No Knead Rich Dinner Rolls

Prep: 20 min Cuisine: American

Soft, buttery dinner rolls with rich flavor and fluffy texture, perfect for family dinners or special occasions, easily made from scratch with simple ingredients.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup shortening
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 3 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 cake compressed or dry granular yeast
  • 1 egg
  • 3 cups sifted all-purpose flour

Instructions

  1. Scald the milk and combine it with shortening, sugar, and salt.
  2. Cool the mixture to lukewarm by adding water.
  3. Add the yeast and mix well.
  4. Blend in the egg and slowly add the flour.
  5. Mix until the dough is well blended and soft.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, ensure the milk is scalded properly and cooled to lukewarm before adding yeast; this activates the yeast effectively. If you don't have shortening, unsalted butter can be used as a substitute. Be patient with the rising time; even no-knead dough benefits from a good rest. Consider adding herbs or garlic powder for extra flavor, which works well in vegetarian recipes.

Serving Suggestions

These rich dinner rolls are perfect served warm alongside a hearty soup or stew, such as chili or classic macaroni and cheese. They also make a delightful accompaniment to holiday dinners. For a special touch, serve them with flavored butter or a side of honey. Enjoy them fresh, or use them for sliders for a fun twist.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This helps retain their softness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of No Knead Rich Dinner Rolls contains roughly 390 calories, with 8g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of protein (15% of the Daily Value), iron (15% of the Daily Value), and calcium (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2095mg per serving (91% of the Daily Value).

390 kcal 20% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.5g 15% DV
Total Fat 7.6g 10% DV
Carbs 73.8g 27% DV
Fiber 1.8g 7% DV
Sugar 5.8g 12% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2094.9mg 91% DV
Potassium 285.8mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 78.2mg 26% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 42.4mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 7.5mg 8% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 170.5mg 13% DV
Iron 2.8mg 15% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
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 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 flour, omitting the step of activating it in warm liquid. This can save time and still yield wonderfully fluffy rolls.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough feels too sticky, gradually add more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency. Be careful not to add too much flour, as this can lead to dense rolls.

Is it possible to make these rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator. In the morning, shape the rolls and allow them to come to room temperature and rise before baking. This is a great way to save time on busy days.

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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