Easy Dinner Rolls
Soft, fluffy dinner rolls with a subtly sweet flavor, perfect for family meals or holiday gatherings. Their warm, buttery aroma and tender crumb make them a versatile side dish that complements soups, stews, or hearty main courses. Easy to customize with herbs or spices for added flair.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine shortening and sugar in a mixing bowl.
- Cream the mixture until smooth.
- Scald the milk and pour it into the creamed mixture.
- Stir to dissolve the sugar and incorporate the milk.
- Add the egg and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
- Mix salt and yeast in one cup of flour and add to the cooled mixture.
- Add three cups of flour and mix well.
- Cover the dough and let it rise for one hour.
- Beat the dough to deflate it.
- Add about one cup of additional flour to make a smooth dough.
- Let the dough rise until doubled in bulk.
- Divide the dough and place in greased pans or muffin tins.
- Allow the dough to rise again until puffy.
- Bake in a moderate oven at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using buttermilk instead of regular milk. If you're out of shortening, unsalted butter can be a great substitute. Ensure your yeast is fresh for optimal rise. If you want to speed up the rising process, place the dough in a warm, draft-free area. For an added touch, brush the rolls with melted butter right after baking for a golden finish.
Serving Suggestions
These dinner rolls are perfect as a side for soups and stews or served warm with butter. They pair beautifully with Val'S Favorite Salad for a delightful meal. You can also serve them alongside roasted meats or use them to make sandwiches. For a fun twist, try them with Parmesan Sausage Wraps for a flavorful combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover dinner rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply place frozen rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Dinner Rolls contains roughly 811 calories, with 10g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (33% of the Daily Value), calcium (29% of the Daily Value), and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 802mg per serving (35% 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 add herbs or cheese to the dough?
Absolutely! Adding herbs like rosemary or garlic powder can enhance the flavor. You can also mix in shredded cheese like cheddar for cheesy dinner rolls. Just be mindful of the flour balance to ensure the dough remains workable.
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).