Name: Whole Wheat Flax Dinner Rolls
Prep time: 160 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 180 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups fat-free milk; 2 teaspoons sugar; 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour; 1/4 cup whole flax meal; 1 large egg ((lightly beaten)); 1 teaspoon salt; cornmeal; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter ((melted and cooled)); 2 teaspoons whole flaxseed

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These easy whole wheat flax dinner rolls are not only delicious, but are also packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acid and fiber!

Whole Wheat Flax Dinner Rolls in a bread basket with a colorful cloth napkin

Looking for a healthy new twist on bread (pun intended)? You have to try these whole wheat flax dinner rolls!

Not only are they easy to make, but they’re also packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acid and fiber. It’s bread you can actually feel good about eating! And on top of that, they’re simply delicious.

The process to make them is pretty simple. It takes some time because the dough has to rise, but overall, they’re not difficult to throw together.

And these rolls are perfect for so many occasions. I love to serve them alongside a big meal with family and friends. But they’re also great for sopping up any extra soup or pasta sauce from a tasty dish!

How to make whole wheat flax dinner rolls

Ready to see how we make these dinner rolls from scratch? Your friends and family will be so impressed!

Step 1: Measure the milk in a glass measuring cup, then warm it in the microwave until it reaches 105-115°F.

Step 2: Add the sugar and yeast to the warmed milk, then let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes.

Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, and flax meal.

Step 4: Add 3 cups of the flour mixture, the egg, and the milk mixture to the bowl of a stand mixer. Use the paddle attachment to mix until smooth, then cover and let stand for 15 minutes.

Step 5: Remove the paddle attachment and connect the dough hook. Add ¾ of a cup more of the flour mixture plus the salt, then mix until smooth.

Step 6: 1 tablespoon at a time, add the remaining flour mixture and continue to mix until the dough clings to the hook and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

Step 7: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough with your hands for about 5 minutes or until it’s smooth and elastic.

Step 8: Coat the inside of a glass bowl with cooking spray. Place the dough in the bowl, then move it around and turn it over until all sides are coated with the oil.

Step 9: Cover the bowl with a towel and allow the dough to rise until it has doubled in size, about an hour.

Step 10: When you think the dough is ready, press two fingers into it. If indentations remain, the dough has risen enough. Punch the dough down, cover, and let it rest for another 5 minutes.

Step 11: Dust a baking sheet with cornmeal and divide the dough into 16 equal portions in the bowl.

Step 12: Grab one portion at a time, leaving the remaining dough covered. Roll each portion into an 8-inch rope, tie it into a knot, tuck the ends under, and place it on the baking sheet. Repeat until you’ve used all of the dough.

Step 13: Cover the knots with a towel and let them rise until they’ve doubled in size, about 30 minutes.

Step 14: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Gently brush the rolls with butter, then sprinkle with flaxseeds.

Step 15: Place in the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the rolls are lightly browned on top and hollow-sounding when you thump them.

You can enjoy your rolls warm out of the oven, or let them cool completely on a wire rack. Don’t forget to serve them with a little butter!

Health benefits of flax seeds

Did you know that flax seeds are incredibly good for you? Thanks to the flax meal (which is just ground flax seeds) in the dough and the flax seeds sprinkled on top, these rolls pack in quite a health boost!

Flax seeds are a good source of protein, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. They also contain lignans, which have antioxidant properties. They may even improve cholesterol and lower blood pressure!

So instead of feeling guilty about all the empty carbs in a regular roll, you can feel good about indulging in one of these flax rolls!

Storage

These whole wheat flax rolls can dry out pretty quickly, so I recommend freezing any that aren’t eaten on the first day.

Make sure to let them fully cool, then wrap the rolls in foil and freeze. They will stay fresh in your freezer for about a month.

To serve them, let them thaw at room temperature, then reheat them right in the foil at 350°F for about 12 minutes.

Other healthy bread recipes

Have you been missing bread and other baked goods? I have good news: there are healthier ways you can enjoy these treats! Here are a few recipes to satisfy your cravings that you can actually feel good about eating:

When you’ve tried these rolls, please don’t forget to let me know how you liked them and rate the recipe in the comments below!