H.R.E.S. Cafeteria Rolls

Prep: 60 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Soft, fluffy cafeteria rolls with a light, slightly sweet flavor, perfect for breakfast or alongside hearty meals. Their tender texture and warm aroma make them a comforting addition to any table, appealing to families, bread lovers, and those seeking classic homemade rolls with a tender crumb.

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Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup instant yeast
  • 3 pounds plain flour
  • 1 3/4 cups warm skim milk
  • 3/4 cup vegetable oil or softened vegetable shortening
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Have all ingredients at room temperature.
  2. Mix all dry ingredients in a mixer bowl using a dough hook.
  3. Blend the dry ingredients well.
  4. Mix oil and 1 cup of water, then pour into the dry ingredients and blend.
  5. Add warm water until the dough is wet but stiff.
  6. Mix on high until the dough leaves the sides of the bowl.
  7. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise until doubled in size.
  8. Punch down the dough and knead for 2 to 3 minutes.
  9. Pinch off 2-ounce pieces to form rolls.
  10. Place the rolls on a lightly oiled baking sheet.
  11. Let the rolls rise until doubled in size.
  12. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until lightly browned.

Tips & Substitutions

Ensure that your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing. If you don’t have instant yeast, you can substitute it with active dry yeast, though you'll need to activate it first. For a richer flavor, consider using melted butter instead of vegetable oil. You can also add herbs or cheese for a unique twist on these rolls.

Serving Suggestions

These rolls are perfect served warm with butter or as a side for soups and salads. They pair beautifully with Green Pea Soup or can be used to soak up sauces from main dishes. For a complete meal, serve alongside a hearty casserole or a fresh salad.

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 2 months. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of H.R.E.S. Cafeteria Rolls contains roughly 183 calories, with 3g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

183 kcal 9% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.5g 7% DV
Total Fat 5.1g 7% DV
Carbs 32.2g 12% DV
Fiber 3g 11% DV
Sugar 3.5g 7% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 153.7mg 7% DV
Potassium 178.3mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 4.5mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 75.5mcg 8% DV
Vitamin C 21.7mg 24% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 47.5mg 4% DV
Iron 1.6mg 9% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk 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 make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance, let it rise, and shape the rolls. After shaping, place them on a baking sheet and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow them to rise at room temperature until doubled before baking.

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

If your dough doesn't rise, it may be due to inactive yeast or too cold an environment. Ensure your yeast is fresh and proof it in warm water before adding. If the dough is too cold, place it in a warm area, like an oven set to the lowest temperature for a few minutes.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of plain flour?

Yes, you can substitute some or all of the plain flour with whole wheat flour. However, you might need to adjust the liquid slightly as whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture, resulting in a denser roll.

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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