Thanksgiving dinner is all about comforting food, and nothing completes a holiday table quite like a basket of warm, homemade Thanksgiving dinner rolls. From classic buttery rolls to garlic Parmesan, honey butter, cheddar, rosemary, and soft potato rolls, there are so many delicious options to make your Thanksgiving feast extra special.

These 25 homemade Thanksgiving dinner roll recipes are perfect for serving alongside turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, and all your favorite Thanksgiving sides. Most can be prepared ahead of time, making them ideal for a busy holiday kitchen.

Whether you’re looking for easy Thanksgiving rolls, fluffy homemade yeast rolls, make-ahead dinner rolls, or unique Thanksgiving bread recipes, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here.

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1. Classic Homemade Thanksgiving Dinner Rolls

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These classic dinner rolls are soft, fluffy, buttery, and perfect for soaking up Thanksgiving gravy.

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 1 large egg
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar in a bowl.
2. Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
3. Add melted butter and egg.
4. Gradually mix in flour and salt.
5. Knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover.
7. Let rise for about 1 hour.
8. Divide into 12–15 equal pieces.
9. Shape into balls and place in a greased baking dish.
10. Let rise again for 30–40 minutes.
11. Bake at 375°F for 18–22 minutes.
12. Brush the warm rolls with melted butter.

Tip: Don’t add too much flour. Slightly soft dough produces softer rolls.

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2. Garlic Butter Thanksgiving Rolls

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Garlic butter gives these fluffy rolls an irresistible savory flavor.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 ¼ teaspoons yeast
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cloves minced garlic

Garlic Butter Topping

• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 minced garlic clove
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Instructions

Prepare the dough using the same method as classic dinner rolls. After the second rise, bake until golden.

Mix melted butter, garlic, and parsley together. Brush generously over the hot rolls.

Best served: Warm alongside turkey and mashed potatoes.

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3. Honey Butter Dinner Rolls

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These slightly sweet rolls are wonderful with savory Thanksgiving dishes.

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 ¼ teaspoons yeast
• 3 tablespoons honey
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 1 egg
• 3 ½ cups flour
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Activate yeast in warm milk and honey.
2. Add butter and egg.
3. Mix in flour and salt.
4. Knead until smooth.
5. Let rise for 1 hour.
6. Form into balls.
7. Allow another 30-minute rise.
8. Bake at 375°F for 18–20 minutes.
9. Brush with honey butter.

Honey Butter

Mix 3 tablespoons softened butter + 1 tablespoon honey.

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4. Soft Potato Dinner Rolls

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Mashed potatoes make these rolls incredibly tender.

Ingredients

• 1 cup mashed potatoes
• ½ cup warm milk
• 2 ¼ teaspoons yeast
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• ¼ cup butter
• 1 egg
• 3–3 ½ cups flour
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Combine the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Add mashed potatoes, butter, and egg. Mix in flour and salt.

Knead until elastic. Let rise until doubled, shape into rolls, rise again, and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.

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5. Rosemary Garlic Dinner Rolls

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Fresh rosemary and garlic create an elegant holiday flavor.

Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups flour
• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 ¼ teaspoons yeast
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
• 2 garlic cloves

Instructions

Prepare the dough and knead in rosemary and garlic. Let rise, shape, and allow a second rise.

Bake at 375°F for approximately 20 minutes.

Brush with rosemary butter immediately after baking.

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6. Parmesan Herb Dinner Rolls

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Ingredients

• 3 cups flour
• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 ¼ teaspoons yeast
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• ¼ cup butter
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• 1 tablespoon Italian herbs

Instructions

Make the dough and incorporate Parmesan and herbs during kneading. Allow the dough to rise twice.

Bake at 375°F for 18–22 minutes.

Sprinkle with extra Parmesan while warm.

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7. Cheddar Cheese Dinner Rolls

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Ingredients

• 3 cups flour
• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 ¼ teaspoons yeast
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Prepare the dough and fold in shredded cheddar. Shape into rolls and let rise.

