Bread for Medias Noches

Gina Whitley
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Gina Whitley
Gina Whitley, private chef with 25+ years of experience, creator of "Sabores de mi Cocina", mother and gastronomic entrepreneur. Specialist in traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine,...
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9 Min Read

Dinner Rolls Recipe: The Secret to a Soft and Versatile Bread

Dinner rolls are a classic that cannot be missing from any home. Their soft texture, delicate flavor, and versatility make them the perfect option for both breakfasts and snacks. From traditional savory fillings to sweet options, this bread adapts to multiple occasions, making every moment at the table special. In 2025, their popularity continues to grow, driven by homemade recipes and the innovation of bakeries like La Tahona de Susana and Panificio Gallina Blanca, which offer quality and variety products. In this article, you will discover how to prepare them at home, with expert tips, irresistible fillings, and the best ideas to make the most of this delicious piece.

Preparation time

  • Preparation: 2 hours and 30 minutes
  • Cooking: 15 minutes
  • Total: approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes
  • Servings: 10 units
  • Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the dough

  • 500 g of wheat flour (can be bread flour or strong flour)
  • 60 g sugar
  • 10 g of salt
  • 10 g of fresh yeast or 3 g of dry yeast baker's yeast
  • 250 ml of warm milk
  • 80 g of unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 2 eggs

For finishing and filling

  • 1 beaten egg (for glazing)
  • Optional: sesame or poppy seeds for decorating

Utensils we will use

  • A large mixing bowl
  • Kitchen rolling pin
  • Baking paper or silicone mat
  • Kitchen brush for glazing
  • Baking dish

Preparation

1. Activate the yeast

  • Dissolve the yeast in the warm milk and add a teaspoon of sugar. Stir gently and let rest for 10 minutes until bubbles form on the surface, indicating that the yeast is active and ready to use.

2. Mix the dry ingredients

  • In a large bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. This step ensures that the dry ingredients are well integrated and that the bread has a uniform texture.

3. Incorporate the liquids and knead

  • Make a well in the center of the dry mixture and add the eggs, butter, and activated yeast. Begin to integrate with a spoon or your hands, forming a homogeneous dough.
  • After a few minutes, transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for at least 10 minutes until a smooth and elastic texture is obtained. If the dough sticks, sprinkle a little more flour, but do not overdo it so that it doesn't become hard.

4. Ferment the dough

  • Form a ball with the dough and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size. This step, called fermentation, allows the flavors and texture of the bread to develop.

5. Shape and rest again

  • Gently degas the dough by pressing it with your hands and divide it into 10 equal portions. Form each portion into long cylinders (~15 cm) and place them on the baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them.
  • Cover again and let rest for 30 minutes for them to increase in volume.

6. Preheat and glaze

  • Preheat the oven to 180°C. Before baking, brush the breads with the beaten egg to give them a golden color and, if desired, sprinkle seeds for decoration.

7. Bake until golden

  • Bake in the middle part of the oven for 15 minutes or until they look well golden. Remove and let cool for a few minutes before handling.

To finish and serve

Once out of the oven, remove the breads from the baking sheet and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. You can open them in half, fill them with savory ingredients like ham and cheese, or sweet ones like dulce de leche and fruits. What filling would you like to try today? The soft and fluffy texture will be perfect for any option, ideal to accompany a coffee or prepare an appetizer platter. Additionally, if you want to give it a more special touch, try spreading butter before filling and enjoy an irresistible experience.

Tips for making your Dinner Rolls perfect

  • Use strong flour to achieve a fluffier and more resistant crumb.
  • Fermentation in warm places will speed up the process and improve the final texture.
  • To prevent the bread from becoming hard, do not overbake and remove it at its perfect golden point.
  • If you want a shiny finish, brush with egg and sprinkle seeds.
  • When filling, avoid very wet ingredients so that the bread retains its structure.

Nutritional Information

  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Proteins: 8 g
  • Fats: 9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Fiber: 2 g

Values are estimated per serving and may vary depending on the ingredients used.


