Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls

INTRODUCTION

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls are soft, buttery, and slightly sweet. These classic rolls melt in your mouth and pair well with many meals. This recipe gives you the same warm, fresh-baked feeling at home. It also lets you control the ingredients and portions so you can make a healthier version when you want. If you like light, simple bread that you can use for dinners and meal prep, this recipe is for you. For a lighter side idea with fresh vegetables, try pairing rolls with a simple spring roll salad for a balanced plate: fresh spring rolls recipe.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You will love these rolls because they are soft, quick to learn, and great for meal prep. They give you a lighter option to restaurant bread because you can control butter and sugar. Make a healthy version by cutting the butter in the dough, using less honey butter on top, or serving a single roll with a high-protein main. These rolls can fit into many diets when adjusted — for example, try a small roll as a controlled portion for good weight loss habits. They are a crowd-pleaser and a simple way to add fiber or protein on the side of a balanced meal. If you need a gluten-free dinner idea instead of wheat rolls, look at this gluten-free pizza rolls guide to see how baking swaps work: gluten-free pizza rolls.

HOW TO MAKE Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls

This recipe walks you through a clear mixing and rising process. The dough is soft and a little tacky, which makes the roll texture light and tender. Use a stand mixer with a dough hook for easy kneading, or knead by hand if you prefer. You can make a lighter option by reducing the honey butter or replacing part of the white flour with whole wheat for more fiber. If you want to adapt for meal prep, make the dough ahead and shape the rolls the day before to bake fresh next day. For an alternative main dish pairing, try serving these rolls with a slow cooker unstuffed cabbage recipe for an easy, homey meal: slow cooker unstuffed cabbage rolls.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

• Stand mixer with dough hook (or large mixing bowl and hand kneading space)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large cookie sheet pan
• Parchment paper
• Plastic wrap and a clean cotton towel
• Pastry mat or clean floured surface
• Sharp knife or bench scraper
• Small bowl for warming milk and water
• Hand mixer for the honey butter (or a bowl and whisk)

Ingredients You’ll Need :

• 1/2 cup water (warmed to 110 degrees)
• 1 Tbsp instant yeast
• 1 tsp sugar
• 3-3/4 to 4-1/2 cups AP flour
• 3/4 cups milk (warmed slightly to take off the chill)
• 1/4 cup melted salted butter (cooled slightly)
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 egg (slightly beaten)
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 additional Tbsp melted butter for brushing
• 1 cup salted butter (room temp)
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tsp cinnamon

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :

• Melt your 1/4 cup butter and set aside to cool slightly, Warm your 3/4 cup milk in the microwave for 1 minute to take any chill off of it and set aside.
• In your mixer bowl, combine the warm water, yeast and the 1 tsp sugar. Stir, then let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast is foamy.
• Add 3-3/4 cups of the flour, warmed milk, slightly cooled melted butter, the 1/3 cup sugar, egg, and salt.
• Mix with your dough hook on low speed until combined.
• Turn mixer to speed 2 and let knead for 5 minutes, scraping down as needed and adding up to an additional 3/4 cup flour as needed to create a ball that is tacky to the touch, but does not stick to your fingers.
• Once the kneading is complete, scrape the dough in to a ball, and spray around the bowl, moving the ball to make sure you get under it as well.
• Cover the bowl with saran wrap and a clean cotton towel and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1-1/2 hours until doubled in size.
• Punch the dough down and empty on to a lightly floured pastry mat or clean surface.  Knead in to a ball.
• Roll dough into a rectangle about 1” thick. Use a sharp knife to cut dough into 18 to 20 squares.
• Place squares on a large cookie sheet pan lined with parchment paper and lightly cover with a cotton towel for another 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 350F, Bake rolls for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Once baked, remove from the oven and immediately brush generously with the additional 3 Tbsp of melted butter.
• For the cinnamon honey butter, use a hand mixer to whip together the room temperature butter with the honey, and cinnamon until light, fluffy, creamy and smooth.
• Serve the rolls with cinnamon honey butter!  You can store any remaining honey butter in the refrigerator, you will be happy you made extra!

