How to Make Dinner Rolls | Bake It Up a Notch with Erin McDowell

Food52’s Resident Baking BFF Erin McDowell is back for another episode of Bake It Up a Notch where she shares everything you’ve ever wanted to know about dinner rolls. From different types of doughs to the mixing method, proofing, shaping, and finishing touches, Erin explains it all step-by-step! Because no lesson would be complete without going through the challenges, learn the different pitfalls and how to avoid them for a delicious bake every time. READ MORE ►► f52.co/3o2bh5u
Get the recipes in this video
Fastest Dinner Rolls: f52.co/2XoinpC
Braided Challah Rolls: f52.co/3hAMbXh
Easiest Crusty Rolls: f52.co/3tOfDhn
Garlicky Fan Rolls: f52.co/3nBtW8d
Whole-Wheat Beer Rolls: f52.co/3EmUksd
Cottage Cheese and Chive Rolls: f52.co/3ziXtp8
Pretzel Rolls: f52.co/3hF6vqG
Mama's Potato Clover Rolls: f52.co/30h4PxE
Also featured/mentioned in this video
Understanding Yeast: f52.co/3hH0wBH
How to Make Yeasted Puff Pastry: f52.co/35SNrPk
Five Two Ultimate Baking Tool Set: f52.co/3m9H03E
Looking for something specific?
VIDEO CHAPTERS
00:00:00 Intro
00:01:12 Equipment Roll Call
00:01:45 Let's Talk About Yeast
00:04:19 The Straight Mixing Method
00:06:09 Get Ready to Rise
00:09:59 The Great Dough Divide
00:12:32 All The Lovely Shapes
00:27:03 Finishing Touches
00:32:29 PSA
00:33:14 Mistakes Happen!
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ABOUT FOOD52
As a one-stop shop for joyful living, Food52 connects discerning home cooks with the interests they're passionate about via award-winning food and lifestyle content across platforms. We provide our audience with the recipes and solutions they crave to eat thoughtfully, live joyfully, entertain beautifully, and travel differently.
#bakingturtorial #BakeItUpANotch #ErinMcDowell

[@food52]

Do you have a favorite bread roll? Let us know in the comments!

[@Felix-fk5qy]

I just love original dinner rolls! Love your channel!💖💖

[@alveena_12]

I like everything :D

[@erin-jeanne-mcdowell]

Honestly hardest episode to pick a favorite child from. I love them all equally 🥰

[@rumbleinthekitchen_Amy]

My family loves all things bread but my Thanksgiving dinner rolls made with a tangzhong are now a required item every year. They even won over my super picky brother-in-law who brought store bought rolls the first year because he wasn't sure mine would be any good. 🤣

[@adedow1333]

My Grandma's homemade rolls are tender and soft and very very delicious. We'll be using the recipe for generations. They're so good

[@annelisemat]

I don’t even care what Erin is making, if there’s a new Bake It Up a Notch, I’m watching 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@zissou666]

Same here :)

[@jodiepugh8529]

Yes !

[@ledeliziedipiciu9501]

I feel the same!

[@MountainGnome]

Same same!

[@wblackburn0316]

True story. Next month could be “Watch Erin preheat her oven” and I’m there.

[@christinevaishville5914]

Watching her videos make me feel like I’m getting free baking classes with my favorite professor - fun, knowledgeable, enthusiastic

[@curioushoodie]

There's something about Erin talking about baking that makes me feel everything is going to be okay.

[@DuyNguyen-yx2vd]

There is something just wonderful about a simple pull-apart dinner roll. Nothing fancy or extravagant. Just soft, pillowy bundles of comfort.

[@Storyhub_]

I found this channel randomly; it is really a channel that produces quality content. Congratulations.

[@jeandeering3937]

You can always spot a baker by the way they caress their kitchen aid. 😍

[@erin-jeanne-mcdowell]

🎶 and they called it mixer loooooove 🎶

[@rumbleinthekitchen_Amy]

This was a another great episode. Suggestion for a Bite Size episode, PRETZELS! I make pretzel bites quite often and people are always impressed but don't believe me when I tell them that it's really not all that hard. I feel like Erin could break it down for people so that anyone could do it!

[@____Ann____]

Yes! Pretzels!

