Italian Rolls
Italian Rolls are soft, fluffy bread rolls with a subtle sweetness and a golden crust. Perfect for sandwiches or as a side, they appeal to bread lovers and are ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings. Their simple ingredients and classic flavor make them a versatile addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
- Pour over oil, sugar, and salt. Cook until only lukewarm.
- Dissolve yeast in 1/3 cup warm water.
- Add the yeast mixture to the cooled mixture along with the eggs and 3 cups of flour.
- Stir until smooth.
- Add remaining 3 cups of flour and blend in.
- Turn out onto a lightly floured board and knead lightly.
- Shape into rolls and place on greased pans (such as 9 x 13-inch pans).
- Let rise until doubled in size.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter roll, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with bread flour. If you don't have warm water, use milk instead, which can add richness. Make sure the water is just lukewarm to keep the yeast active. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour gradually until it's manageable.
Serving Suggestions
These Italian Rolls are perfect served alongside Pasta Alfredo or as a base for sandwiches. They can also be enjoyed with a spread of butter or olive oil for dipping. Pair them with Tomatoes With Mozzarella for a delightful appetizer or serve with soups for a comforting meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Italian Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap them in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply pop them in a warm oven for about 10 minutes or microwave them for 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Rolls contains roughly 396 calories, with 1g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 594mg per serving (26% 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
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast in place of active dry yeast. Just mix it directly with the flour, as it doesn’t need to be dissolved in warm water first. This can save you a step in the process and still yield great results.
What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough isn't rising, it could be due to the yeast being inactive. Ensure the water used for dissolving the yeast is not too hot or cold. If the dough remains flat, try placing it in a warm, draft-free area, or let it rise longer until it doubles in size.
Can I add herbs or cheese to the rolls?
Absolutely! Adding dried herbs like oregano or basil can enhance the flavor. You can also mix in shredded cheese, such as mozzarella or parmesan, to the dough for a cheesy twist. Just be mindful of the additional moisture these ingredients may add.
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).