Mayonnaise Rolls
Mayonnaise rolls became a clever kitchen hack during the Great Depression as simple ingredients were scarce.
These tender rolls offer a delightful mix between a biscuit and dinner roll that needs just 3 ingredients and 20 minutes to prepare. You won’t even need yeast or rising time, which makes this recipe perfect for last-minute meals.
The recipe yields 10-12 golden-brown beauties quickly. A quick 5-minute mix and 15 minutes in the oven is all it takes. This time-tested recipe brings warm, fresh rolls to your table without any fuss, perfect for small gatherings or family dinners.
Want to find out how simple these rolls can be? Let’s get baking!
Before You Get Starte:
A few minutes of kitchen prep will set you up for success with your mayonnaise rolls adventure. Your quick recipe becomes even easier with a well-laid-out kitchen space.
Clear your counter space and gather all measuring tools. The oven should be preheated first – it will give a perfect temperature while you mix ingredients.
Let your mayonnaise sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before you start. Mayo at room temperature creates a smoother blend with other ingredients and better roll texture.
Your baking sheet needs parchment paper or a light coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Keep all measuring cups, mixing bowls, and utensils within arm’s reach.
Clean hands and an apron will make your baking safer and more enjoyable. A spotless workspace will give a better baking experience.
These simple prep steps create a quick-moving workspace so you can focus on making perfect rolls. Small details like these can transform your baking experience completely.
Key Tips:
The success of mayonnaise rolls depends on mastering a few key techniques. The oven temperature should stay at 450°F when using metal pans. The rolls will achieve perfect browning in 12 minutes.
Flour Selection and Preparation White Lily flour’s softer wheat creates rolls with better texture. Sifting the flour helps you avoid unwanted lumps in your finished rolls. A fork works better than a spoon to mix because it breaks up dry ingredients well.
Mixing and Handling Use a light touch and mix until ingredients just combine. Too much mixing creates dense, tough rolls. The sticky batter needs muffin liners to make removal and cleanup easy.
These significant temperature tips ensure perfect results:
- Dark pans need a 25-degree lower temperature
- Water in empty muffin cups creates even cooking
- Room temperature ingredients blend better
Serving and Storage The rolls taste best when brushed with butter and served warm with jam. Some people debate about reheating, but many enjoy these rolls the next day. Food safety requires mayonnaise-based products to be refrigerated and eaten within two hours if left at room temperature.
What Makes This Recipe So Good?
These mayonnaise rolls take just 8 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to bake. You’ll love their soft texture and subtle tang [13, 14].
The rolls have something special about them. A delicate, crispy crust forms on top with a translucent cap and crispy bubbles. The inside stays fluffy and moist without any oily feel.
You can serve these rolls with anything:
- Hearty soups and stews
- Sandwich fillings
- Breakfast spreads with jam or honey
- Gravy-based dishes
Their neutral flavor makes them perfect with any meal. The rolls stay light and airy, and your kitchen will smell amazing as they bake.
Both new and experienced bakers will find this recipe easy to follow. The rolls brown perfectly without extra butter on top, and they develop a buttery bottom naturally during baking. They’re perfect for busy days when you want fresh, homemade bread without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why I Love This Recipe:
These mayonnaise rolls have become a staple in my recipe collection, and I get excited every time I make them. They’re simple yet versatile, which makes them special to me.
We use these rolls at every meal setting imaginable. They work beautifully at casual weeknight dinners and holiday gatherings alike. Their neutral flavor creates the perfect base to experiment with different toppings and sides.
This recipe’s adaptability makes it a winner in my kitchen. Let me share how I serve them throughout the day:
- Morning – A sweet touch of honey or jam
- Lunch – The perfect sandwich bread
- Dinner – A great companion to soups and stews
- Snack time – Just a dab of butter does the trick
The possibilities to customize these rolls seem endless. I love adding oregano when pasta’s on the menu, and a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning works magic with seafood dishes. The simple recipe takes well to creative twists while keeping that signature texture intact.
Clean-up is a breeze, and that’s something I really appreciate. The muffin tin does away with hand-shaping, which saves time and effort. You just mix everything together and end up with fewer dishes to wash – perfect for those busy days when you want fresh bread without the kitchen chaos.