[@dsintilas]

Dear Erin, Thank You SO much for All Your impeccable tutorials,I've watched every one,and learned SO much from You, I just Love watching Your videos, enjoy Your energy,and how You make everything seem so effortless,and take the fear factor out of Baking for beginners,and novices alike,Please continue doing what You Do,You're the Queen of Baking in my book,and while watching You for that little amount of time the video lasts,it makes me forget for the moment any stress or problems I may have,You're the Best!!!

[@elizabethdjokovic2691]

Erin is a breath of fresh air in the KZbin cooking scene. Love your videos. You give the answers to problems I confront when attempting new recipes by explaining everything as you go like they do in cooking schools.

[@MactasticChiTown]

So utterly knowledgeable of her craft thus she is able to demystify several steps.

[@joanray6897]

Every morning when I sit down to breakfast at the table I tune in to an Erin McDowell lesson for the day! Can I come and work for you Ma'am?

[@lilycourgette]

The Queen is BACK ❤️ Love you Erin!!

[@robd2940]

I'll second that. God I love watching Erin bake anything and everything !!

[@veesalazar]

Watching her work her magic always make me want to watch all her episodes no matter what she's making. Full of info, tips and products that look too beautiful to eat but always make me hungry! 🤗

[@thelifeofriley21]

I was literally thinking yesterday "when is there going to be a new episode of Bake It Up a Notch??" Erin read my mind!!!!

[@wonderfront]

Erin is an angel sent from baking heaven! I've always loved baking but Erin helps gives me the confidence to try new things and diagnose some of my mistakes so I get better each time. Thank you xx

[@rich11a15]

Brilliant teacher, very professional and easy to follow, more digestible information than any other channel (and I follow more than 40) I watch, thank you.

[@wardarizwan9044]

I am obsessed with this lady😍😍😍😍. With so much knowledge she is very underrated on KZbin.

[@davidb9547]

Erin you rock. I really enjoy your episodes. I like to bake breads, and I am always picking up tips and tricks from you. Thanks ✌🤟🖖

[@jackiehiebert7064]

Just what is needed. Such a great teacher and I always learn something. Thank you.

[@gabrysius]

Love love loooove rolls! Thanks so much for another wonderful episode, Erin! 💘

[@ToastboxKitchen]

I've learned more from Erin than any other baking channel. Highlight of my day is always when I see a new episode of Bake it Up a Notch! Thank you so much for sharing your wealth of knowledge !! ❤️

[@AussieAngeS]

I just love this channel, in particular this lady as her videos are always informative. Thank you

[@cveeden4888]

I can't believe I haven't come across your channel before - love how you go through each step of the bread-making process!

[@saraatppkdotpt8140]

I love your videos! There are some that I watched second time! I always learn with you! Please keep this quality content 👍 thank you so so much!

[@lebleubayou]

I just love Erin! So knowledgeable. Great energy. A new favorite of mine!

[@1sissaree]

I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your knowledge and hard work!! You have been such an encouraging force to try our hand at feeding our loves wonderful foods! You are amazing ! I love everything about your channel! You bring more smiles than you can imagine ❤️ Thank you!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🎶

[@sabinewhipple3886]

I adore this series! I have tried a bunch and bought the book. I watch this while seeing my mom through hospice. It is very comforting 💖💖

[@lisat9088]

I absolutely love your channel - so inspired to get my bake on! Thank you 💓

[@ansn1989]

Sees Erin pop up on my timeline…extends lunch break

[@sarahgruner7711]

erin is so talented. like amazing. bake it up a notch as taught me so much!!!!! been baking since i was a child and i love watching you bake!

[@elizabethquan4702]

The technique Erin demonstrates for rounding the roll is one I've taught children for rolling Play Dough. 😘

[@mamiejohnson1432]

Lol…when I made a note it says “roll like play dough”

[@elizabethquan4702]

@@mamiejohnson1432 lol!

[@sundawg911]

erin is good vibes only and honestly makes me so happy

[@THESHOMROM]

Another fabulously delicious episode. Merci Madame!

[@VelvetAriana]

OH MY GOD, haven't thought about Lambert's in years and that intro was the best. So niche

[@debrariley2057]

The growing together, pull apart rolls have always been called “kissing rolls” in our family …. they just touch each other like a kiss. Another lovely episode.. thank you such an enjoyable start to me day.

[@erin-jeanne-mcdowell]

KISSING ROLLS! I love it! 🥰

[@sharakirkby2744]

This is an excellent video. I especially enjoyed the shaping portion, so pretty and fun. I see why you love this part too! Thanks for all the great tips.

