Cornmeal Rolls(Makes 24 Rolls)
Soft, golden cornmeal rolls with a tender interior and crispy crust, perfect for breakfast or alongside hearty meals. Lightly sweet with a subtle corn flavor, appealing to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine 1 3/4 cups water, cornmeal, sugar, oil, and salt.
- Cook over medium heat until mixture boils, about 10 minutes.
- Cool at room temperature to 120° to 130°.
- Place the mixture in a mixing bowl.
- Dissolve yeast in remaining water.
- Add the yeast mixture to the cornmeal mixture.
- Add eggs and mix well.
- Gradually add flour to make a soft dough.
- Turn the dough onto a floured board and knead until smooth and elastic, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and turn once to grease the top.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 45 to 60 minutes.
- Punch down the dough.
- Shape into 24 balls.
- Place on greased baking sheets, brush with melted butter or margarine, and sprinkle with additional cornmeal.
- Bake at 375°F for 18 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Immediately remove from baking sheet and serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your water temperature is within the 120° to 130° range to activate the yeast effectively. If you prefer a slightly different flavor, consider using 1/3 cup of polenta instead of cornmeal. You can also experiment with adding herbs or cheese for a savory twist, making it a great accompaniment to dishes like Mama's Garlic Fried Chicken.
Serving Suggestions
These cornmeal rolls are perfect as a side dish with soups or stews, and they pair beautifully with Mother’s Creamed Corn Pudding for a comforting meal. Serve them warm with butter or your favorite jam for breakfast or a snack. They also make great sandwich rolls for lunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through and soft.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cornmeal Rolls(Makes 24 Rolls) contains roughly 339 calories, with 3g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 24g fat.
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 use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but you may need to adjust the liquid slightly since whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture. Start by replacing half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat and see how the dough feels as you mix.
What if my dough isn't rising properly?
If your dough isn't rising, it might be due to inactive yeast or the environment being too cold. Ensure your yeast is fresh and try placing the dough in a warmer spot, like near a preheated oven. You can also try adding a warm towel over the bowl to create a cozy environment for rising.
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, let it rise, and shape the rolls, then refrigerate them before the second rise. Let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. This is a great way to save time, especially if you're serving them with dishes like Dad's Vinegar Pie.
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).