How To Create Fluffy Crowned Tops For Your Dinner Rolls

Dinner rolls are a favorite side at any dinner party, with their warm, fluffy buttery bites being the perfect intro to a feast. But your dinner rolls don't have to be boring-looking — there are a number of ways to turn them into a beautiful addition to a table spread. One way to do that is to create decorative tops during the baking process. This not only adds visual appeal but also gives the tops of the rolls a nice bit of extra texture. If you really want to wow with your dinner rolls, try creating crowned tops.

In order to create this look, you need a sharp pair of kitchen shears and a little oil. You'll want to make sure the scissors are greased to avoid tearing the dough in the wrong place and to get a nice clean cut. After the rolls have been proofed and are ready to go into the oven, simply cut a small X into the top of the roll and then bake according to the recipe.

There are a lot of ways to level up your dinner rolls, and starting with the final shape is great. When creating a look like the crowned tops, you get lovely little tips on the rolls that get a touch more color and crisp on the outside. If you want to take that a step further, there are a handful of ways to add to that look.

Depending on the type of dough you're using for the rolls, an egg wash is one way to add more texture and a glossy finish to the top of your rolls — just be sure not to let it pool too much in the creases of the crown. For especially light and fluffy rolls, try finishing them with a brush of melted butter after they come out of the oven, then sprinkle them with a pinch of finishing salt. You'll end up with dinner rolls that might just be the best-looking and best-tasting dish on the table.