Chris Crawford'S Dinner Rolls
Soft, buttery dinner rolls with a slightly sweet flavor, perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings. Their fluffy texture and golden crust make them a crowd-pleaser, suitable for any occasion where warm bread enhances the meal and adds a comforting touch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together shortening, sugar, and salt.
- Add cooled, scalded milk to the mixture.
- Dissolve dry yeast in warm water and add to the mixture.
- Gradually add flour and knead well to form a soft dough.
- Let the dough rise until doubled in size.
- Pinch off individual portions and shape into round rolls.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsalted butter. If you don't have dry yeast, active dry yeast can be used, just ensure to activate it properly in warm water. For best results, knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten for lighter rolls. If you want to experiment, add herbs or cheese to the dough for a twist. These rolls pair wonderfully with Roquefort Salad Dressing.
Serving Suggestions
These dinner rolls are perfect for any meal, especially during holiday gatherings. Serve them warm with butter, or alongside soups and salads. They also pair beautifully with roasted meats and savory dishes. Consider serving them with a side of Florence Chester'S Molasses Cookies for a delightful finish to your meal.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftover dinner rolls, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap rolls in aluminum foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chris Crawford'S Dinner Rolls contains roughly 200 calories, with 5g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of iron (14% of the Daily Value), calcium (11% of the Daily Value), and protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1027mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance. After kneading, let it rise until doubled, then punch it down and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature and rise again before shaping and baking. This can enhance the flavor of the rolls.
What if my rolls don't rise?
If your rolls don’t rise, it may be due to inactive yeast. Ensure the milk is cooled to lukewarm before adding the yeast, and check that your yeast is fresh. If the dough is too cold, placing it in a warm, draft-free area can help it rise properly.
Can I add ingredients like cheese or herbs?
Absolutely! Adding shredded cheese or chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme can elevate the flavor of your rolls. Mix these ingredients into the dough after the first rise for a delicious variation that complements many dishes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).