Old Fashioned Yeast Rolls

Prep: 30 min Cook: 25 min Serves: 48 Cuisine: American

Old Fashioned Yeast Rolls are soft, buttery, and fluffy, perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings, offering a classic, comforting bread experience with a hint of sweetness.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup shortening
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 6 cups plain flour
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 2 packets dry yeast
  • 2 eggs

Instructions

  1. Cream together the shortening and sugar.
  2. Add 1 cup of hot water; set aside.
  3. Dissolve yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar in the warm water; add to the creamed mixture when cooled.
  4. Add the eggs and the flour, mixing well with a bread hook on a mixer or a big spoon. The dough will look elastic and smooth.
  5. Scrape sides of the bowl. Cover with Saran Wrap, then cover with a dish towel.
  6. Let rise until double in bulk.
  7. Push your finger in it; if it comes out clean, stir with a spoon.
  8. Refrigerate until ready to make into bread of choice (loaf, Parker House rolls, etc.).
  9. Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes, or until brown.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, ensure your water temperatures are precise; hot water should be around 120°F and warm water about 100°F. If you don’t have shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of butter or margarine. Allow the dough to rise in a warm spot for optimal yeast activity. Don’t skip the resting time in the refrigerator if you want to shape the rolls later.

Serving Suggestions

These yeast rolls are perfect served warm with butter or honey. They pair beautifully with hearty dishes like Pork Chops By Tony or are delightful as a side to a comforting soup or stew. For a complete meal, serve alongside a light salad, such as Stardust Salad, to balance the richness.

Storage & Reheating

Once baked, store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap in foil and bake at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This keeps them soft and fresh.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Old Fashioned Yeast Rolls contains roughly 84 calories, with 1g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 5g fat.

84 kcal 4% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.9g 2% DV
Total Fat 5.4g 7% DV
Carbs 8.3g 3% DV
Fiber 0.4g 1% DV
Sugar 0g

Electrolytes

Sodium 174.6mg 8% DV
Potassium 52.1mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 12.9mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 3.2mcg
Vitamin C 1.8mg 2% DV
Calcium 16.5mg 1% DV
Iron 0.3mg 2% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly Under 400 cal
Contains 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 dry yeast for this recipe?

Yes, you can use instant yeast. Simply mix it directly with the flour instead of dissolving it in water. This can save you some time, but the flavor might be slightly different. Adjust the rising time as instant yeast can act faster.

What if my dough doesn't rise?

If your dough doesn't rise, it could be due to inactive yeast. Ensure your yeast is fresh and check the water temperature; it shouldn't be too hot or too cold. Try placing the bowl in a warmer area or near a warm oven to encourage rising.

How can I make these rolls more flavorful?

To enhance flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of garlic powder or herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough. You can also brush the rolls with melted butter and sprinkle with sea salt after baking for added depth. These tweaks will elevate your rolls significantly.

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).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →