My Favorite Dinner Roll
Soft, buttery dinner rolls with a slightly sweet flavor, perfect for family meals or holiday gatherings, offering warm comfort and versatile pairing options.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soften yeast in the 1/4 cup warm water.
- Combine boiling water, vegetable shortening, sugar, and salt in a bowl.
- Cool the mixture to lukewarm and add the yeast.
- Stir in the beaten egg.
- Add dry milk.
- Beat in as much flour as possible and then continue to add enough to make a soft dough, kneading for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Put the dough into a large oiled bowl, turning to coat it all over.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°F) until doubled in size, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure the water used to soften the yeast is between 100-110°F. If you don’t have dry milk, you can substitute with an equal amount of fresh milk, but reduce the liquid slightly. Kneading the dough well is essential for developing gluten, which gives the rolls their structure. If you're short on time, consider using a stand mixer for quicker mixing and kneading.
Serving Suggestions
These dinner rolls are perfect served warm alongside soups or stews, and they pair beautifully with Funeral Salad for a hearty meal. They can also be used for sandwiches or enjoyed with a spread of butter or jam. Consider serving them with Vegetable Pizza Bars(Appetizer) for a delightful combination at gatherings.
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 freezer-safe bag. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for a quick warm-up, but be careful not to overdo it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of My Favorite Dinner Roll contains roughly 679 calories, with 43g protein, 115g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (98% of the Daily Value), protein (86% of the Daily Value), and potassium (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1996mg per serving (87% of the Daily Value).
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 use instant yeast in place of active dry yeast. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients, omitting the step of softening it in warm water. This can save time and simplify the process.
What if my dough doesn't rise properly?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it might be due to the yeast being inactive or the environment being too cold. Ensure your yeast is fresh and the rising area is warm. If necessary, try placing the dough in a turned-off oven with the light on for added warmth.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it after the first rise. Just cover it tightly and let it rest in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, let the dough come to room temperature before shaping and proceeding with the second rise.
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).