Vegan Dinner Rolls

Best ever light and fluffy Vegan Dinner Rolls recipe Italian style, perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas and any night of the week. These rolls are not only a delightful addition to your dinner table but also incredibly easy to make. With their soft texture and rich flavor, they are sure to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy them warm with your favorite spreads or as a side for hearty meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fluffy Texture: These Vegan Dinner Rolls are incredibly light and fluffy, making them a perfect accompaniment to any meal.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can create these delicious rolls.
• Versatile Use: Ideal for any occasion—be it holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners—these rolls complement numerous dishes.
• Plant-Based Goodness: Made with wholesome ingredients, these rolls cater to plant-based diets without sacrificing taste.
• Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the dough in advance, allowing for flexibility on busy days.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Vegan Dinner Rolls, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment will ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Kitchen Aid mixer
• Dough hook
• Tea towel
• Serrated knife
• Cast iron skillet

Importance of Each Tool

• Kitchen Aid mixer: This tool simplifies the mixing process, making it easy to achieve a smooth dough without tiring your arms.
• Dough hook: Using a dough hook helps knead the dough evenly, resulting in better texture and rise.
• Cast iron skillet: Baking in a cast iron skillet promotes even heat distribution, ensuring that your dinner rolls develop a crisp crust while remaining fluffy inside.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful Vegan Dinner Rolls:

For the Dough

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1/2 tbsp instant dry yeast
• 3/4 cup full fat coconut milk (warm)
• 3 tbsp olive oil (+ more for brushing)
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• Fleur de Sel sea salt flakes (for garnish)

How to Make Vegan Dinner Rolls

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

1. Add the flour, yeast, and salt to the bowl of your Kitchen Aid mixer and combine.
2. Pour in the warm coconut milk and olive oil.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

1. Using the dough hook, knead the mixture on low speed for about 5 minutes.
2. The dough should be sticky yet smooth, sticking to the bottom of the bowl but not to its sides.

Step 3: First Rise

1. Cover the bowl with a tea towel.
2. Allow it to rise at room temperature for 45 minutes to 1 hour until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape the Rolls

1. Dump out the dough onto your kitchen counter; use your hand or spatula if needed.
2. Do not knead again; simply cut into 12 equal pieces with a serrated knife.

Step 5: Form Mini Loaves

1. Lightly oil your hands if necessary.
2. Fold each piece of dough onto itself to create small round loaves.
3. Place all rolls in a cast iron skillet without touching each other.

Step 6: Second Rise

1. Cover again with a tea towel and allow them to rise for another 30 minutes (up to one hour if it’s cold).

Step 7: Preheat Oven

1. While they rise, preheat your oven to 400°F.

Step 8: Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until golden brown on top.
2. Avoid overcooking so that they remain fluffy inside.

Step 9: Finishing Touches

1. Remove from oven and lightly brush with olive oil.
2. Sprinkle with Fleur de Sel sea salt flakes and let cool in the skillet for a crisp crust.

Now you have perfectly baked Vegan Dinner Rolls ready to serve! Enjoy them warm alongside your favorite dishes!

How to Serve Vegan Dinner Rolls

Vegan Dinner Rolls are versatile and can complement a variety of dishes. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or enjoying a cozy family dinner, these rolls can be served in different ways to enhance your meal.

As an Accompaniment

• With Soup: Serve the rolls alongside a warm bowl of vegetable soup for a comforting meal.
• With Salads: Pair your rolls with fresh salads to add a delightful texture and flavor contrast.
• As Sliders: Use the rolls as mini buns for plant-based sliders filled with your favorite veggies or patties.

For Dipping

• Garlic Olive Oil Dip: Mix olive oil with minced garlic and herbs for a flavorful dipping sauce.
• Balsamic Vinegar Reduction: A sweet and tangy balsamic reduction pairs beautifully with the rolls for a gourmet touch.

As Part of a Platter

• Bread Basket: Arrange the rolls on a bread basket with other types of bread for an inviting table centerpiece.
• Charcuterie Board: Include them on a charcuterie board with hummus, olives, and assorted plant-based cheeses for an impressive spread.

How to Perfect Vegan Dinner Rolls

Achieving the perfect Vegan Dinner Rolls requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your rolls come out light and fluffy every time.

• Use Warm Coconut Milk: Ensure the coconut milk is warm but not hot, as this activates the yeast without killing it.
• Avoid Over-Kneading: Knead just until you achieve a sticky smooth dough; over-kneading can lead to dense rolls.
• Let Them Rise Properly: Allowing enough time for both rises ensures that your rolls will be airy and soft.
• Brush with Olive Oil Before Baking: This helps create a golden crust while keeping the interior moist.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your rolls in the oven; remove them when they are golden brown to maintain fluffiness.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Dinner Rolls

Vegan Dinner Rolls can elevate many meals when paired with the right side dishes. Here are some great options that complement their flavor.

1. Bold Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until tender adds color and nutrition.
2. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Fluffy mashed potatoes made with plant-based milk create a comforting pairing with roll texture.
3. Savory Stuffed Peppers: Fill bell peppers with quinoa or rice, beans, and spices for a hearty dish that works well together.
4. Herbed Couscous Salad: Light and fragrant couscous mixed with fresh herbs is refreshing next to warm dinner rolls.
5. Garlicky Green Beans: Sautéed green beans tossed in garlic provide crunch and flavor alongside soft dinner rolls.
6. Zesty Coleslaw: A bright coleslaw adds crunch and tanginess that contrasts nicely with the softness of the rolls.
7. Grilled Vegetable Platter: Charred veggies bring depth of flavor and can be enjoyed either hot or at room temperature.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Vegan Dinner Rolls can be simple, but certain mistakes can hinder your results. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Using cold ingredients: Cold coconut milk can slow yeast activation. Always warm your coconut milk before adding it to the dough.
• Skipping the second rise: The second rise is crucial for fluffy rolls. Don’t rush this step; allow the dough enough time to double in size.
• Over-kneading the dough: Kneading for too long can make rolls dense. Only knead until a sticky smooth dough forms.
• Ignoring oven temperature: An oven that’s too hot will burn the tops. Preheat your oven properly to 400°F for even baking.
• Not measuring accurately: Incorrect measurements can lead to dry or overly wet dough. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurement when possible.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Vegan Dinner Rolls in an airtight container.
• They are best used within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Vegan Dinner Rolls

• Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing quality.

Reheating Vegan Dinner Rolls

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place rolls on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one roll at a time on medium power for about 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Lightly steam the rolls over simmering water in a covered pot for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about making these Vegan Dinner Rolls, here are some common questions answered.

Can I make Vegan Dinner Rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Shape and bake them the next day.

How do I ensure my rolls come out fluffy?

Make sure your instant dry yeast is fresh and allow enough time for both rises as specified in the recipe.

What other flavors can I add to my Vegan Dinner Rolls?

Feel free to customize with herbs like rosemary or garlic powder for added flavor.

Can I use gluten-free flour for Vegan Dinner Rolls?

Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose blend suitable for baking. The texture may vary slightly.

What should I serve with Vegan Dinner Rolls?

These rolls pair well with soups, salads, or as a side dish at any dinner table.

Final Thoughts

These Vegan Dinner Rolls are light, fluffy, and incredibly versatile, making them perfect for any occasion from holidays to family dinners. Feel free to adjust flavors and add ingredients like herbs or spices to match your taste preferences. Try this recipe today, and enjoy delicious homemade rolls that everyone will love!