Mrs. Rhode'S Refrigerator Rolls

Prep: 30 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Mrs. Rhode's Refrigerator Rolls are soft, fluffy yeasted rolls with a slightly sweet flavor, perfect for breakfast or dinner, and suitable for family gatherings or casual meals.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup hot water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons shortening
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cake yeast
  • 2 tablespoons lukewarm water
  • 1 egg, beaten

Instructions

  1. Combine the hot water, salt, shortening, and sugar; then cool.
  2. Dissolve the yeast in lukewarm water separately.
  3. Add flour to the cooled mixture until the dough can be handled.
  4. Place the dough in the refrigerator and let it chill overnight.
  5. In the morning, work the dough into muffin pans, forming three walnut-shaped balls in each cup.
  6. Let the rolls rise until doubled in size.
  7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, ensure your hot water is not boiling, as it can kill the yeast. If you don't have cake yeast, you can substitute it with 2¼ teaspoons of active dry yeast. If you prefer a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of melted butter to the dough. Remember to keep the dough covered while it chills to prevent it from drying out.

Serving Suggestions

These rolls are perfect served warm with butter or alongside a hearty soup or salad. They also pair beautifully with American recipes like Chicken Noodle Soup or can be enjoyed as a breakfast treat with jam. For a sweet twist, serve them with Drizzlin, Droolin, Hot Fudge Sauce For Ice Cream for dessert.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Reheat frozen rolls in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes to restore their soft texture. Alternatively, microwave them for 15-20 seconds if you prefer a quick option.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mrs. Rhode'S Refrigerator Rolls contains roughly 127 calories, with 2g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 638mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).

127 kcal 6% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.6g 3% DV
Total Fat 3.2g 4% DV
Carbs 23.5g 9% DV
Fiber 0.1g
Sugar 5g 10% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 637.8mg 28% DV
Potassium 110.9mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 51.6mg 17% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 12.6mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 0.1mg
Calcium 47.2mg 4% DV
Iron 0.5mg 3% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Egg

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 the night before and let it chill in the refrigerator. This method actually enhances the flavor as it allows the gluten to develop. Just remember to shape the rolls and let them rise in the morning before baking.

What if my rolls don't rise properly?

If your rolls don't rise, it could be due to inactive yeast or a drafty environment. Make sure the yeast is fresh and the water is warm, not hot. To create a warm environment for rising, you can place the rolls in an oven with the light on or near a warm spot in your kitchen.

Can I add ingredients to the dough?

Absolutely! You can customize your rolls by adding herbs, garlic powder, or even cheese to the dough for added flavor. For a sweet variation, consider folding in cinnamon and sugar to create a deliciously sweet roll, perfect for breakfast.

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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