
The Adventure of the Vegan Dinner Rolls: Nora’s Culinary Quest
Once upon a time, in the bustling heart of a faraway city, I, Nora, found myself amidst a myriad of aromas and flavors. There I was, a curious digital nomad with a penchant for vegan delights, weaving through the vibrant streets of Istanbul. It was here, in this ancient city where continents meet, that I stumbled upon a culinary treasure – the inspiration for my now-famous Vegan Dinner Rolls.
Dinner rolls, those soft, fluffy staples of Western dining tables, have been around for centuries. Originating from Europe, these breads were often seen as a symbol of communal eating, shared at large gatherings and family dinners. Traditionally made with milk, butter, and eggs, they were a delight I had long admired but kept at arm’s length due to my vegan lifestyle.
But as fate would have it, in a quaint, tucked-away bakery in Istanbul, I discovered a baker who shared my passion for plant-based cooking. He, too, had been experimenting with traditional recipes, turning them into vegan masterpieces. His version of dinner rolls was a revelation – light, airy, and completely devoid of animal products. They were a testament to the fact that tradition could be honored in new, innovative ways.
Armed with this newfound knowledge and inspired by the baker’s ingenuity, I embarked on my quest to create the perfect Vegan Dinner Rolls. Back in my travel kitchen, I experimented with various plant-based milks, butters, and binding agents. The journey wasn’t without its trials and errors. There were dense rolls, ones that didn’t rise, and batches that missed the mark on flavor. But as any true hero of their story, I persevered.
The breakthrough came when I combined the rich creaminess of almond milk with the robust flavor of vegan butter. The yeast, once a fickle friend, now bloomed beautifully, infusing the dough with just the right amount of airiness. The rolls emerged from the oven golden and fragrant, a triumphant echo of those Istanbul evenings.
These Vegan Dinner Rolls aren’t just a recipe; they’re a narrative of adventure, resilience, and the magic that happens when we respect tradition but dare to innovate. They symbolize my journey as a digital nomad, a vegan chef, and a believer in the power of food to connect cultures and communities.
So, as I share this recipe with you, I’m not just offering a dish. I’m inviting you to be part of a story – a story of discovery, creativity, and the joy of vegan cooking. Whether you’re enjoying them with a hearty stew or simply with a dab of jam, these rolls are more than just a meal. They’re a piece of my journey, a morsel of history, and a testament to the endless possibilities of plant-based cooking.
Let’s get ready to roll!

Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a new recipe? In my previous story, I took you on a journey of discovering this mouth-watering dish that I stumbled upon. And now, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and start cooking! Gathering the ingredients, chopping, mixing, and simmering – every step in preparing this dish is sure to excite your senses. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, don’t be intimidated because I’m here to guide you along the way. So, let’s get started on this culinary adventure and create a dish that’ll leave you and your loved ones wanting more!
Now, let me let you in on a little secret – making these rolls is as breezy as a beach day! I’ve got a nifty trick up my sleeve that’ll have you crafting the smoothest, roundest rolls in no time.
You might be wondering about eggs and dairy butter, right? Well, in Nora’s kitchen, we show them the door! Trust me, you won’t miss them one bit. Instead, we welcome our plant-based pals – your favorite vegan butter and a variety of creamy plant milks. The result? Rolls so fluffy and soft, they’ll have everyone guessing, “Are these really vegan?”
The aroma of these rolls fresh out of the oven is nothing short of heavenly. And let’s be real, who can resist the joy of mopping up that last bit of gravy with a warm, freshly-baked roll?
Craving biscuits? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with my Southern Style Vegan Buttermilk Biscuits recipe.

Now, let’s talk ingredients!
- Plant Milk Magic: I’ve used unsweetened soy milk, but feel free to get creative! Almond, cashew, coconut, or oat milk can join the party. Just steer clear of rice milk – it’s a bit too shy (watery) for our bold flavors.
- Yeast with Zest: I’m all for instant, rapid-rise yeast to get those rolls ready in a jiffy. But hey, if you’ve got time, regular yeast will do the trick too.
- Sweet Talk: Organic granulated sugar is my go-to for that vegan-friendly sweetness. Coconut sugar is an option, but it’ll dress your rolls in a darker hue.
- Butter Up: Vegan butter is a must for that buttery charm. I’ve been loving Country Crock sticks lately, but Miyoko’s, Earth Balance, or Melt are also fabulous choices.
- Flour Power: Stick to all-purpose white flour for that fluffy texture. Whole wheat might make them a bit too muscular, and I’m still testing the waters with gluten-free options.
- A Pinch of Salt
There you go! My super easy, wanderlust-infused vegan dinner rolls. Try them out, and let’s spread the joy of plant-based cooking, one roll at a time!
Bon Appétit and Happy Travels, Nora ✈️🌱💚

Ingredients
- 2 cups Unsweetened Plantbased Milk I use gluten-free oat milk
- 1 packet rapid rise yeast
- 2 tbsp organic cane sugar
- 2 tbsp vegan butter
- 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 tsp Rock Salt
Instructions
- The Yeasty Beginnings: In a cozy bowl, whisk together a portion of the flour, yeast, sugar, and a pinch of salt. It's the foundation of our fluffy dreams!1 packet rapid rise yeast, 2 tbsp organic cane sugar, 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp Rock Salt
- Warm Hugs for the Yeast: Gently warm your plant milk and a bit of vegan butter, just until it's like a snug bath (110-120°F / 43-48°C). Too hot, and our yeasty friends might get a bit overwhelmed.2 cups Unsweetened Plantbased Milk, 2 tbsp vegan butter, 1/4 cup water
- Mix it Up: Pour this warm, comforting mixture into the dry ingredients. Now, let's get our mix on! Beat it with all your love for a couple of minutes, then add a bit more flour, and beat again. We're looking for a soft, slightly sticky dough that's ready to rise to the occasion.
- Kneading Your Dreams: On a lightly floured surface, give the dough a good knead. Think of it as a mini workout for your dough until it's smooth and elastic. Then, let it rest and gather its thoughts for about 10 minutes.
- Shape Your Destiny: Divide your dough into equal parts, rolling each into a perfect little ball of potential. Place these little bundles of joy in a greased dish, cozying up next to each other.
- Rise and Shine: Cover them with a towel and let them rise in a warm spot. We want them to puff up, doubling in size – it's their time to shine!
- Golden Glow: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Give your risen rolls a gentle brush with melted vegan butter for that extra sparkle. Bake them until they're golden and glorious, about 18-20 minutes.2 tbsp vegan butter
- Serve with Love: These beauties are best enjoyed fresh from the oven. Slather them with vegan butter, maybe a dab of jam, and let the feast begin!
Notes
Tips & Tricks:
- Freeze for Later: You can freeze the dough or the baked rolls. Just make sure they’re cozy and well-wrapped.
- Prep in Advance: Feel free to prepare these a day or two ahead. Let them rise, then pop them in the fridge covered. Bring them to room temperature before baking.