Fern'S Dinner Rolls
Fern's Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy bread rolls with a slightly sweet and yeasty flavor. Perfect as a side for dinners or special gatherings, they are easy to make and warmly inviting, ideal for sharing with family and friends on any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix yeast and a heaping teaspoon of sugar in 1/2 cup warm water; set aside to dissolve.
- Combine hot water, salt, sugar, and shortening in a large bowl, then add eggs and stir well.
- Add 4 cups of flour to the mixture and stir together, then add the dissolved yeast mixture.
- Mix thoroughly until combined.
- Add another 4 cups of flour and stir thoroughly.
- Let the dough rise until doubled in size.
- Shape the dough into rolls and place into greased and floured pans.
- Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your yeast is fresh and properly activated before mixing. If you don't have liquid shortening, you can substitute with melted butter or vegetable oil. To enhance flavor, consider adding herbs or spices to the dough. For a sweeter roll, increase the sugar slightly. These dinner rolls also pair beautifully with the Deep Dish Chocolate-Pecan Pie for dessert.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these rolls warm with butter or alongside soups and salads. They make a delightful addition to any meal, especially during holidays or family gatherings. Pair them with the Vegetable And Ham Casserole for a hearty dinner. You can also use them to make delicious sliders with your favorite fillings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover dinner rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap rolls in aluminum foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fern'S Dinner Rolls contains roughly 455 calories, with 10g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 464mg per serving (20% 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 use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast, but you should reduce the amount by about 25%. There's no need to dissolve it in water; just mix it directly with the dry ingredients. This can speed up the process and yield similar results.
What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, ensure that your yeast is fresh and the water temperature is warm but not hot. If the environment is too cold, try placing the dough in a warm spot, such as an oven with the light on, to encourage rising.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise, then shape the rolls and freeze them before baking. When you're ready to bake, simply thaw the rolls and let them rise again before baking as directed.
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).