Mama'S "Icebox" Rolls

Prep: 150 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Creamy, fluffy icebox rolls with subtle potato flavor and tender texture, perfect for breakfast or dinner sides, appealing to bread lovers and comfort food enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup mashed potatoes
  • 1 cup potato water (hot)
  • 1 cup cold water
  • 1 scant cup lard
  • 1 scant cup sugar
  • 1 package yeast dissolved in 1/4 cup water
  • 3 egg whites beaten
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • enough flour to make stiff dough (3 to 4 cups)

Instructions

  1. Add lard to hot mashed potatoes and hot potato water and let lard melt.
  2. Add sugar and cold water to the mixture.
  3. When lukewarm, add yeast and let stand for 2 hours.
  4. Add salt, beaten egg whites, and enough flour to make a stiff dough.
  5. Let the dough stand in a draft-free room until it begins to rise, then refrigerate in the icebox.
  6. Form the dough into round rolls and let them rise again until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  7. Place the rolls about 2 1/2 inches apart on a greased baking sheet.
  8. Bake at 400°F for approximately 15 to 20 minutes, or until nicely browned.

Tips & Substitutions

For fluffier rolls, ensure the lard is fully melted and the potato water is hot but not boiling when mixed. If you don’t have lard, you can substitute with unsalted butter or vegetable shortening. The dough can be shaped into smaller dinner rolls or larger sandwich rolls depending on your preference. Keep an eye on the dough as it rises; if it’s too warm, it may rise too quickly.

Serving Suggestions

These icebox rolls are perfect served warm alongside soups or stews, adding a comforting touch to meals. They pair beautifully with Fresh Spring Peach Salad for a delightful contrast of flavors. You can also serve them with butter and jam for breakfast or as a side with roasted meats. Their versatility makes them a great addition to any meal.

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 freezer bag for up to a month. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. This will help retain their softness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mama'S "Icebox" Rolls contains roughly 367 calories, with 7g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is a good source of protein (15% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (14% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value).

367 kcal 18% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.4g 15% DV
Total Fat 24.4g 31% DV
Carbs 29.3g 11% DV
Fiber 2.7g 10% DV
Sugar 0.4g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 243.6mg 11% DV
Potassium 483mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 19mg 6% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 12.4mg 14% DV
Vitamin D 0.5mcg 3% DV
Calcium 21.9mg 2% DV
Iron 1mg 6% DV
Diet fit 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 the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking. Just allow it to come to room temperature before proceeding with the second rise. This can enhance the flavor as the dough matures.

What can I do if my rolls don't rise?

If your rolls aren't rising, it may be due to inactive yeast. Ensure your yeast is fresh and that the initial mixture was neither too hot nor too cold when added. If rising problems persist, try placing the dough in a warmer area or using a proofing box to encourage fermentation.

How can I tell when the rolls are done baking?

The rolls are done when they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also check the internal temperature; it should reach about 190°F. Keep an eye on them as baking times may vary depending on your oven.

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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