Buns, Bagels, and Rolls Worth Turning On the Oven For

There’s something extra comforting about fresh bread made at home. Whether you’re baking a batch of soft rolls, shaping homemade bagels, or stirring up quick biscuit dough, it doesn’t take much to make something that feels special.

These recipes are great for small households, with options that work for everyday meals or weekends when you have a little more time. You don’t need fancy tools or hard-to-find ingredients. Most of these start with what you already have in your pantry. Some are fast, some need a little rise time, but all are worth it. From breakfast to dinner, these are the kinds of breads that get used up fast.

Make them for sandwiches, serve them warm with butter, or tuck them next to soups and salads. They’re practical and easy to make again and again. If you’re ready to try something new in the kitchen, start right here.

Easy Air Fryer Bagel in front of fresh tomatoes on a wooden board. — Easy Air Fryer Bagels. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Easy Air Fryer Bagels

These bagels come together with just a few ingredients and a quick spin in the air fryer. No yeast, no waiting—just a warm, chewy bite with a golden crust. They’re a great choice when you want something homemade without a lot of effort. Add your favorite toppings before cooking to make them your own.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Bagels

2-Ingredient Burger Buns

With just self-rising flour and Greek yogurt, these buns are incredibly simple and surprisingly fluffy. No yeast or rising time needed, which makes them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals. They hold up well with all the burger fixings and bake up golden in no time. A shortcut worth keeping on hand.
Get the Recipe: 2-Ingredient Burger Buns

Biscuits in a basket. — Buttermilk Biscuits. Photo credit: Little Frugal Homestead.

Buttermilk Biscuits

These classic biscuits are soft on the inside with just the right touch of flake. Buttermilk adds a little tang and helps them rise beautifully in the oven. They’re perfect with butter, jam, or as a base for breakfast sandwiches. A great addition to nearly any meal.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Biscuits

Condensed Milk Dinner Rolls

Sweetened condensed milk makes these rolls soft and just a touch sweet, ideal for serving with butter or alongside soups and stews. They bake up golden and pillowy, with a texture that stays soft even the next day. If you’ve got an extra can of milk in the pantry, give these a try. They’re simple enough for weeknights but special enough for gatherings.Get the Recipe: Condensed Milk Dinner Rolls

A pile of bread rolls on a plate. — Garlic Knots. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Garlic Knots

Twisted by hand and brushed with a buttery garlic topping, these knots are a favorite for pasta nights or party snacks. They bake up golden with crisp edges and soft centers. You can make them with homemade dough or start with store-bought to save time. Either way, they never last long on the table.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Homebaked Hamburger Buns

These buns are soft, fluffy, and sturdy enough to handle juicy burgers without falling apart. Making them at home means you can tweak the size and texture to your liking. A quick egg wash before baking gives them that classic glossy top. Worth the extra effort for a fresh, homemade feel.
Get the Recipe: Homebaked Hamburger Buns

Bagels on a plate on a marble counter. — New York Bagel Recipes. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

New York Bagel Recipes

Boiled before baking, these bagels have that classic chewy crust and dense interior everyone looks for. You can keep them plain or roll them in seeds or toppings for variety. They’re perfect for breakfast or sandwiches and are well worth the extra steps. Make a dozen and freeze a few—you’ll be glad you did.
Get the Recipe: New York Bagel Recipes

Brioche Dinner Rolls Recipe

With a rich dough made from eggs and butter, these rolls have a tender texture and a slightly sweet flavor. They bake up with a glossy top and a soft pull-apart crumb. These are a nice fit for holiday meals or any time you want something a little special. They also reheat well, making them great for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Brioche Dinner Rolls Recipe

Dinner Roll Knots

These twisty little rolls are soft, buttery, and perfect for passing around the dinner table. They have the feel of something homemade without being overly fussy to make. Brush them with butter before and after baking for the best flavor. Ideal with soups, salads, or roasts.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Roll Knots

Steamed Red Bean Paste Buns ( Dou Sha Bao, 豆沙包)

These soft, fluffy buns are filled with smooth, sweet red bean paste and steamed until perfectly tender. The dough is light and pillowy, making them a great snack or dessert. They’re traditionally served warm, and the subtle sweetness makes them especially comforting. A classic staple in many dim sum spreads.
Get the Recipe: Steamed Red Bean Paste Buns ( Dou Sha Bao, 豆沙包)

A fresh copycat Texas Roadhouse roll with butter on a small plate, additional rolls and a butter dish in the background on a marble surface. — Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls

These rolls are fluffy, golden, and just a little sweet—especially when served with cinnamon honey butter. They’re a restaurant favorite that’s easy to recreate at home. Let the dough rise until doubled for the best texture. Great for holidays, potlucks, or anytime you’re feeding a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls

A pile of buns. — Floury Baps. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Floury Baps

These soft rolls are dusted with flour and bake up with a light, airy texture that’s great for sandwiches. They’re sturdy but soft enough for breakfast or lunch fillings. Whether warm with butter or packed with bacon, they’re a reliable go-to. Simple ingredients, no fuss—just good bread.
Get the Recipe: Floury Baps