Bake at 375°F for 20–22 minutes until golden and bubbly.

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8. Brown Butter Dinner Rolls

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Brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that works beautifully with Thanksgiving dishes.

Ingredients

• 3 cups flour
• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 ¼ teaspoons yeast
• ¼ cup brown butter
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Brown the butter and let it cool slightly. Prepare the yeast mixture, then combine all ingredients.

Knead until smooth. Allow the dough to rise, shape into rolls, and let rise again.

Bake at 375°F for 18–22 minutes.

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9. Buttermilk Dinner Rolls

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Buttermilk gives these rolls a wonderfully tender texture and subtle tang.

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm buttermilk
• 2 ¼ teaspoons yeast
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• ¼ cup butter
• 1 egg
• 3 ½ cups flour
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Activate the yeast in warm buttermilk with sugar. Add butter and egg.

Gradually incorporate flour and salt. Knead, rise, shape, rise again, and bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes.

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10. Pull-Apart Thanksgiving Rolls

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These rolls bake together in a pan, making them fun and easy to serve.

Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups flour
• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 ¼ teaspoons yeast
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Prepare a soft yeast dough. Divide into small balls and arrange closely in a buttered baking dish.

Allow to rise until puffy.

Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes.

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11. Cranberry Orange Dinner Rolls

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Sweet-tart cranberries and bright orange zest make these rolls perfect for Thanksgiving.

Ingredients

• 3 cups flour
• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 ¼ teaspoons yeast
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Prepare the dough and knead in cranberries and orange zest.

Let rise, shape into rolls, rise again, and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.

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12. Maple Dinner Rolls

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Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups flour
• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 ¼ teaspoons yeast
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• ¼ cup butter
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Combine warm milk, yeast, and maple syrup. Add butter and egg.

Mix in flour and salt. Knead until smooth.

Let rise, shape, rise again, and bake at 375°F for 18–22 minutes.

Brush with maple butter before serving.

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13. Parmesan Garlic Knots

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These aren’t traditional round rolls, but they make a delicious addition to a Thanksgiving bread basket.

Ingredients

• 3 cups pizza or bread dough
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 garlic cloves
• ¼ cup Parmesan
• 1 tablespoon parsley

Instructions

Divide dough into strips and tie into loose knots.

Bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes.

Brush with garlic butter and Parmesan.

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14. Sweet Dinner Rolls

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Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups flour
• 1 cup warm milk
• ¼ cup sugar
• 2 ¼ teaspoons yeast
• ¼ cup butter
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Make a soft yeast dough and let it rise until doubled.

Shape into 12 rolls and allow another rise.

Bake at 375°F for approximately 20 minutes.

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15. Whole Wheat Thanksgiving Rolls

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Ingredients

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 ¼ teaspoons yeast
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Combine the yeast, milk, and honey. Add remaining ingredients and knead.

Allow the dough to rise for about an hour.

Shape and rise again.

Bake at 375°F for 20–23 minutes.

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16. Parker House Style Rolls

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These classic folded rolls are soft, buttery, and elegant enough for a Thanksgiving centerpiece.

Ingredients

• 3 cups flour
• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 ¼ teaspoons yeast
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• ¼ cup butter
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Prepare the dough and allow it to rise.

Roll the dough out and cut into circles.

Brush with melted butter and fold each circle in half.

Place on a baking sheet and let rise.

Bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes.

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17. Milk Bread Thanksgiving Rolls

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Milk bread-style rolls are exceptionally soft and fluffy.

Ingredients

• 3 cups bread flour
• ¾ cup milk
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 ¼ teaspoons yeast
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Mix the ingredients into a soft dough.

Knead until elastic and smooth.

Let rise until doubled.

Shape into rolls and place in a baking pan.

Let rise again and bake at 350–375°F for about 20 minutes.

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18. Everything Bagel Dinner Rolls

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Ingredients

• 3 cups flour
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 ¼ teaspoons yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Everything bagel seasoning

Instructions

Prepare and rise the dough.

