Homemade Cloverleaf Rolls

Classic old-fashion cloverleaf rolls are an absolute treat and very versatile. These simple cloverleaf shaped dinner rolls pair well with any food, sweet or savory and are perfect for any meal from breakfast to dinner. Serve it for breakfast with butter and jam or for dinner alongside your favorite roast or gravy.

Table of Content

• What are cloverleaf rolls?
• Ingredients and substitutes
• Step by step instructions
• Frequently asked question
• You may also like
• Printable Recipe
• Join the conversation

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One of my fond memories as a little girl is sitting on the kitchen top corner and helping mom with her work. She'd give me a small piece of dough and I'd happily leave her alone to do her work while I would knead the hell out of that little piece of dough.

Now I often have the same scene in my kitchen with my kids. It's usually Rhea more than Aadi. She loves to help me when I'm working. And like me, she's especially attracted to bread dough. She loves the soft silky smoothness of the bread dough when it's all ready to be baked.

My mom would say - you know good bread when it just comes out of the oven. The true test is when you see someone take a small bite and then immediately want to take another. That happens, when you have the right balance - the perfect texture on the outside and softness on the inside.

What are cloverleaf rolls?

These cloverleaf rolls are an American bread like a ball made of three sections; more like a pull-apart bun. They are named after the leaf of a clover plant which has three lobes.

Did you know that cloverleaf is actually referred to a particular shape, not the recipe? So technically you could take any of your favorite bread recipes and shape it into a cloverleaf roll. Usually, we prefer to use an enriched dough that's not so bready (if that is even a word) but tastes more soft buttery and just melts in the mouth.

How do you shape the cloverleaf rolls?

Often people wonder how do you get that cloverleaf shape, but really it's so easy!! It's basically three small balls of dough into one muffin case which when baked infuses and becomes one bread with that distinct shape of the cloverleaf. Cool eh?

Ingredients and substitutes

• All-Purpose flour - You can use bread flour if you prefer. And yet, it's not necessary and this dough is very forgiving and works just fine with all-purpose flour.
• Egg - I love the stability the egg adds to the dough and enriches it.
• Milk - I prefer to use milk instead of water. It not just adds taste but also makes a nice soft crumb bread.
• Sugar - It's not much so it won't sweeten the bread. It helps the yeast. Also, it absorbs some of the liquid, slowing the formation of the gluten strand. As a result, it makes the enriched dough just perfect.

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Step by step instructions

Activate yeast

• Ensure milk is warm, not hot (about 110 F).
• Combine milk, yeast, sugar, oil, and egg.
• Stir and set aside to foam for 3 mins.

Knead the dough

• Measure the flour and salt in a bowl (you can use an electric mixer).
• Mix in the yeast mixture – stir to combine.
• Transfer to a well-dusted worktop and knead for 2 minutes until soft and elastic (if using electric mixer knead with the dough hook for 2 minutes on medium speed).
• Then, add the butter and knead again for 2 minutes more.
• (the dough will again be soft and sticky with the butter but will come together as you knead). Use as little flour as necessary.
• The dough should be soft, a little sticky but smooth and shiny (see video).

First rise

• Form the dough into a smooth ball and place in an oiled bowl, seam side down, and coat the surface with oil to prevent drying.
• Cover with a clean kitchen cloth and leave in a warm place for about an hour, until double in size.

Divide and roll

• When the dough is double in volume.
• Transfer to a well-dusted floured surface.
• Divide the dough into 12 equal portions (see video).
• Then divide each portion into 3 small portions (3 balls make one roll).
• Roll each portion into a ball.
• Spray a muffin pan with oil.
• Place 3 balls in each muffin cup.

Proof the rolls - 2nd rise

• Cover with a clean kitchen cloth, and
• Let rest in a warm place for about 45 minutes until almost double in size.

Egg wash and bake

• Preheat the oven to 190 C /375 F.
• Brush the rolls with egg wash ( one beaten egg).
• Bake for about 18 to 20 minutes, until lightly golden on top.
• When baked, brush with melted butter (optional).
• Take them out of the pan and cover with a clean kitchen cloth to keep them soft.
• Enjoy!

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Frequently asked question

What do you serve cloverleaf rolls with?

These are just like dinner rolls. They are great with any soup, stew, chili, or slow-cooked meat.
Soup, salad and dinner rolls are a complete meal in our home.
They are perfect to soak up the gravy in slow-cooked lamb, beef or chicken dishes.
My kids love lamb stew or chili with bread.

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Printable Recipe

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