5 keys to make your Dinner Rolls irresistible

  1. Control fermentation: proper fermentation ensures a well-aerated crumb.
  2. Use fresh ingredients: milk, butter, and yeast in good condition make a difference.
  3. Respect the times: both in fermentation and baking, time is key to obtaining perfect bread.
  4. Practice the shape: when shaping, make sure they are uniform so they bake evenly.
  5. Fill with care: avoid wet ingredients that can make the bread too soggy.

When to enjoy Dinner Rolls?

This bread is ideal for accompanying family breakfasts, informal snacks, or as an appetizer at gatherings. It is perfect for preparing at special events, such as Christmas dinners or get-togethers with friends, as its versatility allows it to adapt to sweet or savory flavors. Furthermore, if you are looking for a quick option for a picnic or a surprise appetizer, you will surprise everyone with this homemade and delicious recipe.


Comparison table: Alternatives and variations of Dinner Rolls

RecipeKey ingredientsDifference/advantage
Midnight Bread (base recipe)Flour, milk, butterSoft and fluffy texture, versatile for fillings
Milk rollsFlour, milk, butterGreater natural sweetness, ideal for sweets
Homemade mini croissantsFlour, butter, milkFlaky shape, crispier and more delicate
Milk breadFlour, milk, eggGreater fluffiness and softness
Glossy bread or briocheFlour, butter, eggMore intense flavor, ideal for sweet fillings

Frequently asked questions about Dinner Rolls


Share your experience with the Midnight Rolls

Have you tried making this classic at home? Tell us how it turned out, what filling you used, and if you added any special touches. Sharing your tricks and variations helps more people enjoy the magic of homemade baking. Cooking is a world of experimentation and fun, so go ahead and innovate and tell us your favorite recipes!

Essential Culinary Glossary for your Midnight Rolls

  • Fermentation: process in which the dough rises thanks to the action of yeast or baking powder, producing air and flavors.
  • Dough preparation: technique for mixing ingredients and kneading until a homogeneous and elastic texture is achieved.
  • Bake: oven baking using dry heat, which gives the bread a crispy texture and golden color.
  • Rest: period in which the dough is left to rest so that it increases in volume and develops aroma.
  • Glazing: application of beaten egg or butter to give shine and flavor to the surface of the bread before baking.
Bread for Medias Noches
Bread for Medias Noches

Pan Para Medias Noches: step-by-step recipe baked to perfection with perfect texture. Ideal for sharing. Serve immediately and adjust spiciness and salt to your taste.

Type: Recipe

Cuisine: International

Keywords: bread, for, midnight, international, desserts, recipe, easy, homemade

Recipe Yield: 12 servings

Calories: 200 kcal

Preparation Time: PT30M

Cooking Time: PT15M

Total Time: PT45M

Recipe Ingredients:

  • 500 g of wheat flour (can be Pan Para Medias Noches from brands like Bimbo or La Villita)
  • 70 g of sugar
  • 10 g of salt
  • 15 g of fresh yeast
  • 150 ml of warm milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 100 g melted butter
  • 1 beaten egg (for brushing)
  • Sesame or seeds for decorating

Recipe Instructions:

Preparation: :

Preparation: 2 hours and 30 minutes

Bread for Medias Noches

Cooking: :

Cooking: 15 minutes

Bread for Medias Noches

Total: :

Total: 2 hours and 45 minutes

Bread for Medias Noches

Servings: :

Servings: 12 units approximately

Bread for Medias Noches

Difficulty: :

Difficulty: Medium

Bread for Medias Noches

Step 1 :

Always accurately measure dry and liquid ingredients to avoid variations in the final texture.

Bread for Medias Noches

Step 2 :

Never over-knead the dough, as this can harden the bread and affect its fluffiness.

Bread for Medias Noches

Step 3:

To fill, drain the wet ingredients well and protect the dough with a thin layer of butter or egg to prevent it from getting too soggy.

Bread for Medias Noches
Editor's Rating:
4.3
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Gina Whitley, private chef with 25+ years of experience, creator of "Flavors of my Kitchen", mother and gastronomic entrepreneur. Specialist in traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine, with international recognition.
2 Comments
  • Simple and delicious, this ‘Pan para Medias Noches’. I took it to a meeting and it flew off the table.

  • This ‘Pan para Medias Noches’ was delicious at home. The recipe is very well explained. We accompanied it with a touch of chili and it was a hit.

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