Featherbed Rolls

Prep: 45 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 36 Cuisine: American

Featherbed Rolls are soft, fluffy yeast rolls with a tender crumb and golden crust. Perfect for breakfast or dinner, they have a subtle sweetness and rich buttery flavor. Ideal for family gatherings or special occasions, these homemade rolls are sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 packages yeast
  • 1/2 cup lukewarm water
  • 1/3 to 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 6 to 7 cups flour

Instructions

  1. Add shortening to hot milk and stir until melted and well combined.
  2. Allow the milk to cool to lukewarm temperature.
  3. Dissolve yeast in lukewarm water and add to the cooled milk mixture.
  4. Add sugar, salt, eggs, and flour to the mixture.
  5. Mix well and let stand in a bowl for 20 minutes.
  6. Knead the dough for a minute or two until smooth.
  7. Shape the dough into rolls and place on a baking sheet.
  8. Let the rolls rise until doubled in size.
  9. Bake in a hot oven at 425°F (220°C) until golden brown, about 20 minutes.
  10. Remove from oven and brush with butter.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, ensure your milk is just warm enough to dissolve the shortening without cooking the yeast. If you don't have shortening, you can use unsalted butter instead. Adjust the sugar to your taste; if you prefer less sweetness, start with 1/3 cup. If the dough feels too sticky, gradually add flour until manageable.

Serving Suggestions

These Featherbed Rolls pair beautifully with a hearty soup or stew, making them perfect for a comforting meal. Serve them warm with butter, or try them alongside Munching Peanut Brittle for a sweet contrast. They also make great sandwiches when filled with your favorite deli meats or cheeses.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe 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.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Featherbed Rolls contains roughly 182 calories, with 1g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 14g fat.

182 kcal 9% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.2g 2% DV
Total Fat 14.4g 18% DV
Carbs 12.8g 5% DV
Fiber 0.2g 1% DV
Sugar 1.3g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 243.7mg 11% DV
Potassium 82.2mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 28.8mg 10% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 12.2mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 1.7mg 2% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 38.3mg 3% DV
Iron 0.5mg 3% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal
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 use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. Use the same amount, but there's no need to dissolve it in water first. Just mix it with the dry ingredients before adding the wet ingredients.

What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?

If your dough doesn't rise, it may be due to inactive yeast or a too-cool environment. Make sure your yeast is fresh and working; it should foam in warm water. If your kitchen is cold, try placing the dough in a warm spot or preheat the oven slightly, turn it off, and let the dough rise there.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise, then shape the rolls and refrigerate them overnight. Allow them to come to room temperature and rise again before baking. This makes for a convenient option if you're planning a meal in advance.

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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