Icebox Rolls

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Icebox rolls are soft, fluffy bread rolls that are prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, making them perfect for busy families. With a rich flavor from the shortening, and a hint of sweetness, these rolls are a delightful addition to any meal or gathering.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cakes compressed yeast
  • 1 cup lukewarm water
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 cup cold water
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 8 cups flour

Instructions

  1. Dissolve yeast in lukewarm water.
  2. Mix salt, shortening, and boiling water.
  3. Add cold water, eggs, and yeast mixture.
  4. Stir in flour until all flour disappears.
  5. Do not knead.
  6. Grease the top and cover tightly.
  7. Put in the refrigerator.
  8. When ready to bake, make into rolls and let rise in a warm place for about 2 hours.
  9. Bake at 400° or 425° for about 15 minutes, depending on your oven.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, ensure your yeast is fresh and properly activated. If you don't have compressed yeast, you can substitute with 2 packets of active dry yeast. When mixing the dough, avoid overworking it since this recipe does not require kneading. Allowing the dough to rise longer in the refrigerator can enhance the flavor, similar to the technique used in Mushroom Bread.

Serving Suggestions

These icebox rolls are perfect for family dinners, pairing beautifully with dishes like Creamed Peas And Potatoes. Serve warm with butter or honey for added flavor. They also make a great addition to holiday meals or as a base for sandwiches, offering versatility in your dinner table spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the rolls in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through and the crust is crisp.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Icebox Rolls contains roughly 166 calories, with 3g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 491mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).

166 kcal 8% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.1g 6% DV
Total Fat 9.2g 12% DV
Carbs 18g 7% DV
Fiber 0.8g 3% DV
Sugar 0.1g

Electrolytes

Sodium 491.1mg 21% DV
Potassium 176.5mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 25.8mg 9% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 6.3mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 0mg
Calcium 32.3mg 2% DV
Iron 0.9mg 5% DV
Diet fit Low-carb 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 make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just shape the rolls before baking, allowing them to rise for about 2 hours in a warm place before baking, ensuring they are fresh and fluffy.

What can I do if my dough isn't rising?

If your dough isn't rising, it could be due to inactive yeast. Make sure to check the expiration date of your yeast. Additionally, ensure the water used for dissolving the yeast is lukewarm, not too hot, as this can kill the yeast and prevent rising.

Can I change the type of flour used?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with bread flour for a chewier texture. If you want a healthier option, whole wheat flour can also be used, but you may need to adjust the liquid slightly since whole wheat absorbs more moisture.

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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