[@fionajackson8002]

Erin - thank you so much! I love to make rolls but I've never tried to shape them in any fancy way. You made it so approachable that I tried both the single strand braid and multi strand braid with my favourite roll recipe today. It took a couple tries to get the hang of it but once I did it was so easy and they are beautiful.

[@iamliloubloom9062]

Learned so much, so next is I practice and practice some more! Thank you, you are an awesome teacher! 😍😊

[@jackieburnett6881]

Just happened upon your video! Absolutely love it! Have subscribed

[@madampolo]

Boy, have you inspired me! I can't wait to try something, I can't decide what. Thank you!

[@virginiaeriguel8738]

Thank you for sharing all your recipes 😊

[@marnaharris5825]

Erin I love these episodes so much and watch them over and over again. Have you ever thought about doing flatbreads I need instructions for naan, tortillas, and pita😀

[@Mrs.Buttercup_]

Every episode put out inspires me to bake a food52 recipe ☺ they always come out great

[@food52]

Thank so much for watching Scarlett, happy baking!!

[@cyberjetx]

Great job Erin! - Knotted Rolls 17:45 - Multi strand braid 20:53

[@sarahkaranjamuhoro6041]

I have a feeling am about to be the best home baker soon.You are a good teacher ❤️. Lot's of love from Kenya ❤️❤️❤️

[@cagjohnso]

Watched it again. Learn more every time

[@virginiaeriguel8738]

Thanks for sharing this recipes They all looks yummy 😊

[@heavydsbbqandgrill3090]

All rolls are a favorite! Lol! Bake it up a notch is my favorite to watch😃

[@wendyhall8834]

I make clover leaf rolls for all the holidays! They have butter in the dough mixture, i dip each ball in butter before putting in the muffin pan, then when they come out of the oven i brush a little more butter across the top of each roll. Lots of butter baby! I loved your tutorial on the types of braided rolls!!! They look so beautiful! Thanks Erin for showing us how to make all the styles of rolls!

[@kouklakee]

Fabulous information! You are truly a Baking Shining Star !

[@craigthrelkeld5335]

My mom LOVED bread. I'm a little under the weather right now, but hopefully can make these next year

[@nancyleitner6396]

Haha, Lamberts thrown popover rolls are a hoot. They are hot when you catch them and very soft. Many a roll have been swisher flat when caught.

[@nikkigbsd]

The fact that they are softball sized doesn't hurt either.

[@br4653]

Love your videos! I am learning so much!

[@karalucca8685]

I always struggle with that single strand braid for challah. But Erin's explanation and demonstration made it look very simple and clear. I will definitely rewatch this the next time I make challah.

[@shelbylowery753]

Yes Lambert's, I went there 30 years ago and they were throwing rolls then! Loved it! 😄👍❤

[@jillr759]

Love you and all you do! So yummy, easy to understand. Thank you.

[@adedow1333]

I love Lambert's! Throwed rolls are amazing!

[@leanncrittendon3673]

OMG I LOVE LAMBERT'S!!!!! IT'S AMAZING! rolls there are amazing and so are the sides like the fired okra! love that you referenced it! I grew up in western KY and it was a treat to eat there. They only have 3 locations nationwide, another one in Gulf Shores, AL and I forgot the other and I'm too lazy to look it up because I'm baking right now lol. Love your stuff!

[@mickeyblue2647]

I like everything you make from your baking to your supply’s omg when do you rest I bake cookies for Christmas and by the time I finish I want to beat something up.

[@brettdudenhoeffer3405]

As someone from Missouri, one of my favorite restaurants in Lamberts. I was so happy hearing that at the start of the video! 😂

[@whatshername369]

What an awesome lesson. For FREE??!! Such a good teacher.

[@christinevaishville5914]

Right? I can’t believe how great Erin’s videos are. I feel like I’m cheating the system and getting FREE lessons from the best teacher.

[@anthroariel]

Thanks for the heads up about the roll throwing waiter... I made a note to bring a fish net like the ones used to scoop the fish out of the water after hooking them...

[@leahness3588]

So inspiring!!! You make it look so easy.😁👍

[@wtffchase]

Erin for President!!

[@tmackie1694]

Yesss! Ms Erin makes me sooooo happpppy! Yay!

[@tay9sdaughter121]

I'm 38 years old. One of my favorite memorie from my childhood was preparing the dough for rolls before Church when I spent the weekend with my grandma and her roommate. Mrs. B and I would get up nice and early to start the dough then get ready for church. When we all got back she would bake them for our dinner. They were so delicious. I just wish I had wrote down Mrs. B's recipe.

