Texas Roadhouse Rolls Recipe: A Delicious Copycat

by Jhon Lennon 50 views

Hey guys! Ever crave those warm, soft, and slightly sweet rolls they serve at Texas Roadhouse? You know, the ones that come with that amazing honey cinnamon butter? Well, you're in luck! Today, we're diving deep into a copycat recipe that will let you bake these heavenly rolls right in your own kitchen. Get ready to impress your friends and family (and maybe even yourself) with this ultimate guide to Texas Roadhouse rolls.

Why This Recipe Rocks

Before we get started, let's talk about why this recipe is a total winner. First off, it's surprisingly easy to follow. We've broken down each step so that even beginner bakers can achieve perfect rolls. Secondly, the ingredients are pretty standard – you probably have most of them in your pantry already. And finally, the taste is spot-on! These rolls are soft, fluffy, and have that signature sweetness that makes them so addictive. So, ditch the restaurant wait and let's get baking!

The Secret Ingredients

So, what's the secret to making these rolls taste just like the real deal? Well, it's all about a few key ingredients and techniques. The first key is the Tangzhong method. This involves cooking a small portion of the flour and liquid (in this case, water) together to create a roux. This pre-gelatinizes the starch in the flour, which allows it to absorb more water. The result? Super soft and moist rolls that stay fresh for longer. The second secret is using a combination of all-purpose and bread flour. Bread flour has a higher protein content, which helps to create a chewier texture. By combining it with all-purpose flour, we get the perfect balance of softness and chewiness. Lastly, don't skimp on the butter! Butter adds flavor, richness, and tenderness to the rolls. Use high-quality butter for the best results.

Ingredients You'll Need

Alright, let's gather our ingredients. Here's what you'll need to make these amazing Texas Roadhouse rolls:

  • For the Tangzhong:
    • 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
    • 1 cup (240ml) water
  • For the Dough:
    • 1 cup (240ml) milk, warmed to 110-115°F (43-46°C)
    • 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
    • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
    • 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted
    • 1 large egg
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
    • 2 cups (250g) bread flour, plus more for dusting
  • For the Honey Cinnamon Butter:
    • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
    • 1/2 cup (120ml) honey
    • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Make sure you have all your ingredients measured out and ready to go before you start baking. This will make the process much smoother and less stressful.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, let's get down to business! Here's a detailed guide on how to make these Texas Roadhouse rolls:

Part 1: Making the Tangzhong

  1. Combine the flour and water: In a small saucepan, whisk together the all-purpose flour and water until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps.
  2. Cook over medium heat: Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a smooth, pudding-like consistency. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn it!
  3. Transfer to a bowl: Remove the Tangzhong from the heat and transfer it to a bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap, pressing the plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Let it cool to room temperature. This is crucial for the next steps.

Part 2: Making the Dough

  1. Activate the yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer (or a large bowl if you're mixing by hand), combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast is foamy. This means the yeast is active and ready to go.
  2. Add the sugar and butter: Add the sugar and melted butter to the yeast mixture and mix until combined.
  3. Add the egg and salt: Add the egg and salt to the mixture and mix until well combined.
  4. Add the Tangzhong: Add the cooled Tangzhong to the mixture and mix until everything is evenly combined. The mixture may look a little strange at this point, but don't worry, it will all come together.
  5. Add the flours: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and bread flour to the mixture, mixing on low speed with the dough hook attachment (or by hand) until a shaggy dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it comes together.
  6. Knead the dough: Knead the dough on medium speed for 8-10 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic. If you're kneading by hand, knead on a lightly floured surface for 10-12 minutes. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. It should pass the windowpane test, where you can stretch a small piece of dough thin enough to see light through it without tearing.
  7. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is where the magic happens!

Part 3: Shaping and Baking the Rolls

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
  2. Punch down the dough: Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air.
  3. Divide and shape the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and place them in the prepared baking pan, spacing them evenly apart. You can also shape them into oblong rolls if you prefer.
  4. Second rise: Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until they have doubled in size. This second rise is essential for light and fluffy rolls.
  5. Bake the rolls: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
  6. Brush with melted butter: While the rolls are baking, melt a few tablespoons of butter. As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush them generously with the melted butter. This will give them a beautiful shine and add extra flavor.

Part 4: Making the Honey Cinnamon Butter

  1. Combine the ingredients: While the rolls are baking, prepare the honey cinnamon butter. In a bowl, cream together the softened butter, honey, cinnamon, and salt until light and fluffy. You can use a stand mixer or a hand mixer for this.
  2. Serve and enjoy: Serve the warm rolls immediately with the honey cinnamon butter. Watch them disappear in seconds!

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Rolls

  • Use a thermometer: To ensure your milk is at the right temperature for activating the yeast, use a thermometer. The ideal temperature is 110-115°F (43-46°C). If the milk is too hot, it can kill the yeast. If it's too cold, the yeast won't activate.
  • Don't over-knead the dough: Over-kneading can result in tough rolls. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, but not overly firm.
  • Proof in a warm place: A warm environment is essential for the dough to rise properly. You can proof the dough in a warm oven (turned off), in a sunny spot, or in a proofing drawer if you have one.
  • Let the rolls cool slightly before serving: While it's tempting to eat the rolls straight out of the oven, let them cool slightly before serving. This will allow the flavors to develop and prevent you from burning your mouth!
  • Store leftover rolls properly: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven before serving.

Variations and Additions

Want to get creative with your Texas Roadhouse rolls? Here are a few variations and additions to try:

  • Garlic Herb Rolls: Add 1-2 cloves of minced garlic and 1-2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary) to the dough.
  • Cheese Rolls: Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese to the dough.
  • Jalapeño Cheddar Rolls: Add 1/4 cup of diced jalapeños and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the dough for a spicy kick.
  • Sweet Potato Rolls: Replace 1/2 cup of the all-purpose flour with 1/2 cup of mashed cooked sweet potato.
  • Cinnamon Raisin Rolls: Add 1/2 cup of raisins and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough for a sweet and spiced treat.

Serving Suggestions

These Texas Roadhouse rolls are delicious on their own, but they're also a great accompaniment to a variety of meals. Here are a few serving suggestions:

  • With soup or chili: Serve the rolls with a bowl of your favorite soup or chili for a hearty and satisfying meal.
  • With salad: Add a roll to your salad for a bit of extra substance.
  • With grilled meats: Serve the rolls with grilled steak, chicken, or ribs for a classic cookout meal.
  • As a side dish: Serve the rolls as a side dish at Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
  • As a snack: Enjoy a warm roll with a smear of honey cinnamon butter as a delicious snack.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – a foolproof recipe for making Texas Roadhouse rolls at home. These rolls are soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavor. They're perfect for serving at parties, potlucks, or family dinners. And the best part is, they're surprisingly easy to make. So go ahead, give this recipe a try. Your taste buds (and your friends and family) will thank you for it!

Now that you've mastered the art of making Texas Roadhouse rolls, why not try experimenting with different flavors and variations? The possibilities are endless! And don't forget to share your creations with us. We'd love to see what you come up with. Happy baking, everyone!