Grandmother'S Yeast Rolls
Grandmother's Yeast Rolls are soft, fluffy, and lightly sweetened bread rolls perfect for family dinners or special occasions, offering warm comfort and classic homemade flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix sugar, shortening, water, yeast, and salt together and let stand for 10 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift 4 cups of flour.
- Add the yeast mixture to the flour to make a manageable dough.
- On very humid days, add more flour if necessary.
- Spread 1 cup of sifted flour on a board or countertop.
- Rub some flour on your hands and knead the dough for approximately 8-10 minutes.
- If the dough remains sticky, add a little more flour.
- Lightly grease a large mixing bowl with oil.
- Place the dough in the bowl, smooth side down.
- Turn the dough to lightly grease the top, then cover with a towel and let rise in a draft-free place at 80-85°F for about 3 hours.
- Knead the dough down and pinch off golf ball-sized portions.
- Place the portions into greased pans.
- Let the rolls rise again for about 2 to 3 hours.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 325 or 350°F for approximately 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your yeast is fresh and active; if it doesn't bubble up in the warm water, discard and start over. If you prefer a richer flavor, consider substituting half the shortening with butter. On humid days, don't hesitate to add a bit more flour to achieve the right dough consistency. This recipe can be made vegan by replacing the shortening with a plant-based alternative.
Serving Suggestions
These yeast rolls are perfect alongside a hearty soup or stew, such as Pasta And Beans Casserole. They also pair beautifully with butter and jam for breakfast. For a comforting meal, serve them with Hot Cranberry Tea or alongside a holiday feast to complement savory dishes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandmother'S Yeast Rolls contains roughly 15 calories, with 0g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 527mg per serving (23% 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
What should I do if my dough isn't rising?
If your dough isn't rising, it may be due to cool temperatures or inactive yeast. Ensure the environment is warm and draft-free, ideally around 80-85°F. You can also try placing the bowl in a slightly warmed oven (turned off) to encourage rising. If the yeast was expired, consider starting with a fresh batch.
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After kneading, let it rise as instructed, then pinch off the portions and place them in greased pans. Cover and refrigerate them overnight. The next day, allow them to come to room temperature and rise before baking for fresh rolls at mealtime.
How can I tell when the rolls are done baking?
The rolls are done when they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a thermometer; the internal temperature should reach about 190°F. If they brown too quickly, cover them loosely with foil during the last few minutes of baking.
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).