No-Knead Dinner Rolls

Prep: 120 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 48 Cuisine: American

No-Knead Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and golden-brown, perfect for any meal or special occasion. Their simple process yields delicious, homemade bread with a slightly sweet flavor from the sugar and rich butter. Ideal for families, gatherings, or anyone craving warm, freshly baked rolls.

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Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 cup shortening
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 6 cups flour
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 2 packages dry yeast
  • 6 tablespoons melted butter or margarine

Instructions

  1. Soften the dry yeast in 1 cup warm water.
  2. Cream together the sugar and shortening.
  3. Add boiling water to the mixture, mixing well with a mixer at medium speed.
  4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time.
  5. Mix the salt and flour together and add alternately with the yeast mixture to the batter.
  6. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
  7. Turn out the dough onto a floured surface and pat into a large rectangle.
  8. Cut into rounds using a biscuit cutter or floured glass; dip both sides in melted butter.
  9. Place the rounds in baking pans.
  10. Cover and let rise for an additional hour.
  11. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  12. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until nicely browned.

Tips & Substitutions

For a softer texture, consider using bread flour instead of all-purpose flour, as it has a higher protein content. If you run out of shortening, you can substitute with unsalted butter. Make sure the water is just hot enough to dissolve the yeast without cooking it; around 110°F (43°C) is ideal. This method is great for making rolls to accompany dishes like Baked Eggs.

Serving Suggestions

These no-knead dinner rolls are perfect for family gatherings and pair wonderfully with soups and stews. Serve them alongside a hearty dish like Wild Rice With Mushrooms And Onions for a comforting meal. For a sweet twist, try them with honey or jam as a breakfast option.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover dinner rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of No-Knead Dinner Rolls contains roughly 152 calories, with 1g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 14g fat.

152 kcal 8% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.2g 2% DV
Total Fat 13.8g 18% DV
Carbs 6.3g 2% DV
Fiber 0.4g 2% DV
Sugar 0.1g

Electrolytes

Sodium 247.8mg 11% DV
Potassium 92.5mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 37.9mg 13% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 3.2mcg
Vitamin C 1.4mg 2% DV
Calcium 14.8mg 1% DV
Iron 0.3mg 2% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly Under 400 cal
Contains Milk 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 a day in advance. After mixing, cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature and rise before shaping and baking as directed.

What if my rolls don't rise?

If your rolls don't rise, it may be due to inactive yeast. Ensure your yeast is fresh and that you are using water at the correct temperature. Also, make sure to allow enough time for the dough to rise in a warm environment.

Can I add herbs or cheese to the dough?

Absolutely! You can incorporate herbs like rosemary or thyme for added flavor, or mix in shredded cheese such as cheddar for a savory twist. Just be mindful of the dough's moisture content, as additional ingredients may require slight adjustments.

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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