Light Dinner Rolls

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

Light and fluffy dinner rolls with a tender crumb, perfect for family meals or gatherings. Soft, buttery, and golden, they complement any dish with warmth and comfort.

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Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup butter or margarine
  • 4 1/2 or 5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 package yeast
  • 1 egg

Instructions

  1. Heat milk, water, and 1/4 cup butter in a saucepan until very warm (120° to 130°).
  2. Stir together 3 cups of flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Gradually add the warm liquid mixture to the dry ingredients and beat with an electric mixer on high for 2 minutes, scraping the bowl occasionally.
  4. Add enough remaining flour to make a soft dough.
  5. Turn out onto a floured board or pastry cloth.
  6. Cover the dough with a bowl and let rest for 10 minutes.
  7. Knead just until smooth, about 3 minutes.
  8. Place the dough in a large greased bowl, turn once to grease the top.
  9. Cover and let rise in a warm draft-free area until doubled in bulk, about 45 minutes.
  10. Punch the dough down.
  11. Shape into rolls as desired.
  12. Place the rolls on pans.
  13. Cover and let rise in a warm draft-free area until doubled in bulk, about 45 minutes.
  14. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  15. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.
  16. Remove from pans and place on wire racks.
  17. Brush with melted butter.
  18. Serve hot.

Tips & Substitutions

For lighter rolls, ensure your water and milk mixture is at the correct temperature (120° to 130°F) to activate the yeast effectively. If you don't have butter, you can use margarine or vegetable oil as a substitute. If you prefer whole wheat flour, you can replace half of the all-purpose flour to add more nutrients and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These light dinner rolls are perfect alongside soups, salads, or your favorite main dishes. They pair beautifully with 'Memow'S Pecan Pie' for a delightful meal. Serve warm, brushed with melted butter for an extra touch of richness. Consider adding a side of honey or jam for a sweet contrast.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover dinner rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a resealable plastic bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Light Dinner Rolls contains roughly 187 calories, with 3g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 9g fat.

187 kcal 9% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.2g 6% DV
Total Fat 9.1g 12% DV
Carbs 23.1g 8% DV
Fiber 1g 4% DV
Sugar 0.3g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 398.7mg 17% DV
Potassium 132.7mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 44.4mg 15% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 5.5mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 2.8mg 3% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 25.5mg 2% DV
Iron 1.2mg 7% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Milk 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 use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. Use the same amount, but you can skip the step of dissolving it in warm liquid. Mix it directly with the dry ingredients for a quicker preparation time.

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

If your dough isn't rising, it might be due to inactive yeast. Ensure your yeast is fresh and that the liquid used was not too hot or cold. You can also try placing the dough in a warmer area, as a draft-free environment is crucial for proper rising.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise, then punch it down, shape the rolls, and refrigerate them overnight. Before baking, allow the rolls to come to room temperature and rise again for about 30 minutes.

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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