Country Dinner Rolls

Prep: 30 min Cuisine: American

Hearty country dinner rolls infused with oats, molasses, bacon, and onions, offering a flavorful, savory bread perfect for family meals or special gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 2 c. boiling water
  • 1 c. quick-cooking oats
  • 3 Tbsp. vegetable oil
  • 2 pkg. quick-rise dry yeast
  • 1/3 c. warm water (110~ to 115~)
  • 1/4 c. dark molasses
  • 2/3 c. brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tsp. salt
  • 6 c. all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 lb. bacon
  • 2 c. diced onions

Instructions

  1. Pour boiling water over oats; let cool.
  2. Add vegetable oil, quick-rise dry yeast (softened in 1/3 cup warm water), dark molasses, brown sugar, egg, and salt.
  3. Beat in 3 cups of all-purpose flour to make a soft dough.
  4. Add fried bacon pieces and diced onions sautéed in bacon drippings.
  5. Add remaining flour and knead until smooth.
  6. Cover the bowl with foil and let the dough rise until doubled in bulk.
  7. Punch down the dough and let it rise again.

Tips & Substitutions

For added flavor, consider using a mix of whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour. If you're out of dark molasses, light molasses or honey can work as substitutes, though they will alter the taste slightly. Make sure to let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for the best results. If you like a bit of sweetness, you might add a touch of sugar to the bacon drippings when sautéing the onions.

Serving Suggestions

These Country Dinner Rolls are perfect for pairing with hearty dishes like Ham Noodle Skillet or alongside stews. Serve them warm with butter or as a base for mini sandwiches. They also make a delightful accompaniment to a soup like Papago Tepary Bean Soup, enhancing the meal's heartiness and flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a resealable bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through, ensuring they retain their soft texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Country Dinner Rolls contains roughly 1378 calories, with 34g protein, 218g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (68% of the Daily Value), iron (64% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2667mg per serving (116% of the Daily Value).

1378 kcal 69% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 34.2g 68% DV
Total Fat 41.5g 53% DV
Carbs 218.1g 79% DV
Fiber 12.1g 43% DV
Sugar 16.6g 33% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2667.2mg 100% DV
Potassium 894.7mg 19% DV
Cholesterol 191.7mg 64% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 365.4mcg 41% DV
Vitamin C 0.4mg
Calcium 228.9mg 18% DV
Iron 11.6mg 64% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 regular yeast instead of quick-rise yeast?

Yes, you can use regular yeast, but the rising times will change. Allow the dough to rise for about 1-2 hours until doubled in size, and be sure to activate it in warm water before mixing it with other ingredients.

What if my dough doesn't rise properly?

If your dough isn't rising, check that your yeast is fresh and active. Ensure the water temperature for activating the yeast is correct (110-115°F). A warm, draft-free environment is crucial for good rising; consider placing it in an oven with the light on.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise, then punch it down and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Allow it to come to room temperature and rise again before baking for fresh rolls anytime.

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).

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