Five O'Clock Rolls

Prep: 30 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 36 Cuisine: American

Soft, fluffy rolls with a hint of sweetness and a tender crumb, perfect for breakfast or dinner gatherings, appealing to bread lovers of all ages.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 pkg. dry yeast
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 cups warm water
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup melted shortening
  • 1 Tbsp. salt
  • 10 cups flour

Instructions

  1. Mix the yeast, sugar, and warm water; let stand 15 minutes.
  2. Add the beaten eggs, melted shortening, salt, and flour to the yeast mixture.
  3. Knead into a soft dough that barely holds its shape.
  4. Punch down the dough every hour until 10 o'clock (from 5 P.M. to 10 P.M.).
  5. Shape the dough into rolls and place on greased pans.
  6. Cover with a cloth and plastic bag; let rise overnight.
  7. Bake early next morning at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour to enhance the roll's texture. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil. Make sure your water is warm but not hot, as high temperatures can kill the yeast. Allowing the dough to rise overnight develops deeper flavors.

Serving Suggestions

These Five O'Clock Rolls are perfect for breakfast or as a side with dinner. Serve them warm with butter and jam, or alongside dishes like Thalhimers' Richmond Room Spoonbread for a comforting meal. They also pair wonderfully with soups and stews, 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-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Five O'Clock Rolls contains roughly 207 calories, with 1g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 20g fat.

207 kcal 10% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.8g 2% DV
Total Fat 20.3g 26% DV
Carbs 6.4g 2% DV
Fiber 0.4g 2% DV
Sugar 0g

Electrolytes

Sodium 216.1mg 9% DV
Potassium 39.4mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 7.2mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1.8mcg
Vitamin C 1mg 1% DV
Calcium 13.2mg 1% DV
Iron 0.3mg 2% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly Under 400 cal
Contains 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 prepare the dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking. This method can enhance the flavor and texture of the rolls.

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

If your dough doesn't rise, check the yeast's expiration date and ensure your water was warm enough. If it's still not rising, try moving it to a warmer location or using a proofing box to create the ideal environment for yeast activation.

Can I make these rolls whole wheat?

Absolutely! You can substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Just keep in mind that whole wheat flour may require a bit more water, so adjust accordingly to maintain the right dough consistency.

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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