Texas Roadhouse Yeast Rolls Recipe: A Copycat Attempt
Texas Roadhouse is famous for many things, but their yeast rolls are legendary. That fluffy, buttery goodness is a meal in itself! While the exact recipe remains a closely guarded secret, we can get pretty darn close with this copycat version. This guide will walk you through creating rolls that will transport you straight to your favorite Texas Roadhouse.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields approximately 12-15 rolls, perfect for sharing (or not!).
- For the Rolls:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for that extra Texas kick!)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
This recipe may seem long, but don't be intimidated! Each step is simple and worth the delicious result.
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined.
Step 3: Incorporate the Flour
Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a soft dough forms. The dough will be slightly sticky, that's okay!
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
Step 5: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 6: Shape the Rolls
Punch down the dough to release the air. Divide the dough into 12-15 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place them in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.
Step 7: Second Rise
Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled in size.
Step 8: Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 9: Make the Glaze
While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the melted butter, honey, and garlic powder (if using).
Step 10: Glaze and Serve
As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush them generously with the glaze. Serve them warm and enjoy!
Tips for Texas Roadhouse-Level Rolls:
- Use good quality ingredients: The better your ingredients, the better your rolls will taste.
- Don't over-knead the dough: Over-kneading can result in tough rolls.
- Let the rolls rise properly: Adequate rising time is crucial for fluffy rolls.
- Don't overcrowd the baking pan: Give the rolls enough space to rise.
- Experiment with the glaze: Add a pinch of cinnamon or other spices to the glaze for a unique flavor.
This recipe is a fantastic starting point for your own Texas Roadhouse yeast roll journey. Feel free to adjust it to your liking, experiment with different flavors, and most importantly, have fun baking! Enjoy the delicious aroma and the satisfying taste of these homemade rolls – a true comfort food experience.
