Favorite Refrigerator Dinner Rolls
Soft, fluffy refrigerator dinner rolls with a slightly sweet flavor, perfect for family dinners, picnics, or holiday gatherings. Easily make ahead and enjoy fresh bread anytime.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine hot water, sugar, salt, and shortening in a bowl.
- Allow the mixture to cool to lukewarm.
- Dissolve the dry yeast in the warm water.
- Once the sugar mixture has cooled, add it to the dissolved yeast along with the beaten egg and 2 1/2 cups of flour.
- Beat until smooth.
- Add enough remaining flour to form a smooth dough.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured board and knead until smooth and elastic.
- Place in a greased bowl, lightly oil the top of the dough, and cover tightly.
- Refrigerate until the dough has doubled in size or until needed, up to 4 or 5 days.
- Punch down the dough.
- Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and divide into 3 pieces.
- Cut each piece into 9 smaller pieces.
- Form each piece into a roll.
- Place the rolls into three greased 8-inch round cake pans.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Bake in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 20 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your water is at the right temperature when activating the yeast; too hot can kill it. If you don't have shortening, butter or margarine can be substituted. If you prefer a sweeter roll, consider increasing the sugar slightly. For added flavor, mix in herbs or garlic powder to the dough.
Serving Suggestions
These dinner rolls are perfect with a variety of meals, from hearty soups to roasted meats. Serve them warm with butter or pair them with a sweet spread like honey or jam. They also complement brunch dishes beautifully, making them a versatile addition to any table.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer bag. To reheat, wrap the rolls in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Favorite Refrigerator Dinner Rolls contains roughly 155 calories, with 2g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 13g 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 make the dough ahead of time and freeze it?
Yes, you can freeze the dough after it has risen. Simply punch it down, divide it into portions, and wrap each tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before shaping and baking.
Why did my rolls not rise properly?
There could be a few reasons for this. Ensure your yeast is fresh and activated properly in warm water. Additionally, if the dough was too cold during rising, it may not have doubled in size as expected. Try placing it in a warmer area.
How can I make these rolls more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding fresh herbs, minced garlic, or even cheese into the dough. You might also try brushing the tops with melted butter and sprinkling them with sea salt before baking for an extra touch.
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).