Des' Rolls
Soft, fluffy rolls with a hint of sweetness and a tender crumb, perfect for breakfast or dinner, suited for family gatherings or weekend baking sessions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Warm together shortening, milk, sugar, and mashed potatoes; set aside.
- Dissolve yeast in 1/4 cup warm water.
- Add yeast to the warm mixture.
- Gradually add other warm ingredients while stirring.
- Add flour gradually as you stir to form a dough.
- Let the dough rise in the refrigerator, covered.
- Punch down the dough, knead, and roll out.
- Shape into rolls.
- May keep part of the dough in the refrigerator; will keep for a week.
- Bake in a 350°F oven until brown as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For lighter rolls, ensure your milk is warm but not too hot, as it can kill the yeast. If you want to substitute, unsalted butter can replace shortening for a richer flavor. You can also use instant mashed potatoes if you're short on time. Make sure to knead the dough adequately to develop gluten, which gives the rolls their structure.
Serving Suggestions
These rolls are perfect alongside a hearty soup or stew. For a delightful meal, serve them with Ethel Salad for a refreshing contrast. You can also use them to soak up sauces from dishes like Broccoli-Mushroom-Cauliflower Casserole. They make an excellent addition to any holiday table or family gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any 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 a month. To reheat, wrap in aluminum foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through to maintain their softness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Des' Rolls contains roughly 207 calories, with 4g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (19% of the Daily Value), calcium (14% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 819mg per serving (36% 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 these rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After shaping the rolls, place them in the refrigerator overnight. Allow them to rise before baking them the next day for freshly baked rolls without the wait.
What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough isn't rising, check the yeast's expiration date and ensure the milk was warm enough (about 110°F). If the yeast is inactive, you may need to start over. Additionally, try placing the dough in a warmer spot, like an oven set to low, to encourage rising.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the rolls may be denser. It’s best to replace only half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat at first. This provides a healthier option while still maintaining a light texture.
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).