Texas Roadhouse Rolls Recipe

If there’s one thing that can make any meal feel extra special, it’s a warm, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth roll. And if you’ve ever been to Texas Roadhouse, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Their famous rolls are the stuff of legend—soft, fluffy, and just the right amount of sweet. I’ll admit, I’ve gone there more for the bread basket than for the steak (and I know I’m not alone).

The good news? You don’t have to make a reservation to enjoy these rolls. Making Texas Roadhouse Rolls at home is easier than you think. I was skeptical at first. Would they rise properly? Would they taste just like the real thing? Spoiler: they did, and I’ve been hooked ever since. For more tips on mastering yeast dough, check out these tips for perfect yeast dough—they’re a lifesaver, especially if you’re new to bread baking.

What Are Texas Roadhouse Rolls?

Texas Roadhouse Rolls are not your average dinner rolls. They’re pillowy-soft, slightly sweet, and brushed with a generous amount of melted butter while still warm. What makes them unique is their perfect balance of texture and flavor—soft on the inside, golden on the outside, and just sweet enough to pair beautifully with their iconic cinnamon honey butter.

I remember my first attempt at recreating these rolls. I followed the recipe to a T, but I rushed the rising process. Big mistake. The rolls turned out dense instead of fluffy. The secret? Patience. Yeast dough needs time to rise, and trust me, it’s worth the wait.

Ingredients for Texas Roadhouse Rolls

The magic of Texas Roadhouse Rolls lies in their simplicity. The ingredients are pantry staples, but each one plays a crucial role.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for the rolls. A high-quality flour makes all the difference.
• Active Dry Yeast: This is what makes the rolls rise and become fluffy.
• Milk: Warm milk activates the yeast and adds richness to the dough.
• Butter: Adds flavor and keeps the rolls tender. You’ll also need extra for brushing on top.
• Sugar: Balances the flavor and gives the rolls their signature sweetness.
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors.

• A splash of honey for a hint of floral sweetness.
• Egg wash to give the rolls a shiny, golden finish.

• Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
• Replace milk and butter with dairy-free alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter.

How to Make Texas Roadhouse Rolls

Making these rolls may sound intimidating, but it’s actually pretty straightforward if you follow these steps.

Start by warming your milk (not too hot, or it’ll kill the yeast). Mix the milk with sugar and yeast in a large bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it gets foamy—this means the yeast is active. Next, add melted butter, salt, and flour, a cup at a time, mixing as you go. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but not too wet.

Kneading is where the magic happens. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1–2 hours or until it doubles in size.

Once the dough has risen, punch it down (my favorite part) and roll it out into a rectangle about ½ inch thick. Cut the dough into uniform rectangles and place them on a greased baking sheet. Cover them again and let them rise for another 30–40 minutes. Bake at 375°F for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown.

Tips for Perfect Texas Roadhouse Rolls

If you’re anything like me, the first batch of rolls might not turn out quite like you imagined. Don’t worry—it happens to the best of us. I’ve learned a few tricks along the way to help you achieve those soft, fluffy, restaurant-quality rolls every time.

The dough should be soft and slightly tacky, but not sticky. If it’s sticking to your hands like glue, add a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time. On the flip side, if the dough feels too dry, a splash of milk can work wonders.

Patience is key. I once rushed the rising time because I was short on time, and the rolls came out dense and disappointing. Let the dough rise until it doubles in size. This usually takes about 1–2 hours, depending on the temperature of your kitchen.

Brushing melted butter on the rolls as soon as they come out of the oven is non-negotiable. It adds a glossy finish and enhances the flavor. For a little extra sweetness, mix some honey into the butter before brushing.

Creative Variations of Texas Roadhouse Rolls

Once you’ve mastered the classic recipe, it’s time to have some fun. Here are a few twists that take these rolls to the next level.

• Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough for a spiced flavor.
• Serve with homemade cinnamon honey butter (just mix softened butter, honey, and a pinch of cinnamon).

• Incorporate minced garlic and chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough.
• Brush with garlic butter instead of plain butter for a savory twist.

• Fold shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan) into the dough before shaping.
• Sprinkle additional cheese on top just before baking for a gooey, cheesy delight.

Serving Suggestions

Texas Roadhouse Rolls are versatile and pair beautifully with almost any meal. Here are some ideas to make them the star of your table.

These rolls are perfect for dipping into hearty soups and stews. Think creamy tomato soup, beef chili, or a classic chicken noodle soup. The soft texture soaks up the broth like a dream.

Turn the rolls into mini sandwiches by slicing them in half and filling them with pulled pork, BBQ chicken, or even leftover Thanksgiving turkey. They’re great for game day snacks or casual get-togethers.

Leftover rolls? Toast them lightly and slather on some jam or Nutella for a quick and satisfying breakfast.

Storage and Reheating

Short-Term Storage

Store your rolls in an airtight container or a resealable bag at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. To keep them from drying out, place a small piece of bread in the container—it works like magic.

Freezing Tips

If you’ve made a big batch, freezing is a great way to save them for later:

• Let the rolls cool completely.
• Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating Options

• In the Oven: Warm the rolls in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. Wrap them in foil to keep them soft.
• In the Microwave: Heat on a microwave-safe plate for 10–15 seconds. Place a damp paper towel over the rolls to prevent them from drying out.

FAQs About Texas Roadhouse Rolls

What Makes Texas Roadhouse Rolls So Soft?

The combination of milk, butter, and sugar creates a rich dough that bakes up incredibly soft. The rising process also plays a big role in creating that fluffy texture.

Can I Use Instant Yeast Instead of Active Dry Yeast?

Yes, you can. If you’re using instant yeast, you can skip the step of activating it in warm milk. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

How Do I Know If My Dough Has Risen Enough?

A simple test is to gently press two fingers into the dough. If the indentation stays, the dough is ready. If it bounces back, it needs more time to rise.

What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Rolls?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze them for longer storage. Avoid refrigerating them, as it can dry them out.

Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! After the first rise, punch the dough down, shape it into rolls, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise again before baking.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about recreating Texas Roadhouse Rolls at home. It’s not just about the end result—it’s about the process. From kneading the dough to watching it rise, there’s a sense of accomplishment that comes with baking your own bread. And when you pull those warm, golden rolls out of the oven, brush them with melted butter, and take your first bite, it’s all worth it.

What I love most about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Whether you’re sticking to the classic version or experimenting with variations like cheesy or cinnamon-spiced rolls, there’s endless room for creativity. These rolls aren’t just a side dish; they’re an experience. Serve them at a holiday dinner, gift them to a friend, or simply enjoy them with your favorite soup on a cozy night in.

And if you’re worried about the complexity of bread baking, don’t be. Like I said earlier, the key is patience and a little practice. Even if your first batch isn’t perfect, I guarantee it’ll still be delicious. And with each attempt, you’ll get closer to that restaurant-quality perfection.