Easy 3-Ingredient Greek Yogurt Dinner Rolls: No Yeast, No Kneading

Oct 15, 2026 · @oussama

These easy Greek yogurt dinner rolls are soft, tender and delicious, made with just 3 simple ingredients: self-rising flour, plain Greek yogurt and a pinch of salt. They need no yeast, no kneading and no rising time, which makes them a perfect quick homemade bread to serve with dinner.

If you have ever wished you could have warm bread on the table without planning hours ahead, this recipe is for you. The dough comes together in minutes in one bowl, and the rolls bake in about 20 minutes. From the moment you open the flour to the moment you pull them out of the oven, you need only about 30 to 35 minutes.

Why you will love these Greek yogurt dinner rolls

This recipe is popular because it is simple, forgiving and fast. Here is what makes it special.

• Only 3 ingredients. Self-rising flour, Greek yogurt and salt are all you need for the dough.
• No yeast. There is no proofing and no waiting for the dough to rise.
• No kneading. You mix the dough with a spoon, then bring it together with your hands.
• Ready in about 30 minutes. It is ideal for busy weeknights and last-minute dinners.
• Soft and tender inside. The yogurt keeps the crumb moist and gives it a mild tang.
• Beginner friendly. There is very little that can go wrong, so it is a great first bread recipe.
• Easy to customize. Brush with egg, add seeds, herbs or cheese, or shape the dough into different forms.

How do Greek yogurt rolls work?

Traditional bread rises because yeast produces gas as it ferments. These rolls use a different method. Self-rising flour already contains baking powder and salt. The yogurt is acidic, which activates the raising agents as soon as it meets the flour. The reaction creates bubbles, and the heat of the oven makes them expand, so the rolls puff up while they bake.

Because the leavening starts working right away, you do not need to wait. Shape the rolls, put them in the oven and they rise as they bake. The thick Greek yogurt also adds protein and fat, which keep the rolls tender instead of dry.

What do these dinner rolls taste like?

These rolls taste mild, soft and lightly tangy, a bit like a cross between a biscuit and a soft bread roll. The outside bakes to a light golden color with a thin crust, and the inside is fluffy and slightly chewy. They are not sweet, so they work with almost any meal. Warm from the oven, they are best with a little butter or olive oil.

Greek yogurt dinner rolls recipe details

This recipe makes 6 to 8 rolls, depending on how large you shape them.

• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Baking time: 18-25 minutes
• Total time: approximately 30-35 minutes
• Oven temperature: 200°C (400°F)
• Yield: 6-8 rolls

Ingredients for 3-ingredient Greek yogurt rolls

• 250 g self-rising flour (about 2 cups)
• 240 g plain Greek yogurt (about 1 cup)
• ½ teaspoon salt, optional

Optional toppings

These are not part of the 3 ingredients, but they add color and flavor.

• 1 beaten egg or a little milk for brushing
• Sesame seeds, poppy seeds or dried herbs

Equipment you will need

• Large mixing bowl and a spoon
• Baking tray and parchment paper
• Kitchen scale or measuring cups
• Pastry brush, if you are brushing the tops
• Wire cooling rack

How to make Greek yogurt dinner rolls, step by step

These five steps are quick and simple. Preheat the oven first, since the dough should go in right after it is shaped.

Step 1: Preheat the oven

• Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
• Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the dough

• Add the self-rising flour and optional salt to a large mixing bowl.
• Add the Greek yogurt.
• Mix with a spoon until a rough dough forms.
• Use your hands to bring the dough together. It should be soft and slightly tacky.
• If the dough is very sticky, add a little flour, one tablespoon at a time. Avoid adding too much, or the rolls may become dry.

Step 3: Shape the rolls

• Lightly flour your hands and work surface.
• Divide the dough into 6-8 equal portions.
• Roll each portion gently into a ball.
• Place the dough balls on the prepared baking tray, leaving space between them.
• If desired, brush the tops with beaten egg or milk and sprinkle with seeds.

Step 4: Bake

• Bake for 18-25 minutes, or until the rolls are lightly golden and cooked through.
• Larger rolls may need a few extra minutes.
• For a more golden top, brush lightly with melted butter immediately after baking, if desired.

Step 5: Cool and serve

• Let the rolls cool on the tray for about 5 minutes.
• Transfer them to a wire rack.
• Serve warm for the softest texture.

How to tell when the rolls are done

• Color: The tops should be lightly golden brown.
• Sound: The bottoms should sound hollow when tapped.
• Texture: The rolls should feel light for their size and spring back slightly when pressed.
• Center: Split one open. The inside should be fluffy and dry, not doughy or sticky.

Tips for the best Greek yogurt rolls

With so few ingredients, small details matter. These tips help you get soft, fluffy rolls every time.

• Use self-rising flour. It contains raising agents that help the rolls puff up without yeast.
• No self-rising flour? Mix 250 g all-purpose flour with 2 teaspoons baking powder and ½ teaspoon salt. This replaces the self-rising flour, and the yogurt stays as the second main ingredient.
• Choose thick Greek yogurt. Thicker yogurt makes the dough easier to handle. If your yogurt is runny, you may need a little extra flour.
• Do not overmix. Mix just until the dough comes together to keep the rolls tender.
• Avoid excess flour. Too much flour can make the rolls dense and dry.
• Check the center. The outside may brown before the middle is fully baked, so split one open if you are unsure.
• Work quickly. The raising agents start working as soon as the flour meets the yogurt, so shape and bake right away.

