Grandma Bertha Carrico'S Refrigerator Rolls
Homemade refrigerator rolls with soft, fluffy texture and rich flavor, perfect for family dinners, holidays, or special occasions, offering a comforting and classic baked bread experience.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare yeast mixture by dissolving 1 cake yeast in 1/4 cup lukewarm water.
- In a large bowl, add the dissolved yeast, shortening, salt, sugar, mashed potatoes, and hot potato water.
- Stir until shortening and sugar are dissolved and mixture cools to lukewarm.
- Stir in the well-beaten eggs, then add 2 cups of flour.
- Beat the mixture well.
- Add the yeast mixture and blend thoroughly.
- Add 2 more cups of flour and mix well.
- Gradually add remaining flour until the dough is soft but not sticky.
- Turn the dough onto a floured board and knead in additional flour until smooth and manageable.
- Place the kneaded dough in an oiled bowl and let rise until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and shape into rolls.
- Allow the shaped rolls to rise until doubled in size.
- Bake in a 400°F oven for 12 to 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use freshly mashed potatoes for a moist texture. If you don't have cake yeast, you can substitute 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast. Make sure the hot potato water is not too hot, as it could kill the yeast. Knead the dough until it's smooth, which helps develop gluten for better rise.
Serving Suggestions
These rolls are perfect for family dinners and pair beautifully with dishes like roast chicken or a hearty beef stew. They also make excellent sliders or can be served alongside a warm bowl of soup. For a delightful treat, enjoy them with a smear of butter or jam.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or microwave for a few seconds until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Bertha Carrico'S Refrigerator Rolls contains roughly 57 calories, with 1g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 4g 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 use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for part of the all-purpose flour, but it may change the texture slightly. Start with half whole wheat and half all-purpose to maintain a light roll while adding some nutritional benefits.
What if my rolls don’t rise properly?
If your rolls don’t rise, it may be due to the yeast being inactive or the dough being too cold. Ensure your yeast is fresh and that the dough is kept in a warm, draft-free area while it rises. If it still doesn’t rise, you may need to start over with fresh ingredients.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping and allowing it to rise. This method can develop deeper flavors and make the rolls even tastier.
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).