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Photo:Eating Well/Getty Images
Eating Well/Getty Images
I’ve never met adinner rollI didn’t like. Those warm, pillowy puffs of bread make any meal feel more special. But when it comes to Thanksgiving, the humble dinner roll has become a pretty controversial topic—even among culinary icons like Ina Garten. In arecent interviewwith Williams Sonoma, she weighed in on whether particular store-bought Thanksgiving items got a thumbs-up. And when it came to whether dinner rolls deserved a spot at the Thanksgiving table, she responded with a laugh. “Do youreallyneed dinner rolls for Thanksgiving? I certainly wouldn’t make my own.“Her Thanksgiving menubacks this up—there’s nary a roll in sight!
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Who Needs a Dinner Roll, Anyway?
For some of our editors, Ina’s opinion on dinner rolls resonates deeply. “I havefeelings,” jokes Carolyn Malcoun, associate editorial director. “The only carbs I need or want on Thanksgiving aremashed potatoes. In fact, I start building my plate with mashed potatoes first. I don’t need a roll to sop up extragravy; that’s what mashed potatoes are for!”
In fairness, that gravy-potato combination is exactly what makes some of our favorite comfort foods so cozy—including ourChicken, Potato and Gravy Bowls.
“No to bread and no to dinner rolls,” agrees Penelope Wall,EatingWell’s assistant general manager. “I feel like there areso manydelicious things I want to eat and make space for at Thanksgiving, and dinner rolls are just going to fill me up before I can fit everything in!” And we hear her. Withturkey, gravy, potatoes,cranberry sauce,stuffing,green beans,sweet potato casseroleand more on the table, it’s easy to see why rolls might feel like unnecessary bulk. We haven’t even gotten todessertyet!
Commerce writer Kristin Montemarano agrees but suggests an alternative approach for traditional dinner roll lovers because “there are millions of other exciting options that can stand on their own,” she explains. Last year, for example, she madebrown butter cornbreadand served it with maple butter. And before that, she made rosemarybiscuitswithcranberry compote. Traditional? Nope! But she certainly nailed it with something festive and flavorful. Want to know what she’s making this year? “An Irish stout brown bread … with salted and whipped Irish butter,” she says proudly.
We think Garten would be able to get behind the idea of swapping in a fun dinner roll alternative—after all, her menu does include one bonus carb in the place of the dinner rolls: her easyFig and Cheese Toastappetizer.
So, traditional rolls are a no-go at the dinner table. But I needed to know—what about buying them for the next day’s leftover sandwiches, otherwise known as my favorite part of Thanksgiving dinner? Malcoun is still a hard no. “Soft sandwich bread is the right answer for that,” she says.
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Why Turn Down a Delicious Dinner Roll?
But not everyone is ready to dismiss dinner rolls from their holiday spread. Senior commerce editor Brierley Horton is at odds with Ina. “I have to 100% disagree with Ina! Dinner rolls are a must when you’re servingpicky eaters(especially kids),” she says. “I can’t tell you how many Thanksgiving dinners I’ve had with my kids where they mostly just eatdinner rollsand a few bites of turkey.”
She’s hopeful that her kids' palates are “finally” broadening but says she’ll still serve rolls—if only for the “mini leftover sandwiches” she makes with them. “The best part about rolls,” adds senior editor Megan Ginsberg, “is that later on, when you or your guests are ready for round two, you simply toast rolls, rewarm gravy and assemble the most delicious turkey sandwiches!” She’s firmly on Team Dinner Roll,especiallywhen it comes to thepost-feast possibilities. “There’s nothing like a just-out-of-the-oven hot, buttery roll,” she says. Sorry, Ina.
But it was associate food editor Alex Loh who put it most passionately. “On Thanksgiving, I have one goal and one goal only: eat as manycarbohydratesas possible—and dinner rolls are a must.” They’re an “excellent” start to any meal, she explains. “So, why wouldn’t you start with them on Thanksgiving?” Touché, Alex! Touché!
And even if you feel like you’ve got the bread covered with dressing or stuffing, don’t forget about the power of carb-on-carb flavor. “Bread and butter is already a top-tier combination, but when you add a little turkey or some stuffing, it takes it to another level,” Loh adds. “Because bread on bread is iconic.” Hard to argue with that kind of logic, honestly.
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The Bottom Line
Whether you’re Team Dinner Roll or Team Skip-the-Roll, there’s no denying that this simple side dish sparks joy (and heated debate) among even the most seasoned food professionals. While Ina might prefer to save her oven space for other dishes, the choice ultimately comes down to your family’s traditions and preferences. And, hey, if you do decide to serve rolls this year, we have a lot of recipes to choose from–likeclassic Parker House Rolls, asimplified slow-cooker optionand evena spicy takeon your standard dinner roll. Alternatively, taking Ina’s advice to grab them from your favorite local bakery might be the stress-free solution everyone can agree on.
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