Ingredient notes and substitutions

• Self-rising flour. It is simply flour with baking powder and salt already mixed in. Store it in a cool, dry place and check the date, because old baking powder loses its power.
• Greek yogurt. Plain, full-fat or low-fat yogurt both work. Full-fat gives the softest, richest rolls. Avoid flavored or sweetened yogurts, and avoid thin, drinkable yogurt.
• Salt. Self-rising flour already contains some salt, so the extra half teaspoon is optional. Add it if you like savory rolls.
• Dairy-free option. A thick, unsweetened plant-based yogurt can work. Expect a slightly different texture, and add a little extra flour if the dough is wet.
• Whole wheat. Replace up to a third of the flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier roll. Add a spoonful of yogurt if the dough feels dry.

Greek yogurt rolls troubleshooting

• Rolls are dense: Too much flour was added or the dough was overmixed. Keep the dough soft and tacky.
• Rolls are dry: Too much flour or overbaking. Add flour only a tablespoon at a time, and check the rolls at 18 minutes.
• Rolls did not rise: The self-rising flour may be old. Use fresh flour or add 1 teaspoon of baking powder to the mix.
• Dough is too sticky: The yogurt was thin. Add flour a tablespoon at a time and flour your hands well.
• Dough is too dry or crumbly: Add a teaspoon of yogurt at a time until it holds together.
• Rolls are pale on top: Brush with egg or milk before baking, or bake a few minutes longer.
• Rolls are doughy inside: They were too large or the oven was too hot. Lower the temperature slightly and bake a few minutes longer.

Greek yogurt dinner roll variations

The plain dough is a blank canvas. Try one of these easy ideas.

• Garlic herb rolls. Mix 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 tablespoon of dried herbs into the flour. Brush with garlic butter after baking.
• Cheese rolls. Fold ½ cup of grated cheddar or mozzarella into the dough.
• Everything rolls. Brush with egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds, poppy seeds and dried onion.
• Rosemary and sea salt. Top with fresh rosemary and flaky salt before baking.
• Sweet cinnamon rolls. Add 1 tablespoon of sugar to the dough, roll it out, brush with butter, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, then roll up and slice.
• Mini rolls. Divide the dough into 12 smaller pieces and bake for 12-15 minutes.
• Flatbreads. Roll the dough into thin rounds and cook in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes per side.
• Pizza dough. Roll the dough out thinly, add sauce and toppings, and bake at 220°C (425°F) for 10-12 minutes.

Serving ideas

• Serve warm with butter or olive oil.
• Enjoy with soup, stew or a fresh salad.
• Fill with cheese, eggs or grilled vegetables.
• Serve alongside roasted chicken or other dinner dishes.
• Make mini sandwiches for lunch.
• Use them for sliders with chicken, beef or veggie patties.
• Dip them in hummus, tzatziki or olive oil with herbs.

Storage instructions

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooled rolls in a sealed freezer bag for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm in a 160°C (320°F) oven for 5-8 minutes, or microwave briefly until soft.

Make-ahead tips

1. Freeze the baked rolls. Cool them completely, then freeze in a single layer before moving them to a freezer bag.
2. Reheat from frozen. Wrap the rolls in foil and warm them in the oven for 10-12 minutes.
3. Mix the dry ingredients ahead. Measure the flour and salt into a container so you only need to add the yogurt later.
4. Bake fresh when possible. Because the dough has no yeast, shape and bake it right after mixing for the best rise.

Greek yogurt dinner rolls FAQ

Can I make bread without yeast? Yes. These rolls rise because of the baking powder in self-rising flour reacting with the acidic yogurt, so no yeast or rising time is needed.

Do I need self-rising flour? It is the easiest option, but you can make your own. Mix 250 g all-purpose flour with 2 teaspoons baking powder and ½ teaspoon salt.

Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt? Regular yogurt is thinner, so the dough will be too wet. If it is all you have, strain it through a cloth for 30 minutes, or add extra flour a tablespoon at a time.

Can I use low-fat or fat-free yogurt? Yes, though full-fat yogurt gives a softer, richer roll. Fat-free versions can make the rolls slightly drier.

Why is my dough sticky? The dough should be soft and slightly tacky. If it sticks to your hands, flour them lightly and add a little flour to the dough, a tablespoon at a time.

How do I make the rolls golden? Brush the tops with beaten egg or milk before baking, or with melted butter right after.

Can I make the dough ahead of time? It is best baked right away, since the raising agents start working as soon as the ingredients are mixed. You can, however, bake and freeze the rolls.

Can I make these rolls dairy-free or vegan? Use a thick, unsweetened plant-based yogurt. The texture may differ slightly, so adjust the flour as needed.

How long do these rolls stay fresh? They keep for up to 2 days in an airtight container and up to 2 months in the freezer.

Can I double the recipe? Yes. Double both ingredients, divide the dough into 12-16 rolls and bake them on two trays, or one at a time for even browning.

Final thoughts

These easy 3-ingredient Greek yogurt dinner rolls prove that fresh homemade bread does not need yeast, kneading or hours of waiting. With self-rising flour, thick yogurt and about half an hour, you can have soft, golden rolls on the table.

Make them for weeknight dinners, soup nights or last-minute guests. Keep the dough soft, do not overmix, and enjoy them warm with butter.

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