Mama'S Hot Rolls

Prep: 30 min Cook: 15 min Cuisine: American

Mama's Hot Rolls are soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet dinner rolls with a tender crust, perfect for family dinners, holidays, or casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 2 c. hot water
  • 1/2 c. sugar
  • 1/2 c. shortening
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 yeast cake
  • 1/3 c. lukewarm water

Instructions

  1. Dissolve yeast in lukewarm water.
  2. Mix salt, sugar, and shortening together.
  3. Add 2 cups hot water to the mixture.
  4. Mix with flour until a dough forms.
  5. Let the dough rise until it has doubled in size.
  6. Knead the dough and cut into individual rolls.
  7. Let the rolls rise for 1 1/2 hours.
  8. Bake at 400°F until the rolls are brown.

Tips & Substitutions

To ensure your rolls rise well, make sure your hot water is not boiling, as overly hot water can kill the yeast. You can substitute shortening with butter or a vegan alternative for a different flavor. If you prefer a sweeter roll, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough. For a more textured roll, mix in herbs or garlic powder.

Serving Suggestions

These hot rolls are perfect served warm with butter or honey for breakfast or as a side with dinner. They pair beautifully with hearty soups, stews, or even alongside Nanny'S Yum Yum Cake for a delightful meal. Feel free to serve them at gatherings or family dinners for an extra touch of comfort.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the rolls in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mama'S Hot Rolls contains roughly 429 calories, with 9g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2601mg per serving (113% of the Daily Value).

429 kcal 21% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.6g 17% DV
Total Fat 30.6g 39% DV
Carbs 34.4g 13% DV
Fiber 6.9g 25% DV
Sugar 0.4g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2600.5mg 100% DV
Potassium 823.1mg 18% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 43.6mg 48% DV
Calcium 49.8mg 4% DV
Iron 1.8mg 10% DV
Diet fit High-fiber

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 active dry yeast instead of a yeast cake?

Yes, you can use active dry yeast. To substitute, use about 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast for one yeast cake. Just dissolve it in lukewarm water as directed and proceed with the recipe.

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

If your dough doesn't rise, check if your yeast is active and try placing the bowl in a warm, draft-free area. You can also add a teaspoon of sugar to the yeast mixture to help it activate. If all else fails, it may be best to start over with fresh yeast.

How can I make these rolls more flavorful?

To enhance the flavor of your rolls, consider adding a mix of herbs, spices, or cheese into the dough. Garlic powder, rosemary, or even grated parmesan can elevate the taste significantly. Experimenting with different flavorings can create a unique twist on this classic recipe.

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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