HOW TO SERVE Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls

Serve warm with a small scoop of cinnamon honey butter. For a healthy version, limit butter to a light brush and serve one roll per person with lean protein and vegetables. Portion control is simple: one roll is about one serving for a side. If you aim for good weight loss or diabetic-friendly choices, choose half a roll with a big salad and lean grilled chicken to keep calories and carbs steady. Serve with a side of steamed green beans or a light soup for a balanced meal.

STORAGE & FREEZING : Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls

Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze cooled rolls in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat frozen rolls, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes, or microwave on low power for 20–30 seconds. If you want a meal prep option, freeze individual rolls so you can take one out at a time for an easy breakfast or dinner side.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

• Healthy balanced plate: one roll, a palm-sized portion of grilled fish or chicken, and a large steamed vegetable like broccoli.
• For a heart healthy choice, use the lighter butter brush and add a salad of spinach, nuts, and berries.
• For an easy weeknight meal, serve rolls with a simple tomato basil soup or a bowl of vegetable chili.
• If you want a plant-forward pairing, serve rolls with a filling lentil stew to add fiber and plant protein. For a different roll pairing idea, find vegan pizza roll ideas to inspire a plant-based spread: vegan pizza rolls.

VARIATIONS

• Healthier version: Use half all-purpose flour and half whole wheat flour for more fiber. Reduce the honey butter topping to a light brush or swap honey for a sugar-free syrup if you need a lower sugar or diabetic-friendly option. This gives you a healthier version while keeping the soft texture.
• High-protein or low-carb version: Make smaller rolls to control portions and serve with a high-protein main. Or create a high-protein roll by mixing in 1/2 cup vital wheat gluten and 1/2 cup high-protein flour or using a low-carb flour blend and extra eggs — note texture will change. Serve with a lean protein like turkey or grilled salmon for a high protein meal.
• Air fryer or oven-baked version: These rolls bake well in the oven at 350°F as written. For an air fryer option, preheat the air fryer to 320°F and place 2-3 rolls in the basket with a piece of parchment. Air fry for 8–10 minutes until golden; adjust time for size. For a crisp top, brush with melted butter after air frying. If you prefer a restorative method for reheating, try a low oven heat for even warmth. For another oven-baked party snack idea, try making pizza-style rolls for gatherings: gluten-free or classic pizza roll inspiration.

FAQs

Q: Are these rolls good for a diabetic diet?
A: You can make them more diabetic-friendly by cutting the honey in the topping or using a sugar-free spread. Controlling portion size (half a roll) and serving with protein and fiber helps manage blood sugar.

Q: How long will the honey butter keep in the fridge?
A: The cinnamon honey butter will keep in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Use it in small portions to keep sugar and calories in check.

Q: Can I freeze the dough before baking?
A: Yes. After shaping into squares, place the tray in the freezer until firm, then transfer the frozen rolls to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time. This is great for meal prep.

Q: How can I make a higher protein version?
A: Add protein-rich flours or mix in protein powder designed for baking. Serve the roll with a lean protein main to make the whole plate a high protein meal.

Q: Is there a low calorie way to enjoy these rolls?
A: Yes. Brush lightly with butter, serve a smaller portion, and pair with a large vegetable side and lean protein for a low calorie, balanced meal.

Q: Can I use a bread machine?
A: You can use a dough cycle on a bread machine to mix and rise the dough, then shape and bake in the oven. This saves time and works well for meal prep.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls

• Night before: Mix and let rise once. Punch down, shape into a rectangle, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let come to room temperature and rise again 30–45 minutes before baking.
• Freeze for meal prep: Bake all rolls, cool, and freeze in single layers. Reheat as needed. Freeze extra honey butter in small containers for quick portioning.
• Batch plan: Make two batches at once and freeze half of the baked rolls for quick weekday sides. This makes the recipe great for meal prep and weeknight dinners.
• Quick warm-up: Store a few rolls in the fridge for 2–3 days and warm in the toaster oven or microwave for a quick breakfast or dinner side. This method is good for busy days and helps you manage portions for weight loss or a controlled calorie plan.

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