Old Fashioned Cloverleaf Rolls
Old Fashioned Cloverleaf Rolls are soft, buttery bread rolls with a tender crumb and appealing shape, perfect for family dinners, picnics, or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in warm water.
- Add sugar to the yeast and water mixture.
- Scald milk; while cooling, add shortening.
- Add flour to the cooled milk mixture.
- Stir, then add more flour as needed to make a soft dough.
- Turn out onto a floured board and knead for about 10 minutes.
- Cover the dough and let it rise until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and shape into cloverleaf rolls in a muffin tin.
- Let the rolls rise until almost double in size.
- Bake in a 375°F oven for about 30 minutes.
- Brush the baked rolls with butter.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt to the dough. If you don't have dry yeast, you can use active dry yeast; just activate it in warm water first. To achieve a soft texture, ensure you don't over-knead the dough. If you need a quicker option, you could try making these rolls with pre-made dough, but the homemade version is worth the effort.
Serving Suggestions
These cloverleaf rolls are perfect as a side for any meal, especially paired with hearty soups or stews. They can also complement a festive dinner, making them a great addition to your Thanksgiving table alongside dishes like Cranberry Stuffing. Serve them warm with butter for a delightful treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cloverleaf rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them by wrapping each roll tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Cloverleaf Rolls contains roughly 504 calories, with 5g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (17% of the Daily Value), iron (11% of the Daily Value), and protein (10% 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 make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After the first rise, shape the rolls and place them in the muffin tin. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Allow them to come to room temperature and rise before baking the next day.
What if my rolls don't rise well?
If your rolls don't rise well, it may be due to the yeast not being activated properly. Always check the expiration date on your yeast and ensure the water is warm but not too hot. Additionally, make sure to let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area.
Can I add herbs or cheese to the dough?
Absolutely! Adding herbs like rosemary or thyme can give your rolls a delightful flavor. For a cheesy twist, mix in shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella during the flour addition for a savory variation that pairs wonderfully with many dishes.
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).