Dinner rolls are an essential part of any meal, adding a delicious touch to the table. But what do you do when it comes time to serve them? If you’re looking for ideas and inspiration, look no further. Here are 15 delicious dishes that pair perfectly with dinner rolls.
What To Eat With Dinner Rolls?
Dinner rolls are a versatile and popular accompaniment to many meals. Some common foods that pair well with dinner rolls include soups, stews, roasted meats, and salads. Butter or margarine is also a classic topping for dinner rolls, as well as honey or jam for a sweeter option. Additionally, dinner rolls can be used to make mini sandwiches or sliders, or served with dips such as hummus or spinach and artichoke dip.
1. Soup
Soup makes a great accompaniment to dinner rolls at dinnertime. Whether it’s classic tomato soup or a heartier chicken noodle option, there is something satisfying and comforting about dipping your dinner roll in a bowl of warm soup.
If you’re looking for an unexpected pairing, try garnishing your soup with crumbled dinner rolls before serving. This adds an additional flavor level to the soup and creates a unique combination of textures and flavors.
Lentil soup is another great choice to pair with dinner rolls. A surefire favorite, it can be made in the slow cooker for easy cooking throughout the day so you don’t have to worry about last-minute preparation when everyone else is ready to eat.
And, drizzling olive oil on top of the soup when serving helps bring out its full flavor potential, making once simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary served alongside dinner rolls.
2. Stew
When you want a hearty and filling meal, the stew is the way to go. Whether you make it with beef, chicken, or vegetables, stew and dinner rolls are a classic combination. The stew offers the perfect balance of savory flavors and hearty ingredients, while the roll adds a light and airy texture to the meal.
Beef stew is a favorite, particularly on cold winter days, and can be served with mashed potatoes or egg noodles for extra filling power. For a different take on the stew, try chicken and dumplings or vegetable stew – both are full of flavor and fill you up for the night.
Serving dinner rolls alongside a steaming bowl of stew will ensure everyone gets their fill during mealtime.
3. Roasted Meats
Roasted meats make a delightful pairing with dinner rolls. For example, chicken can be roasted and served as a main course alongside warm, buttery bread for an incredibly tasty meal. Poultry is often preferred over beef or pork since the mild flavor will not overpower the delicate taste of the buns.
However, if beef or pork is more appealing to your palate, these meats can also be roasted in combination with herbs and spices to turn out succulent and irresistible. The trick is to cook them until they become tender and juicy before serving them.
Finally, adding fresh vegetables such as carrots or green beans will further elevate this simple dish into a flavorful feast that can easily be enjoyed with dinner rolls.
4. Gravy
Adding gravy to dinner rolls is an easy way to instantly transform a simple dinner into something special! In terms of what kind of gravy, the possibilities are endless! Popular accompaniments for dinner rolls include beef, turkey, and mushroom gravies.
Each offers a unique flavor that enhances the already-amazing taste of the roll itself. The steps for making gravy can vary, but it typically begins with slowly cooking a base of fat, such as butter or bacon alike, before adding your preferred flour to form a roux.
Depending on your desired taste; vegetables and herbs can also be added for extra flavor. As you stir in your mixture of broth or stock along with other ingredients like wine, you now have the perfect consistency for coating your dinner rolls!
5. Salad
Salad is one of the most versatile dishes out there, and it can be served with dinner rolls for a delicious meal. Caesar salad pairs well with a crusty and flavorful roll, like a French baguette.
Meanwhile, mixed greens can be garnished with croutons for an extra crunch and texture. Greek salad is hearty and delicious by itself, but it also goes great with a light and fluffy dinner roll to contrast the flavors.
The possibilities of what you can do with a salad and dinner rolls are endless! Whether you’re looking for something light or something a little more filling, there’s sure to be the perfect combination for everyone.
6. Butter or Margarine
The humble dinner roll is great on its own, but adding butter or margarine makes it even better! This classic topping helps to enhance the flavor of the roll while also adding a delicious layer of creaminess.
For example, garlic butter is great for those who like a bit of extra flavor, while honey butter is a delicious way to sweeten the dinner rolls. If you’d rather go for something lighter, then opting for margarine is also a great option.
7. Jam
Jam can add a special touch of sweetness and flavor to dinner rolls that make them enjoyable and memorable. Jams, like raspberry or strawberry preserves, cook quickly and don’t require a lot of work to prepare.
To make sure your dinner rolls have the best flavor, start by spreading the jam on lightly-buttered dinner rolls before serving. This will help to keep them from becoming overly dry. You can also use a small amount of jam as a delicious dip for dinner rolls that have already been baked or buttered.
Adding some freshly chopped fruit like raspberries or strawberries can also take the sweetness up a notch and add an interesting texture element for guests. Finally, adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to the jam will give it extra depth and flavor that pairs beautifully with soft dinner rolls.
