Homemade Soft Onion Sandwich Rolls Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate homemade sandwich roll, these soft onion buns are a must-try! They’re packed with delicious onion flavor, have the perfect fluffy texture, and bake up beautifully golden. Whether you’re making burgers, BBQ beef sandwiches, or just want an amazing roll for your deli meats, these onion sandwich rolls will take any meal to the next level. Once you taste how fresh and soft they are, you’ll never want store-bought buns again!

Why You’ll Love Soft Onion Sandwich Rolls

• Soft and fluffy texture – These rolls come out perfectly pillowy every time, thanks to the combination of milk, butter, and potato flakes in the dough. The texture is light but strong enough to hold up to juicy sandwich fillings without falling apart. Each bite is tender and satisfying, making them the perfect base for burgers or pulled pork. Your sandwiches will feel bakery-quality!

• Delicious onion flavor – The blend of onion powder and dried minced onion gives these rolls a savory, aromatic flavor in every bite. The onion topping gets perfectly toasted in the oven, adding texture and extra punch. If you love onion bagels or onion bread, you’ll go crazy for these. They’re full of flavor without being overpowering.

• Versatile and freezer-friendly – These buns are great for meal prep—you can freeze them and defrost as needed! They work for all kinds of sandwiches, sliders, or even just toasted with butter on the side of soup or salad. Make a batch, store extras, and always have soft, flavorful rolls ready to go. They reheat beautifully too!

• Easy to make with a bread machine – Let your bread machine do the hard work of kneading and rising! Just add the ingredients in the right order and press start. Once the dough is ready, all you have to do is shape, rise again, and bake. It’s a stress-free way to enjoy homemade bread.

• Perfect for special occasions or everyday meals – These rolls look impressive and taste even better. Serve them at summer BBQs, holiday dinners, or alongside a hearty soup on a weeknight. They’re a crowd-pleaser that elevates any meal. Homemade bread always makes meals feel extra special!

Ingredients For Soft Onion Sandwich Rolls

• Lukewarm milk – Adds richness and helps activate the yeast.

• Lukewarm water – Combines with the milk to hydrate the dough just right.

• Butter (softened) – Adds flavor and softness to the rolls.

• Salt – Balances the flavors and strengthens the dough structure.

• White sugar – Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness.

• Onion powder – Infuses the dough with deep onion flavor.

• Dried minced onion – Adds texture and boosts the onion taste both inside and on top.

• Instant potato flakes – Help keep the rolls soft and moist.

• All-purpose flour – The main structure of the dough.

• Active dry yeast – Makes the dough rise and gives the rolls their fluffy texture.

• Egg white – Used for brushing the tops for shine and helping the onion topping stick.

• Water (for egg wash) – Thins the egg white so it brushes on smoothly.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Soft Onion Sandwich Rolls

• Bread machine – Handles mixing, kneading, and the first rise to save time and effort.

• Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate measurement of all ingredients.

• Mixing bowl – Used to whisk the egg white and water for the egg wash.

• Whisk or fork – To beat the egg white until smooth.

• Knife or bench scraper – Helps divide the dough into equal portions.

• Baking sheet – Holds the rolls while they rise and bake.

• Parchment paper or nonstick spray – Prevents the rolls from sticking to the baking sheet.

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• Kitchen towel – Covers the rolls during the second rise.

• Wire cooling rack (optional) – Allows the rolls to cool evenly without becoming soggy on the bottom.

How To Make Soft Onion Sandwich Rolls

• Add all the ingredients to your bread machine in the correct order and start the Dough cycle.

• Once the dough is ready, turn it out onto a floured surface and give it a quick knead.

• Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and shape each into a ball.

• Flatten each ball into a round disc and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

• Cover the rolls loosely with a kitchen towel and let them rise for about 40 minutes, until puffy.

• While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F.

• Mix egg white and water in a small bowl, then brush over the tops and sprinkle with more dried onion.

• Bake until golden brown, then cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Serving Suggestions

• These rolls are perfect for kalua pulled pork or roast beef because they soak up all the delicious juices without falling apart.

• Use them as burger buns and stack them with your favorite fixings like roasted lettuce, green tomato, and cheese.

• Make a grilled chicken sandwich by adding a grilled chicken breast, a slice of cheese, and your favorite homemade BBQ sauce.

• Enjoy them with deli-style cold cuts like turkey, baked ham, or juicy roast beef for a hearty lunch option.

• Warm one up and serve it on the side of a bowl of creamy split pea soup or beef stew for the ultimate comfort meal.

Tips For Success

• To get the softest, fluffiest rolls, make sure your milk and water are lukewarm—not too hot or too cold. The ideal temperature is around 100°F to 110°F, which helps activate the yeast without killing it. If the liquid is too hot, it can stop the dough from rising. A quick check with your finger should feel warm but not hot.
• Using a bread machine takes a lot of the guesswork out of kneading and rising the dough. Just be sure to add the ingredients in the exact order listed, unless your machine’s manual says otherwise. The bread machine should fully knead the dough and give it a smooth, stretchy texture. When the dough cycle is done, the dough should have roughly doubled in size and feel elastic.
• If you find the dough is springing back when you try to flatten it, don’t force it. Just let the dough rest for a minute or two. This allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to shape the rolls without them shrinking. Resting also helps create a more even, uniform roll.
• For that beautiful golden finish, don’t skip the egg wash! It gives the rolls a shiny, bakery-style top and helps the minced onion stick during baking. Whisk the egg white with a bit of water until smooth, then brush it on gently so you don’t deflate the rolls.
• Let the shaped rolls rise in a warm, draft-free spot. A slightly warm oven (turned off) or a microwave with the door closed works great. You want the rolls to double in size and feel puffy before baking. Rushing this step will result in dense rolls, so patience pays off here.
• Once baked, let the rolls cool completely on a wire rack. This keeps the bottoms from getting soggy and gives them the perfect texture. If you’re not using them right away, store in an airtight container or freeze for later use. Homemade rolls freeze beautifully and reheat easily in the microwave or oven.

