Dinner Rolls

Prep: 120 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

These dinner rolls are soft, fluffy, and perfect for any meal. Made with simple ingredients like milk, shortening, and yeast, they offer a delightful buttery flavor. Ideal for family dinners, holidays, or gatherings, these rolls will complement a variety of dishes and please every palate.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 c. scalded milk
  • 1/2 c. shortening
  • 1 Tbsp. sugar
  • 2 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 c. water
  • 1 cake yeast
  • 1 beaten egg
  • 3 c. flour

Instructions

  1. Combine milk, shortening, sugar, and salt.
  2. Cool to lukewarm by adding water.
  3. Add yeast and mix well.
  4. Blend in the beaten egg.
  5. Add flour and mix until dough is well blended.
  6. Place in a greased bowl and cover. Store in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
  7. Shape dough on a well-floured board.
  8. Let rise in a warm place (80 to 85°F) until light, about 1 1/2 hours.
  9. Bake in a hot oven (400°F) for about 15 to 20 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For lighter rolls, ensure the milk is scalded and cooled to lukewarm before adding yeast. If you don't have cake yeast, you can substitute with active dry yeast; use approximately 2 1/4 teaspoons. To save time, consider using a stand mixer for kneading the dough. For added flavor, try incorporating herbs or garlic powder into the dough.

Serving Suggestions

These dinner rolls pair beautifully with a variety of dishes, especially with soups like Mom's Rivel Soup or alongside a hearty salad. Serve them warm, brushed with melted butter, for a delightful touch. You can also create a fun appetizer by cutting them in half and filling with Almond-Deviled Eggs for a unique twist.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover dinner rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place them in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Dinner Rolls contains roughly 123 calories, with 2g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 637mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).

123 kcal 6% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.3g 5% DV
Total Fat 2.5g 3% DV
Carbs 23g 8% DV
Fiber 0.7g 3% DV
Sugar 3.9g 8% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 637.3mg 28% DV
Potassium 108.9mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 26.3mg 9% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 22mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 5mg 6% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 62mg 5% DV
Iron 1.1mg 6% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk 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 make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and letting it rise. This method can enhance the flavor and texture of the rolls.

What should I do if my rolls don’t rise?

If the rolls don’t rise, it’s likely due to inactive yeast. Make sure your yeast is fresh and that the liquid used for mixing isn’t too hot or too cold. You can test yeast by dissolving it in warm water with a bit of sugar; it should foam within 10 minutes.

How can I make these rolls healthier?

For a healthier version, swap half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour. You can also reduce the sugar and shortening slightly without compromising texture. Additionally, adding seeds like flax or chia can boost nutritional value.

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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