Foundation Refrigerator Rolls

Prep: 30 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Soft, fluffy refrigerator rolls with a slightly sweet and buttery flavor, perfect for breakfast or dinner, suitable for family gatherings and bread lovers alike.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/3 cup solid vegetable shortening
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 package yeast
  • 1/4 cup lukewarm water

Instructions

  1. Scald milk and water.
  2. Add sugar, salt, and shortening and allow to cool.
  3. Beat eggs and add to the mixture.
  4. Dissolve yeast in lukewarm water and add to the mixture.
  5. Add enough flour to make a soft dough.
  6. Place the dough in a well-greased bowl and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk.
  7. Punch down the dough and shape into rolls.
  8. Place the shaped rolls in a greased pan and allow to rise.
  9. Bake at 375° to 400° Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes.
  10. Brush with melted butter when done.
  11. Dough can be placed in refrigerator when mixed and stored until ready to use.
  12. Shape into rolls, let rise, and bake as directed.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, ensure the milk and water are scalded but not boiling before adding the shortening, as this helps it melt properly. If you don't have solid vegetable shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of unsalted butter. To enhance flavor, consider adding herbs or garlic powder to the dough. Dough can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Serving Suggestions

These rolls are perfect served warm alongside a hearty soup or stew, such as a comforting bowl of Tomato Cheese Dip. They also complement grilled meats or can be enjoyed with butter and jam for breakfast. For a festive touch, serve them alongside a holiday feast featuring dishes like Quick Oven Potatoes or Caleb's Mashed Potatoes.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap the rolls in foil and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Foundation Refrigerator Rolls contains roughly 193 calories, with 2g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 655mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).

193 kcal 10% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2g 4% DV
Total Fat 10.7g 14% DV
Carbs 22.9g 8% DV
Fiber 1g 3% DV
Sugar 7.7g 15% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 655.3mg 28% DV
Potassium 128.8mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 22.9mg 8% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 35.5mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 9.9mg 11% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 1% DV
Calcium 89.8mg 7% DV
Iron 1.3mg 7% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Egg

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 in advance and freeze it?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and freeze it. After the initial rise, shape it into rolls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. To use, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and let them rise before baking.

What kind of flour should I use?

All-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe, as it provides a good balance of structure and softness. If you prefer a lighter roll, you can substitute half with bread flour, which will give a chewier texture. Adjust the liquid slightly if needed.

How can I ensure my rolls are fluffy?

To achieve fluffy rolls, make sure your yeast is fresh and properly activated. Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free environment until it doubles in size. Be careful not to over-knead, as this can lead to dense rolls. Lightly flour your work surface when shaping.

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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