Variations And Substitutions

• If you’re not a fan of onion, you can leave out both the onion powder and dried minced onion to make plain sandwich rolls. They’ll still be soft and fluffy, with a classic homemade flavor. This makes them perfect for picky eaters or those who want a more neutral roll to pair with bold sandwich fillings. Just follow the rest of the recipe exactly the same way.
• For a touch of sweetness, you can add 1–2 extra tablespoons of sugar to the dough. This turns the rolls into more of a sweet bun, perfect for breakfast sandwiches or as a side to a savory brunch. You could even sprinkle a little sugar on top after brushing with egg wash for a sweet and savory contrast. It’s a great way to switch things up for different meals.
• You can substitute fresh chopped onions for the dried minced onion in the dough if you’d like a more intense onion flavor. Just sauté the onions lightly in butter before adding them to the dough, so they’re soft and not raw. Keep in mind that fresh onions will add moisture, so you might need to reduce the liquid in the recipe slightly. This version is more rustic and incredibly flavorful.
• To make this recipe vegan, use a plant-based butter and skip the egg wash. Instead, brush the tops of the rolls with dairy-free milk or oil to help the onions stick and get a bit of color. The texture will still be soft and fluffy without the egg. This is an easy swap if you’re avoiding animal products.
• If you don’t have a bread machine, you can still make these by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook. Mix and knead the dough until smooth, then cover and let it rise in a warm place until doubled. Continue with shaping, rising again, and baking as directed. It just adds a bit more hands-on time, but the results will be just as tasty.
• Try mixing in other flavors with the dough like garlic powder, herbs, or shredded cheese. You can even top the rolls with sesame seeds or poppy seeds instead of onions for a fun twist. The dough is very versatile, so feel free to get creative. These customizations can make the rolls fit any meal or occasion!

Storage and Reheating

• To keep your Soft Onion Sandwich Rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze really well. Just place the completely cooled rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.
• When you’re ready to enjoy them again, let frozen rolls thaw at room temperature for a few hours or overnight. For a warm, bakery-fresh texture, you can reheat them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or wrap them in foil and warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5–10 minutes. This helps bring back that soft texture and enhances the flavor.
• Avoid refrigerating the rolls, as that can dry them out faster. Freezing is the best way to extend their shelf life while keeping them soft and delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time and bake the rolls later?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After the first rise in the bread machine, shape the dough into rolls and place them on the baking sheet. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let them come to room temperature and rise until puffy before baking. This is a great time-saver for busy days or holiday meals.

What can I use instead of a bread machine?

If you don’t have a bread machine, you can easily make the dough by hand or with a stand mixer. Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl, then knead by hand for about 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Let it rise in a warm place until doubled, then follow the same shaping and baking steps. The texture and taste will still be just as delicious.

Can I use fresh onions instead of dried minced onion?

Yes, you can substitute fresh onions for the dried minced onion in the dough. Just be sure to sauté the fresh onions in a little butter or oil until soft and translucent before adding them. This prevents raw onion flavor and keeps the dough from getting too wet. You may also want to reduce the other liquids slightly to balance the moisture.

Why do you add potato flakes to the dough?

Instant potato flakes help keep the rolls soft and moist by locking in extra moisture during baking. This little ingredient makes a big difference in texture, giving the rolls that light and fluffy feel. It also adds a subtle richness to the flavor. If you don’t have any on hand, you could try substituting with mashed potatoes, but you may need to adjust the liquids.

How do I know when the rolls are done baking?

The rolls should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer, it should be around 190°F. If they’re browning too quickly, you can loosely cover them with foil during the last few minutes. Let them cool on a wire rack before slicing so they set properly.

Can I make these rolls smaller or larger?

Yes! This dough is very flexible. You can make smaller slider-style buns by dividing the dough into 12 pieces instead of 8. Or make extra-large sandwich buns by dividing into 6. Just adjust the baking time slightly, smaller rolls may need less time, and larger ones may need a few extra minutes.

Other Easy Onion Recipes

Onion Rings Recipe – These crispy, golden onion rings are coated in a flavorful batter and cooked to perfection for the ultimate snack or side dish.

Sauteed Mushrooms and Onions – Tender mushrooms and sweet onions are sautéed together in butter for a savory topping or side dish that pairs with everything.

Homemade Sour Cream Onion Dip – Creamy, tangy, and full of onion flavor, this easy dip is perfect for chips, veggies, or party platters.

Mexican Pickled Onions – These quick-pickled red onions add a zesty, vibrant crunch to tacos, burritos, or grilled meats.

Bell Peppers and Onions – Colorful bell peppers and onions are cooked until tender and slightly caramelized, perfect for fajitas or a healthy side.

Pinto Beans with Caramelized Onions – Hearty pinto beans simmered with sweet caramelized onions make a comforting and flavorful dish from scratch.

Grilled Onion Slices – Thick-cut onion slices are marinated and grilled until charred and tender, adding smoky flavor to any meal.

More Sandwich Recipes

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