It’s pretty neat when you walk into a busy steak place and the first thing they bring you is a basket of warm rolls. Texas Roadhouse knows this trick real well. Since it started back in 1993, folks all over the US come in droves just to get their hands on those soft, slightly sweet rolls that melt in your mouth. And yeah, that cinnamon butter they serve with it is the cherry on top.
If you want to try making those famous rolls at home—fluffy, warm, and perfect with a dab of sweet butter—this guide is for you. I’ll walk you through the recipe step by step, so even if you’ve never baked bread before, you’ll end up with rolls that could fool your friends into thinking you’re a pro.
History of Texas Roadhouse Rolls
Texas Roadhouse first opened its doors in Clarksville, Indiana, thanks to Kent Taylor. Right away, it stood out by mixing a laid-back Texas vibe with big portions of steak, ribs, and yep, those famous rolls. Over the years the chain spread across the country and even overseas. People kept coming back cause the food felt like home and the service was always friendly, even if the servers dropped a few peanuts on the floor (they do warn you about that).
One big thing Texas Roadhouse prides itself on is making stuff from scratch. Your steaks are hand-cut, your sides are fresh, and those rolls—they’re baked each day in every store. That homemade feel is exactly why people love them so much.
Origins of the Rolls
Some recipe nerds say the rolls borrow from old southern bakery styles but with a Texas twist. The dough is soft and fluffy but still has enough sweetness so you taste it without it being too much sugar. Over the years, the recipe’s gotten tweaked here and there but the core idea stayed the same: make you feel welcome, make you feel at home.
These rolls aren’t just bread, they kinda symbolize family dinners and casual hangouts. They’re one reason folks take pictures at the table, grab a roll, slather it in butter, and smile real big.
Why Texas Roadhouse Rolls Are So Popular
What makes these rolls so addictive? For one, they’re super soft on the inside but golden on the outside. The hint of sweetness in the dough gives you that “just-right” feeling. Plus, the butter is mixed with cinnamon and sugar so it’s like a mini dessert every time you spread it on.
The flavor combo of sweet dough and cinnamon butter is simple but it works every time. And because they’re not huge or messy, you can eat one or two before you even get your main dish.
Accompaniments
OK, let’s talk about that cinnamon butter. It’s basically whipped butter, powdered sugar, and a dash of cinnamon. It’s creamy, a bit tangy from the sugar, but sweet enough to feel like a treat. When you mix it up it looks like a fluffy cloud you wanna dunk your roll right into.
Together, the roll and butter make you forget all the other bread options out there. It’s like a mini party in your mouth every time you dip.
The Ingredients Behind Texas Roadhouse Rolls
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you need for the rolls:
- All-Purpose Flour: Builds the roll’s shape and makes it pillowy.
- Active Dry Yeast: The little guys that make the dough rise.
- Sugar: Adds just enough sweetness.
- Salt: Balances out the flavors.
- Warm Milk: Wakes up the yeast and makes the dough soft.
- Melted Butter: Gives richness and taste.
- Eggs: Binds everything so the dough holds together.
Special Notes on Ingredients
If you need gluten-free, swap in a gluten-free flour mix but you might need to tweak how much liquid you use. For a vegan version use almond or soy milk and replace each egg with a mix of 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal plus 3 tablespoons water.
Detailed Recipe for Texas Roadhouse Rolls
Ingredients
- Main Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk
- ½ cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- Cinnamon Butter:
- ½ cup softened butter
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Directions
- Activate the Yeast: Stir warm milk and yeast in a bowl. Wait 5–10 min till it’s frothy. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast is old.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat melted butter and eggs, then pour in the yeast mix.
- Knead the Dough: Add wet mix to dry stuff. Stir till it forms a dough, then knead on a floured surface for 5–7 min till smooth.
- First Rise: Put dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or till doubled.
- Shape the Rolls: Punch down dough and divide into equal pieces. Roll each into a ball and place on a greased sheet.
- Second Rise: Cover rolls and let rise 30 more min.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake 15–20 min or till golden brown.
- Make Cinnamon Butter: Mix softened butter, powdered sugar, and cinnamon till fluffy.
- Serve: Spread butter on warm rolls and enjoy.
Tips for Perfect Rolls
- Check your yeast is fresh so rolls rise well.
- Knead enough to build gluten and get that chew.
- Be patient during rising times, rushing it makes dense rolls.
- Don’t open the oven too soon or your rolls might sink.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the main ingredient in Texas Roadhouse Rolls?
All-purpose flour is the star, giving structure and fluff. Yeast, sugar, and butter join in to make that awesome taste and texture.
Can Texas Roadhouse Rolls be frozen?
Yes. Cool them all the way, wrap tight in plastic, or put in an airtight bag. Freeze up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw on the counter then warm in the oven a few minutes.
How long do Texas Roadhouse Rolls last?
They’re best the same day you bake them. Store in an airtight container at room temp for 2–3 days. In the fridge they can last about a week but might get a bit dense.
Are Texas Roadhouse Rolls vegan?
No, original rolls use eggs and dairy. But you can swap in plant milk and egg replacements to make vegan ones.
What can I serve with Texas Roadhouse Rolls?
They go great with steaks, BBQ, soups, or salads. And if you just wanna snack, the cinnamon butter makes them a yummy stand-alone treat.
Conclusion
Texas Roadhouse Rolls hit all the right notes: soft, slightly sweet, and that cinnamon butter is just the best. Whether you bake them at home or grab them at the restaurant, they’re bound to be a crowd-pleaser. So get that dough ready, follow these steps, and surprise everyone with your baking skills.
References and Resources
- The official Texas Roadhouse website for more menu info.
- Popular food blogs about baking bread and kitchen tricks.
- Books on baking bread that cover yeast types and recipes.
Texas Roadhouse Rolls
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 stand mixer optional
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 dough hook if using stand mixer
- 1 rolling pin
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 parchment paper optional
- 1 kitchen towel
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk warm (110°F/43°C)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter melted, plus more for brushing
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 4 cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle active dry yeast over the mixture and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until foamy.
- Add melted butter, salt, and egg to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
- Gradually add in the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. If using a stand mixer, use a dough hook and mix on low speed until combined.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead on low speed for about 3-4 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces, shape into balls, and place them on a greased baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and immediately brush with melted butter.
Leave a Reply