My kitchen fills with an amazing aroma as these rolls bake. Their golden-brown tops and soft centers never fail to impress everyone at the table. Each batch feels like a small kitchen victory.
Recipe Variations
Learning about different mayonnaise roll variations creates endless culinary possibilities. These versatile rolls work well with many ingredients and seasonings that match any meal theme.
Alternative Ingredients Greek yogurt works as a great substitute for mayonnaise and gives the same creamy texture while adding protein. Sour cream delivers similar results with a tangy twist. Mashed avocado offers a healthier choice with good fats.
Flavor Enhancements The simple roll recipe works with many seasoning combinations:
- Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil add an aromatic touch
- Grated cheese or garlic creates savory depth
- Seeds such as sesame or poppy boost texture
- Dried fruits or nuts work great in breakfast versions
Special Dietary Needs You can mix all-purpose gluten-free flour with baking powder and salt to replace self-rising flour. Making your own mayonnaise lets you control all ingredients.
Serving Suggestions These rolls taste great with soups and stews. A butter brush on top makes them more appealing. You can spread them with basil pesto or hummus for variety. Making them bigger or smaller turns them into perfect sandwich bread.
Note that each variation might need small changes in baking time or temperature. These adaptations help create unique versions that match your taste priorities while keeping the recipe’s simple nature intact.
Mayonnaise Rolls
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl – For combining dry and wet ingredients.
- Whisk or Spoon – For mixing the dough.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – To measure ingredients accurately.
- Baking Sheet – For baking the rolls.
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat – To prevent sticking.
- Pastry Brush – For brushing melted butter on top of the rolls.
- Oven – Preheated to 375°F (190°C) for baking.
- Cooling Rack – To cool the rolls after baking.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3/4 cup milk or as needed
- 2 tablespoons melted butter for brushing
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
Add Wet Ingredients:
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add 1/2 cup mayonnaise.
- Gradually pour in 3/4 cup milk while stirring until a soft dough forms. Add more milk if needed, but avoid overmixing.
Shape the Rolls:
- Divide the dough into 12 equal portions.
- Roll each portion into a ball and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each roll.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown on top.
Brush with Butter:
- Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush the tops with 2 tablespoons melted butter for a soft, shiny finish.
Cool and Serve:
- Transfer the rolls to a cooling rack and let them cool slightly before serving.
Notes
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Mayonnaise Substitute:
If you don’t have mayonnaise, you can use sour cream or Greek yogurt as a substitute for a similar texture and richness. -
Milk Options:
You can use any type of milk (dairy or non-dairy, like almond or oat milk) depending on your preference. -
Flour Variations:
For a healthier twist, you can replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. The texture will be slightly denser but still delicious. -
Add-Ins:
Customize your rolls by adding:- Herbs (e.g., rosemary, thyme, or chives)
- Cheese (e.g., grated cheddar or parmesan)
- Garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor.
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Storage:
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–10 minutes or in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
-
Freezing:
- These rolls freeze well! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven.
-
Avoid Overmixing:
Mix the dough just until combined to ensure the rolls stay soft and tender. Overmixing can make them dense. -
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these rolls warm with:- Butter or jam for breakfast.
- Soups or stews as a side.
- As a base for mini sandwiches.
FAQs
These rolls are incredibly quick to prepare, taking only about 20 minutes total. You’ll spend about 5 minutes mixing the ingredients and 15 minutes baking them in the oven.
Yes, you can use alternatives like Greek yogurt or sour cream as substitutes for mayonnaise. These options will maintain a similar creamy texture while adding their own unique flavors to the rolls.
Mayonnaise rolls can be adapted for special diets. For a gluten-free version, use all-purpose gluten-free flour mixed with baking powder and salt as a substitute for self-rising flour. You can also make homemade mayonnaise to have full control over the ingredients.
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below. Consume them within 2 hours if left at room temperature, or within 1 hour if the temperature is above 90°F (32°C).
Absolutely! You can enhance the flavor by adding herbs like rosemary or basil, incorporating grated cheese or garlic for a savory twist, or even adding seeds or dried fruits for texture and taste variety. Just remember that additions might slightly affect baking time or temperature.
