Golden Corral Yeast Rolls Recipe are more than just a side dish — they’re a nostalgic bite of comfort that brings everyone to the table. With this easy copycat recipe, you can enjoy that warm, buttery goodness anytime the craving hits. Trust me, once you make them from scratch, you might never go back to store-bought!
If you’ve ever been to Golden Corral, you know their soft, buttery yeast rolls are one of the best parts of the buffet. Fluffy, golden brown, and brushed with melted butter — they practically melt in your mouth! Now you can recreate those famous dinner rolls right in your own kitchen with this easy copycat recipe.
Whether you’re serving them for Sunday dinner, holiday meals, or just because you’re craving fresh-baked bread, these homemade rolls are simple enough for beginners and delicious enough to become a regular favorite.
🧈 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and fluffy with a buttery top
- Made with simple ingredients you probably already have
- Freezer-friendly — perfect for prepping ahead
- Crowd-pleasing side for any meal
- Taste just like the buffet classic — if not better!
🧺 Ingredients You’ll Need
- All-purpose flour – Gives the rolls their soft, pillowy texture.
- Warm milk – Activates the yeast and adds richness.
- Active dry yeast – The key to getting that light, airy rise.
- Granulated sugar – Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness.
- Salt – Balances the flavor.
- Egg – Adds richness and softness.
- Butter – Used in the dough and brushed on top for that golden, glossy finish.
👩🍳 How To Make Golden Corral Yeast Rolls
Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk (about 110°F), sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Stir in the egg, salt, and melted butter. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8–10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
Step 3: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Punch down the dough and divide into equal pieces (usually 12–15 rolls). Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place them in a greased baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 5: Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.
Step 6: Preheat air fryer temperature to 320 degrees F. Spray the basket or pan lightly with oil. Set cook time for 8–10 minutes, checking at the 8-minute mark, until golden brown on top and cooked through. While still warm, brush rolls generously with melted butter. Serve immediately for that fresh-from-the-buffet flavor!
🥖 Tips for Perfect Rolls
- Make sure your milk is warm but not hot — around 105–110°F is perfect.
- Don’t skip the second rise — it makes the rolls extra light and fluffy.
- Want a sweeter roll? Add a bit more sugar to the dough.
- Use bread flour for an even chewier texture (optional).
- Brush with butter while warm for that signature Golden Corral finish.
🧊 Storing & Freezing
- To store: Keep cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- To freeze: Freeze baked rolls in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
What To Serve With Golden Corral Yeast Rolls Recipe
Golden Corral Yeast Rolls are incredibly versatile and pair well with just about any meal. Serve them warm alongside hearty main dishes like pot roast, meatloaf, fried chicken, or a classic holiday turkey dinner.
They’re also perfect with soups and stews, like creamy potato soup or beef chili, for soaking up every last drop. For a lighter option, enjoy them with a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables.
Golden Corral Yeast Rolls Recipe Faqs
Can I make these rolls ahead of time? Yes! You can shape the rolls, refrigerate them overnight, and let them come to room temperature before baking the next day.
Can I freeze the dough? Absolutely. After shaping the rolls, freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw, let rise, and bake when ready.
What if I don’t have a stand mixer? No problem! You can mix and knead the dough by hand—just knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 8–10 minutes.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast? Yes, you can use instant yeast. Skip the proofing step and mix it directly into the dry ingredients, then continue as usual.
How do I know when the rolls are done? They should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped. Internal temperature should be around 190°F.
More Copycat Golden Corral Recipes
Golden Corral Bourbon Street Chicken Copycat
Golden Corral Sausage and Peppers
Copycat Golden Corral Pot Roast
Golden Corral Banana Nut Bread Recipe (Copycat Version)
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Golden Corral Yeast Rolls Recipe
Description
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm milk, 105–110°F
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast, 1 packet
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (plus more for brushing)
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add in the egg, melted butter, and salt. Mix until combined.
- Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead by hand or with a mixer for 5–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide into 10–12 equal pieces. Roll into smooth balls.
- Place rolls into a greased round cake pan (that fits your air fryer) or on parchment paper. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
- Preheat air fryer to 320°F. Lightly spray the pan or basket with oil. Air fry rolls for 8–10 minutes, until golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Immediately brush with melted butter while warm. Serve fresh and fluffy!
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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