Mammas Quick Dinner Rolls

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Golden, fluffy dinner rolls with a soft interior and lightly crisp crust, perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings. Their simple, comforting flavor pairs well with butter, jam, or savory dishes, making them versatile for any meal or occasion.

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Ingredients

  • 1 pkg. yeast
  • 1 c. warm water
  • 2 Tbsp. sugar
  • 2 1/2 c. flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 Tbsp. shortening

Instructions

  1. Dissolve yeast in warm water, then add sugar, salt, shortening, and flour.
  2. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
  3. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead just to coat with flour.
  4. Flatten the dough to an even thickness.
  5. Use a round cutter to cut out rolls and place them onto a lightly greased pan.
  6. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, ensure your water is warm but not hot, ideally around 110°F (43°C), to activate the yeast without killing it. You can substitute all-purpose flour with bread flour for a chewier texture. If you’re out of shortening, unsalted butter can work as a substitute, giving a richer flavor. Knead just enough to incorporate flour; over-kneading can result in dense rolls.

Serving Suggestions

These quick dinner rolls are perfect for any meal and pair beautifully with soups, stews, or a simple salad. Serve alongside a dish like Hot Water Cornbread for a comforting spread. For a fun twist, try slicing them and using them for sliders or sandwiches, adding fillings that complement your main dish.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through, ensuring they stay soft.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mammas Quick Dinner Rolls contains roughly 375 calories, with 6g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is a good source of iron (14% of the Daily Value) and protein (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 598mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).

375 kcal 19% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.6g 11% DV
Total Fat 20.5g 26% DV
Carbs 42.2g 15% DV
Fiber 2.1g 8% DV
Sugar 0.1g

Electrolytes

Sodium 598mg 26% DV
Potassium 103.5mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 6.1mg 7% DV
Calcium 12.4mg 1% DV
Iron 2.4mg 14% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains 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 in advance and refrigerate it after the first rise. Just shape the rolls and place them in the pan, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Allow them to come to room temperature and rise before baking the next day.

What can I do if my dough doesn’t rise?

If the dough hasn’t risen, it may be due to inactive yeast. Ensure your yeast is fresh; if it doesn’t foam when mixed with warm water and sugar, it’s likely dead. Alternatively, place the dough in a warmer spot, or try a warm oven with the light on to encourage rising.

Are these rolls suitable for a vegan diet?

Yes, you can easily make these rolls vegan by substituting the shortening with a vegan butter alternative or coconut oil. Additionally, ensure the sugar used is vegan, as some sugars are processed with bone char.

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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