Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Rolls
Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Rolls are soft, fluffy, and subtly tangy, perfect for breakfast or as a side, appealing to those who love homemade bread with a classic touch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve the dry yeast in lukewarm water.
- Heat the buttermilk to lukewarm.
- Add salt, shortening, and sugar to the buttermilk.
- Put soda into the warmed buttermilk mixture.
- Add the yeast mixture, egg, and 1 cup of flour to the mixture.
- Let the dough rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour, covered.
- Punch down the dough and let it rise again in muffin tins for about 1 hour.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For lighter rolls, ensure your buttermilk is just warm enough to activate the yeast without cooking it. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute with milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. When measuring flour, spoon it into the cup and level off to avoid dense rolls. If your dough is too sticky, add extra flour a tablespoon at a time until manageable.
Serving Suggestions
These buttermilk rolls are perfect served warm with butter or honey. They pair beautifully with hearty soups or stews, making them an excellent side for a comforting meal. Consider serving them alongside a fresh salad like Checkerboard Salad(Not Really A Checkerboard) for a balanced dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to three months. To reheat, wrap the rolls in aluminum foil and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, ensuring they stay soft.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Rolls contains roughly 157 calories, with 4g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 755mg per serving (33% 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 active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can use active dry yeast in place of instant yeast. Just be sure to dissolve it in the lukewarm water before adding it to the mixture. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy to ensure it is active.
What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it may be due to inactive yeast or improper temperature. Ensure your yeast is fresh and that the liquids are warm, not hot. If the kitchen is cool, try placing the dough in a warmer spot, like near a preheating oven, to encourage rising.
How can I make these rolls healthier?
To make the rolls healthier, consider substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. You can also reduce the sugar slightly or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey. For a dairy-free version, use a non-dairy milk and oil instead of shortening.
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).