8. Peanut Butter
Peanut butter makes for a delicious and protein-packed spread to go with dinner rolls. It’s incredibly versatile; used in both sweet and savory dishes, it can easily turn a basic dinner roll into a robust gourmet treat.
When it comes to making meals with dinner rolls, pairing them with peanut butter is quick, easy, and sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. A favorite way to do this is by first heating up the dinner rolls and then spreading creamy peanut butter on top.
You can get creative at this point as well; adding jams or jelly work great or even slicing some fresh fruit and layering that on top of the peanut butter; think bananas, strawberries, apples, or even mangoes!
9. Jelly
For a sweet and fruity twist on the classic dinner roll, jelly is always a great option. Whether you’re using grape, strawberry, or apricot; jelly is sure to give your rolls a delicious and unique flavor.
Jelly is especially great for breakfast, as it pairs well with butter and can be spread on warm rolls for a delicious start to the day. You can also use jelly to create finger sandwiches by spreading it between two slices of dinner roll, adding a few other ingredients such as cream cheese or cucumber to take the flavor up another notch.
Finally, jelly can also be used to top off a savory dinner roll with a sweet twist. For example, try spreading some grape jelly on top of a warm dinner roll and topping it off with some slices of brie cheese for a truly delicious experience.
10. Cream cheese
Cream cheese can be a great way to add richness and creaminess to your dinner rolls. It pairs well with many different flavors and ingredients, making it a great addition to any dinner roll dish.
For breakfast, try spreading cream cheese on freshly-baked rolls and adding honey and a few fresh berries for an extra sweet touch. For lunch, make a savory cream cheese spread by mixing cream cheese with pesto and freshly-chopped herbs for a flavorful topping.
For dinner, create an indulgent cream cheese spread by mixing cream cheese with shredded cheeses, bacon, and chives. This mixture can be spread on warm dinner rolls or served as a dip with the rolls for an extra layer of creaminess.
11. Sliced Cheese
Adding sliced cheese, such as cheddar or Swiss, to dinner rolls is a great way to add some extra flavor to your meal. Many enjoy a classic combination of melted Swiss cheese on top of a warm dinner roll.
But if you’re looking to take it up a notch, there are all sorts of creative ways to incorporate cheese into your dinner rolls! You can spread cream cheese on the rolls before baking for an extra creamy and slightly tart flavor, then layer slices of caramelized onions and sharp cheddar for an added kick in taste and texture.
Alternatively, why not try topping your plain rolls with chopped garlic, parmesan cheese, parsley and oregano for an Italian-inspired variety? Any way you slice it (or grate it!), adding a bit of cheese will take your dinner roll recipes from simple bread to flavorful mainstays that are sure to be the talk of any gathering.
12. Turkey
Turkey slices are a healthy and delicious alternative to beef when making dinner roll sandwiches. You can layer turkey slices with fresh vegetables, such as lettuce and tomatoes, for a light and nutritious meal.
If you’re looking to make something a bit more indulgent, opt for smoked turkey and layer it with bacon, avocado, and a bit of mayonnaise for an excellent combination of flavors.
Finally, if you’re looking for something with an even lower fat content, try turkey bacon. It’s a lean and tasty substitute for traditional pork bacon that will add the perfect crunch and flavor to your dinner roll sandwich.
13. Meatball Sub
Meatball subs are a classic Italian-American favorite that can be easily made at home. All you need are some pre-made meatballs, marinara sauce, and dinner rolls.
Toast the dinner rolls until they are lightly browned and crispy on the outside, then spread some marinara sauce on the bottom roll. Place a few meatballs onto the roll, then cover them with more marinara and top with the other dinner roll. Serve warm and enjoy!
Meatball subs are flavorful, filling, and perfect for dinner or lunch. Plus, they’re easy to make and are sure to please any crowd.
14. Grilled Cheese
Grilled cheese sandwiches are the perfect comfort food. To make this classic dish even better, try using dinner rolls instead of traditional bread.
Start by buttering the outside of two dinner rolls and place them butter-side down in a skillet. Add slices of your favorite cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, to the inside of each roll and top with another slice of cheese.
Cover the skillet and cook the sandwiches over medium-low heat until the cheese is melted and the rolls are golden brown. Serve hot with a side of tomato soup for an easy and delicious dinner.
15. Fried Chicken
For a southern spin on dinner rolls, try making fried chicken sandwiches. Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and preparing a shallow baking dish with cooking spray.
Season chicken breasts lightly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder and place them in the baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Once the chicken is done cooking, let it cool briefly before slicing it into strips. Then, assemble your rolls by layering each roll with a few slices of chicken, some lettuce and tomato, and your favorite condiment.
Conclusion
No matter the occasion, dinner rolls are a great way to add a delicious and comforting touch to any meal. From soups and stews to roasted meats and mini sandwiches, there are countless ways to enjoy dinner rolls. So take advantage of all they have to offer and start experimenting with these 15 delicious dishes that pair perfectly with dinner rolls. Enjoy!