Shape into rolls and brush with egg wash.

Sprinkle generously with everything seasoning.

Bake at 375°F for 18–22 minutes.

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19. Jalapeño Cheddar Rolls

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Ingredients

• 3 cups flour
• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 ¼ teaspoons yeast
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• 1–2 diced jalapeños

Instructions

Prepare the yeast dough and fold in cheddar and jalapeños.

Shape into rolls.

Let rise until puffy.

Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.

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20. Sage Butter Dinner Rolls

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Sage is a classic Thanksgiving herb and pairs beautifully with homemade bread.

Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups flour
• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 ¼ teaspoons yeast
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• ¼ cup butter
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Fresh sage

Instructions

Prepare the dough and allow it to rise.

Shape the rolls and let them rise again.

Bake at 375°F for approximately 20 minutes.

Brush with butter infused with fresh sage.

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21. Parmesan Rosemary Rolls

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Ingredients

• 3 cups flour
• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 ¼ teaspoons yeast
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• ¼ cup butter
• 1 egg
• ½ cup Parmesan
• 1 tablespoon rosemary
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Mix and knead the dough with Parmesan and rosemary.

Let rise until doubled.

Shape into rolls and allow another rise.

Bake at 375°F for 18–22 minutes.

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22. Cinnamon Honey Dinner Rolls

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These slightly sweet rolls are delicious with Thanksgiving breakfast or dinner.

Ingredients

• 3 cups flour
• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 ¼ teaspoons yeast
• 3 tablespoons honey
• ¼ cup butter
• 1 egg
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Prepare the dough and add cinnamon during mixing.

Let rise, shape, and allow a second rise.

Bake at 375°F for 18–20 minutes.

Brush with honey butter.

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23. French Onion Dinner Rolls

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Caramelized onions bring deep savory flavor to these holiday rolls.

Ingredients

• 3 cups flour
• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 ¼ teaspoons yeast
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• ¼ cup butter
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup caramelized onions
• ½ cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese

Instructions

Prepare the dough.

Fold cooled caramelized onions and cheese into the dough.

Shape into rolls.

Let rise and bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes.

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24. Everything Herb Butter Rolls

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Ingredients

• 3 cups flour
• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 ¼ teaspoons yeast
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• ¼ cup butter
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Parsley
• Thyme
• Rosemary

Instructions

Prepare the dough and incorporate the chopped herbs.

Allow the dough to rise.

Shape into rolls and let rise again.

Bake at 375°F for 18–22 minutes.

Brush with herb butter before serving.

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25. Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Dinner Rolls

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If Thanksgiving morning is already busy, make-ahead rolls can save valuable time.

Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 ¼ teaspoons yeast
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• ¼ cup butter
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the dough.
2. Let it rise until doubled.
3. Shape the rolls.
4. Place them in a greased baking dish.
5. Cover tightly.
6. Refrigerate overnight.
7. Remove from the refrigerator about 1–2 hours before baking.
8. Let the rolls become puffy.
9. Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes.
10. Brush with melted butter.

This is one of the easiest ways to have fresh homemade rolls on Thanksgiving without making the dough on the holiday itself.

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🧈 Best Butter Toppings for Thanksgiving Rolls

A simple butter topping can completely change the flavor of homemade rolls.

Garlic Herb Butter

Combine:

• 4 tablespoons softened butter
• 1 minced garlic clove
• 1 tablespoon parsley
• Pinch of salt

Honey Butter

Combine:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon honey

Cranberry Orange Butter

Combine:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon cranberry sauce
• ½ teaspoon orange zest

Sage Butter

Combine:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh sage

21 Classic Thanksgiving Cranberry Sauce Recipes

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🥖 How to Make Soft and Fluffy Dinner Rolls

The secret to great homemade rolls is mostly about handling the dough correctly.

1. Use warm—not hot—liquid

Milk or water that is too hot can damage the yeast. Aim for comfortably warm liquid.

