Pull-Apart Gluten-Free Dinner Rolls Recipe

Gluten-free bread is one of those things that can be either surprisingly good or deeply disappointing, and I’ve had my fair share of both. For a long time, gluten-free dinner rolls felt dry, crumbly, or oddly sweet, nothing like the soft pull-apart rolls everyone else enjoyed.

After many batches, a few wasted pans, and one especially dense tray that could’ve doubled as doorstops, I finally figured out what actually works. These pull-apart gluten-free dinner rolls are soft in the center, lightly golden on the outside, and meant to be torn apart warm, just like classic dinner rolls. The real secret is moisture, the right flour blend, and resisting the urge to add too much extra flour when the dough feels sticky.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 2½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum)
• 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• ¾ cup warm milk (dairy-free milk works)
• ¼ cup melted butter or dairy-free butter
• 1 large egg, room temperature

Optional for Extra Softness

• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Preparation and Baking Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Rise Time: 45–60 minutes
• Bake Time: 18–22 minutes
• Total Time: About 1½ hours
• Servings: 12 pull-apart rolls

Instructions

Activate the Yeast

• Warm the milk until just warm to the touch, not hot
• Stir in sugar and yeast
• Let it sit for 5–7 minutes until foamy

If the yeast doesn’t foam, stop and start over. This step is essential for fluffy rolls.

Mix the Dough

• In a large bowl, combine gluten-free flour and salt
• Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg
• Mix until smooth and thick

Gluten-free dough will look more like thick batter than traditional dough. This is normal.

Add Final Boost

• Stir in honey and apple cider vinegar if using
• Mix for another minute to fully combine

The vinegar helps improve texture and softness without affecting flavor.

Shape the Rolls

• Lightly grease a 9-inch baking dish
• Scoop dough using a greased spoon or ice cream scoop
• Place rolls close together so they touch

Don’t try to roll them with your hands like wheat dough. Sticky dough means moist rolls.

Let the Dough Rise

• Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a towel
• Let rise in a warm spot for 45–60 minutes
• Rolls should puff up noticeably

They won’t double like regular dough, but they should look airy and light.

Bake

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
• Bake uncovered for 18–22 minutes
• Tops should be lightly golden and springy

Finish with Butter

• Brush warm rolls with melted butter
• Let rest for 10 minutes before serving

This step locks in moisture and adds that classic dinner roll flavor.

Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Rolls

• Use a quality flour blend with xanthan gum
• Do not add extra flour to reduce stickiness
• Measure flour using the spoon-and-level method
• Keep the dough slightly wet for a soft texture
• Bake just until done to avoid dryness

Gluten-free baking rewards patience and precision.

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Serving Suggestions

These pull-apart rolls are perfect with:

• Holiday dinners
• Soups and stews
• Roast chicken
• Thanksgiving or Christmas meals
• Butter, honey, or jam

They’re best served warm, right from the pan.

Storage and Reheating

Storage

• Store in an airtight container
• Keeps at room temperature for 1 day
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days

Reheating

• Warm in the oven at 300°F for 8–10 minutes
• Cover loosely with foil to prevent drying
• Microwave briefly if needed

A small brush of butter before reheating helps restore softness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using flour without xanthan gum
• Overbaking
• Adding too much flour
• Skipping the rise
• Using milk that’s too hot for yeast

Most gluten-free bread issues come down to moisture loss.

Variations

Dairy-Free

Use almond milk and plant-based butter.

Herb Rolls

Add 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme to the dry ingredients.

Garlic Rolls

Brush with garlic butter immediately after baking.

Sweet Rolls

Increase sugar to 2 tablespoons and brush with honey butter.

FAQs

Are these rolls really soft?

Yes. They’re designed to be tender and pull-apart, not crumbly.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes. Bake earlier in the day and reheat gently before serving.

Can I freeze these rolls?

Yes. Freeze baked rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven.

Why is my dough so sticky?

Gluten-free dough should be sticky. Adding flour will make the rolls dry.

Can I make these egg-free?

Yes. Replace egg with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg.

What flour brand works best?

Any high-quality gluten-free all-purpose blend with xanthan gum works well.

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant?

Yes. Just proof it fully in warm milk before mixing.

There’s something incredibly comforting about pulling apart a warm dinner roll, and being gluten-free shouldn’t mean missing out on that experience. These rolls are soft, reliable, and meant to be shared straight from the pan. Once you get the feel for the dough, this becomes one of those recipes you reach for whenever you want something familiar, cozy, and guaranteed to disappear fast.