[@deniseshergold59]

You make food look so easy and delicious xx

[@loripominville8207]

You’re the best Erin!

[@jvallas]

So thorough - as usual!

[@suzannel8585]

Thanks, Erin!

[@jonideyoung5296]

Love your episodes! Lamberts is a hoot. I have seen many a roll go flying through the air. Where did you get your shirt? It is adorable, just like you 😊

[@briannabryan2014]

I love these videos!

[@mariannekihara8164]

Great tutorial!

[@wmichaelh29]

This guy's been baking for years but with no training so Erin's my teacher and an excellent one she is.

[@cholotg9177]

Erin ❤️❤️❤️to watch anything you’re making

[@Michellee970]

You should really have your own channel, Erin! I'm going to make folks for Christmas too surprise my husband now! I can bake everything else, but I've never baked bread. Thank you a million times and Merry Christmas!

[@pccblondie]

lol When I was younger we bought my mom a beautiful ankle length black coat because Missouri winters were cold and she was a teacher that worked recess outside a lot. Well, she went to Lambert's with my dad shortly after getting that coat. As soon as she walked in the door a freshly buttered roll came sailing through the air and hit the front of her coat and slid all the way down. The charm of Lambert's was not so charming in that moment! :P

[@rggiii5089]

Room Temperature here in the Philippines is 32 C (89 F). I am a newbie with bread so it takes time for me to shape my rolls. By the time I am done, the first few rolls that I made are already over proofed. hahaha

[@erin-jeanne-mcdowell]

This is SUCH a good point! When I worked as a bread baker, we would sometimes use cold water - even ice water - in our bread recipes in the heat of summer to combat the heat and slow down the rise! ❤️🍞

[@TashJansson]

just in time for the cold weather!

[@pretzeltime3900]

Oh my gosh! I’ve been to Lambert’s! Delicious rolls. Just be careful you don’t get a hot one skewered on a finger trying to catch one lol. Love your channel so much ❤

[@heathergleiser]

The second Erin said Lambert’s I knew exactly where she was talking about! Went to the Alabama location in 8th grade during a school trip and one of the chaperones got her drink knocked into her lap by one of the flying rolls. 🙈 I’ll never forget it.

[@dawnusher5821]

Will definitely do this

[@deborahwood4728]

Thank you for the tip of prepping bread day before...... you are such a joy to watch and I always learn so much. Keep up the passion

[@emiliegaumond4876]

Thank you Erin! ❤

[@253Ric]

Erin is the best!!!

[@Omomoification]

Learned a lot!

[@heathershram5538]

What is the best surface to work on for bread dough, pastry, etc? Thanks Erin love your videos.

[@georginavaldez449]

Thanks you are so good !!!! .Greetings from Mexico

[@juggernautmjae3970]

😂 😂😂 the beginning of the video made my week 😂😂😂

[@MsKathleenb]

The rolls at Lambert's are fabulous.

[@bonnied72]

OMG, They have Lambert's in Alabama too. I live in Vermont, but every time I visit my brother in Mobile I have to make a trip to Lambert's specifically for the "throwed rolls"

[@sherlenemcsween1058]

I appreciate you Erin you are amazing thank you

[@dsilva2635]

You videos are the best Erin, can you please make a vide about how to make biscuits and scones?

[@DS-lp1te]

Erin is awesome!

[@suzanneschube5424]

Love your vidios!!!!😁they are wonderful!!! One of these days I'll be brave and try to make some bread ( my biggest fear!!!!) Many Thanks Suzanne Schube.😊

[@sabaamin2879]

Hi, first I am very thankful to you for teach us very well and deeply. 2nd I love way of your teaching its so amazing, well done. Next you are so pretty ❤️❤️💕

[@wisdomsounds777]

Thank you so much !!!😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@scruffy281]

I love your channel and I can think of no other that turns the complicated art of baking into such a joy to learn. You are a great teacher. But the question I have today is a little off the mark. Where do you buy your insanely beautiful tops? You always wear the most beautiful tops. They may be dresses but I can only see them from the apron up. You have great clothing taste and what you wear really reflects your life-loving personality! ❤

[@onibaka14]

Every episode I stop watching about 30 seconds in and switch to my phone so that I can be in my kitchen because her videos make me need snacks 😂