls right out of the oven.

What to eat with dinner rolls

These quick vegan dinner rolls can be paired with so many vegan recipes.

Check out some of my favorite Thanksgiving air-fryer recipes like my air fryer hasselback sweet potatoes

Leftover and storage

Do you know what to do with leftover dinner rolls? I have tried many methods and figured out the best way to store them. To freeze, I wrap the leftovers in parchment paper and put them in a freezer-friendly bag. They will last about 6 months.

To reheat, just place the frozen dinner rolls (do not thaw) in a 250°F preheated oven. Heat for 15 minutes or until they are warm to touch.

If you are going to use it up the next day or in one week, place the leftover homemade rolls in an airtight container and refrigerate.

But, I am thinking in that you won’t have any leftovers because this vegan dinner roll recipe is addictive!

Sharing is caring

Don’t be shy, chime in below in the comments. Let me hear your opinion on this easy vegan dinner rolls recipe. If you enjoyed this, please give it 5 star rating and share it on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram.

Top view of the vegan dinner rolls in a grey baking dish

Best Dinner Rolls with Everything Bagel

Rini
Soft, fluffy vegan dinner everything rolls are easy to bake and are the perfect thanksgiving side dish or a side with any dinner. Made with Everything Bagel Seasonings.
5 from 5 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Proofing time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 24 rolls
Calories 145 kcal

Equipment

  • Mason Cash | Classic Kitchen Gray 10.24" Square Baking Dish
  • Baking Mixer

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups milk whole milk or almond milk
  • 1 Tbsp active dry yeast if you are using the small 4oz packets, you will need 2 of them
  • ¼ cup sugar I used Wholesome Organic Cane Sugar
  • 8 tbsp butter vegan or regular
  • cups All purpose flour I used enriched, bleached all-purpose
  • 2 tsp salt I used pink salt, but you can use any

For Basting

  • 2 tbsp butter vegan or regular
  • 1 Tbsp everything bagel seasoning

Instructions
 

  • Heat the 2 cups of milk stove top for 1 minute. Make sure it’s lukewarm before adding the yeast and sugar
    angle view of a stainless steel pan with milk being heated on a burner
  • Add the 1/4 cup sugar and 1 Tbsp active dry yeast. Mix well and set aside for 3 minutes
    Top view of a white bowl filled with lukewarm milk, yeast and sugar. A spoon inside the bowl for mixing it.
  • In a mixing bowl, add the flour. You may have to sift it if it’s clumpy
    Top view of a glass bowl filled with flour. On the side, the bowl with the yeast milk is visible
  • Add the salt. I used pink, but, you can use any salt
    pink salt added to the flour in the glass bowl
  • Add 8 Tbsp of butter. That’s 1 big stick or 2 mini sticks. The butter should be softened to room temperature
    2 mini sticks of softened butter added to the flour in the glass bowl
  • After 3 minutes, the yeast starts to froth up.
    top view of the yeast frothing up in the bowl with the milk
  • When the yeast turns frothy, slowly introduce it to the flour. Add it with one hand and mix with the other
    Top view of the flour starting to be turned into dough with the addition of frothy yeast milk
  • Knead the dough until it’s soft and there are no knots
    Top view of the kneaded dough
  • Cover with a tea towel and let it rise on it’s own for 30 minutes
    front view of a turquise tea towel covering the bowl with the dough.
  • At the 30 minute mark, remove the tea towel and give the dough a soft punch. This will deflate the flour. Knead it again for about 30 seconds
    Top view of the dough with a punch outline in the middle
  • Make golf size balls and place in a buttered square baking sheet. Make sure the top is smooth. There should be no wrinkles or lines on it
    top view of the author's hand holding a golf-size ball made from the dough. A buttered square baking dish is also visible
  • I made 25 balls (only 24 are put into the square dish. I used one to make in the air fryer)
    Top view of 25 dinner roll balls in a 10.24" grey square baking dish
  • Cover the dinner rolls with the tea towel and again, let it rise for 30 minutes
    Angle view of the grey baking dish being covered by a turquise tea towel
  • After the dinner rolls have been rising for 20 minutes, prepare your oven. Make sure you remove any pots and pans in it before turning it on to 350°F
  • When there are 2 minutes left for the dough balls to rise, add melted butter in a bowl.
    top view of a white bowl with a partially melted butter stick
  • Add the Everything Bagel seasoning to the melted butter and mix well
    top view of a white bowl with melted butter and everything bagel seasoning
  • Remove the tea towel and use a brush to baste the top of the dinner rolls with the everything bagel butter. Make sure you get it into every nook and cranny
    top view of a green basting brush on top of the dinner rolls. Some of the dinner rolls have been basted with the everything bagel seasoning
  • The dinner rolls are now ready to be put into the preheated oven. 350°F for 30 minutes!
    top view of the 24 dinner rolls fully basted with the everything bagel butter
  • Remove from the oven and wait for them to cool to touch before serving
    Closeup view of the top of the dinner rolls in the baking dish

Notes

*** APRIL 21 Update – This rolls were initially made with vegan butter but now have been updated to dairy butter.  They are NOT vegan anymore, as written.  Feel free to sub with butter of choice. 
*** CALORIES INFORMATION IS APPROXIMATE.  CONSULT A HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION. Calorie information is an approximate for one dinner roll. 
*** Total cook time includes time needed to proof the dough
TIPS
  • Heat the milk stove top over microwave because it heats evenly.
  • I made this recipe twice. Once, it was with vegan dairy products and once with regular dairy products. They both turned out equally well.
  • I really urge you to use a stoneware baking dish because it cooks the dinner rolls evenly.
  • It’s important to give the dough and rolls 30 minutes each to poof up. It gives the yeast time to work its magic.
  • When you make the balls, make sure the top is smooth. I like to gently pull the top of the rolls and tuck the extra underneath.
  • These dinner rolls can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. I kept it in the baking dish and covered it with foil.
  • To freeze them, wrap them in foil and put them into zip-lock bags.  Freeze them and use up within 2 months.
  • This recipe makes about 25 vegan dinner rolls.

Nutrition

Calories: 145kcal
Keyword Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes, everything bagel seaosning, everything rolls, vegan dinner rolls, yeast rolls
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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5 from 5 votes

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10 Comments

  1. Enjoyed these with dinner last night and they turned out perfectly light, fluffy and delicious! Easily, a new favorite roll recipe!

  2. Love dinner rolls but of course, always made mines with eggs, milk, butter and sometimes even lard. But since I’m looking also vegan options for my fav recipes, this recipe is just perfect too! 👍🏻