2. Don’t overload the dough with flour

This is one of the biggest mistakes people make when baking rolls. Dough should be soft and slightly tacky rather than stiff.

3. Give the dough enough time to rise

Yeast needs time to create air bubbles. A properly risen dough should look noticeably larger and puffy.

4. Don’t skip the second rise

After shaping the rolls, allow them to rise again. This creates a lighter texture.

5. Brush with butter

Freshly baked rolls become even more delicious when brushed with melted butter while they’re still warm.

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🕐 Can You Make Thanksgiving Rolls Ahead of Time?

Yes!

There are several ways to prepare dinner rolls ahead of Thanksgiving.

One Day Ahead

Prepare and shape the rolls. Cover them tightly and refrigerate overnight. Bring them toward room temperature before baking.

Freeze the Dough

Shape the rolls and freeze them before their final rise. Thaw in the refrigerator and allow them to rise before baking.

Freeze Baked Rolls

Bake the rolls completely, cool them, wrap them tightly, and freeze. Reheat before serving.

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❄️ How to Freeze Homemade Dinner Rolls

To freeze baked rolls:

1. Cool completely.
2. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
3. Place inside a freezer-safe bag.
4. Freeze for up to about 2–3 months for best quality.
5. Thaw at room temperature.
6. Warm in a 300°F oven for several minutes.

For the best texture, avoid repeatedly freezing and thawing the rolls.

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🍽️ What to Serve With Thanksgiving Dinner Rolls

Homemade rolls are especially delicious with:

• Roast turkey
• Turkey gravy
• Mashed potatoes
• Sweet potato casserole
• Green bean casserole
• Thanksgiving stuffing
• Cranberry sauce
• Mac and cheese
• Roasted vegetables
• Turkey soup
• Creamy soups
• Corn casserole

And don’t forget the leftover turkey sandwiches!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best flour for homemade dinner rolls?

All-purpose flour works very well for soft Thanksgiving rolls. Bread flour can also be used when you want a slightly chewier texture.

Why are my dinner rolls not fluffy?

The most common reasons are inactive yeast, too much flour, insufficient rising time, or liquid that was too hot.

Can I prepare dinner rolls the night before Thanksgiving?

Yes. Shape the rolls, cover them well, refrigerate overnight, and allow them time to become puffy before baking.

How do I keep Thanksgiving rolls warm?

Place freshly baked rolls in a basket lined with a clean kitchen towel. Cover loosely to retain warmth without making the crust soggy.

Can homemade dinner rolls be frozen?

Yes. Both baked rolls and shaped dough can be frozen. Baked rolls should be cooled completely before freezing.

How long do homemade dinner rolls last?

They are best when eaten fresh, but properly stored rolls generally remain enjoyable for several days. Reheat them gently before serving.

Can I make these rolls without a stand mixer?

Absolutely. All of these recipes can be mixed and kneaded by hand. It simply takes a little more effort.

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🎃 Thanksgiving Dinner Roll Baking Timeline

2–3 Days Before

Choose your recipe and gather ingredients.

The Day Before

Prepare and shape make-ahead rolls.

Thanksgiving Morning

Take refrigerated dough out and allow it to rise.

1 Hour Before Dinner

Bake your rolls.

Right Before Serving

Brush with melted butter and transfer to a warm serving basket.

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Final Thoughts

These 25 homemade Thanksgiving dinner rolls give you plenty of options for your holiday table. Whether you prefer classic buttery rolls, savory garlic Parmesan rolls, sweet honey rolls, soft potato rolls, cheesy cheddar rolls, or make-ahead bread, there’s something here for every Thanksgiving menu.

For the most traditional Thanksgiving dinner, start with classic buttery rolls or Parker House rolls. If you want something more flavorful, try garlic butter, rosemary Parmesan, sage butter, or cheddar rolls. And when your Thanksgiving schedule is packed, the make-ahead dinner rolls are especially convenient.

A basket filled with warm homemade rolls can turn an already delicious Thanksgiving dinner into an especially comforting holiday meal. 🦃🥖