Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls

Texas Roadhouse Rolls are a beloved staple at the Texas Roadhouse restaurant chain, famous for their sweet, buttery flavor and soft, fluffy texture. These dinner rolls are often the highlight of a meal at Texas Roadhouse, served warm with their signature cinnamon honey butter.

The popularity of these rolls has led many to seek out copycat recipes so they can recreate the comforting taste at home. While the exact recipe remains a closely guarded secret of the chain, several attempts to replicate it have resulted in rolls that come very close to the original, allowing enthusiasts to bring a taste of Texas Roadhouse into their own kitchens.

Why You’ll Love Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls

You’re going to adore this copycat recipe for Texas Roadhouse Rolls because it captures the essence of what makes the original so irresistible. These rolls are delightfully soft and airy, with a slightly sweet taste that pairs wonderfully with the richness of the cinnamon honey butter.

Perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or just a comforting meal, they are versatile and can be enjoyed with a variety of dishes. Making them at home allows for a fresh, warm batch straight from the oven, ensuring that melt-in-your-mouth experience every time.

Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe will bring joy and a sense of accomplishment with every fluffy bite.

Expert Tips and Tricks

- Yeast Activation: Ensure your yeast is fresh and active for the best rise. The liquid ingredients should be warm (not hot) to touch; around 110°F (43°C) is ideal to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Kneading: Proper kneading is crucial. Aim for 8-10 minutes by hand or 5-7 minutes in a mixer. The dough should be smooth and slightly tacky, but not sticky.
- Proofing: Allow the dough to proof in a warm, draft-free area until it doubles in size. This is critical for achieving the airy texture of the rolls.
- Butter: Brush the rolls with melted butter right before baking and immediately after they come out of the oven for a soft crust and rich flavor.

Serving Suggestion: Serve the rolls warm with cinnamon honey butter for an authentic Texas Roadhouse experience.
Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. They can be reheated in the oven or microwave for a few seconds to bring back their fresh-baked taste and texture.
Practice Makes Perfect: Don’t get discouraged if the first batch isn’t perfect. Baking is a skill that improves with practice, and small adjustments can lead to your ideal roll.

Recipe Variations & Possible Substitutions

- Whole Wheat Flour: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist that adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber.
- Honey or Agave Syrup: Instead of granulated sugar, you can use honey or agave syrup to sweeten the dough, which will also impart a subtle flavor difference.

Herbs and Spices: Add herbs such as rosemary or thyme to the dough for an aromatic flavor, or a pinch of cinnamon to enhance sweetness.
Vegan: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tbsp flaxseed meal with 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes) instead of eggs for a vegan version of the rolls.

Dietary Accommodations

- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for bread baking. Make sure the yeast and other ingredients are gluten-free.

Dairy-Free: Replace milk with a non-dairy milk like almond or soy milk, and use dairy-free margarine instead of butter.
Egg-Free: Omit the eggs and use an egg replacement product suitable for baking, or increase the amount of butter/margarine slightly to maintain moisture.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls are best served warm, fresh out of the oven, to maximize their soft and fluffy texture. They are perfect as a side for a hearty meal, complementing everything from a rich beef stew to a light, creamy soup.

For an added treat, serve them with homemade cinnamon honey butter just like at Texas Roadhouse. These rolls also pair beautifully with barbecue dishes, such as smoked brisket or ribs, where their slight sweetness balances the smoky, savory flavors.

As for beverages, a chilled glass of apple cider or a light, crisp beer can complement the rolls’ buttery richness wonderfully. During a festive dinner, a glass of sparkling wine or a simple cocktail like a mimosa can elevate the dining experience, making these rolls a versatile choice for various occasions.

Storage and Reheating Tips

- Cool Before Storing: Allow the rolls to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation which can make them soggy.

- Room Temperature Storage: Keep the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the rolls in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Freezing: Freeze rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
- Microwave Reheating: Wrap a roll in a damp paper towel and microwave for 10-20 seconds or until warm.
- Oven Reheating: Heat rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
- Toaster Oven: For a crispy exterior, reheat rolls in a toaster oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.
- Air Fryer: Reheat rolls at 300°F (150°C) for 2-3 minutes for a quick and evenly heated option.

Recipe FAQs

- Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough, let it rise, shape the rolls, and then refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise slightly before baking.
- How do I know if the yeast is still active? Mix the yeast with warm water and a little sugar; it should bubble and froth within about 10 minutes if it’s active.
- Why didn’t my rolls rise? This could be due to old yeast, improper temperatures during rising, or not enough kneading.
- Can I use a bread machine for this recipe? Yes, you can use the dough setting on your bread machine to mix and proof the dough.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky? Add flour a tablespoon at a time until the dough is tacky but not sticky.

Detailed Ingredient Breakdown

- Flour: Provides the structure of the rolls through gluten development. The gluten traps air bubbles and allows the roll to rise.

Milk: Adds flavor, richness, and tenderizes the dough by breaking down some of the gluten.
Sugar: Feeds the yeast, enhancing the rise, and adds a slight sweetness to the rolls.
Yeast: A critical ingredient for leavening, helping the dough to rise and creating the fluffy texture of the rolls.
Egg: Adds structure and richness to the dough, helping to create a tender crumb.
Butter: Contributes to the flavor, color, and tender texture of the rolls. When brushed on top, it also gives a soft crust.
Salt: Enhances flavor and regulates yeast activity, ensuring that the rolls do not rise too quickly.

Troubleshooting Tips

- Dough Is Too Sticky or Too Dry: If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until manageable. If too dry, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

Rolls Are Not Rising: Make sure the room is warm enough (around 75°F or 24°C). If the yeast does not foam in the initial proofing stage, it may be inactive and needs replacement.
Dense or Heavy Rolls: This could be due to over-kneading the dough or not letting it rise long enough. Allow more time for the first rise, until the dough has doubled in size.
Rolls Browning Too Quickly: If the rolls are browning too fast in the oven but aren’t cooked through, tent them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent further browning.
Uneven Baking: Rotate the baking tray halfway through baking to ensure even color and cooking, as ovens can have hot spots.