Old-Time Rolls

Prep: 120 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Old-Time Rolls are soft, fluffy, and golden-brown bread rolls with a classic flavor, perfect for family dinners, picnics, or any comfort food occasion.

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Ingredients

  • 1 pkg. yeast
  • 1 c. warm water
  • 3 Tbsp. sugar
  • 3 Tbsp. shortening
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 egg
  • 3 c. flour

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water.
  2. Add sugar, shortening, salt, egg, and 1 cup of flour.
  3. Beat for 2 minutes.
  4. Add remaining 2 cups of flour and beat until dough crawls up beaters.
  5. Cover with a wet towel and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until double in bulk.
  6. Punch down the dough.
  7. Pour onto a floured board and knead until easy to handle.
  8. Shape as desired.
  9. Place in a pan and let rise for 1 hour.
  10. Bake at 400°F until brown.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, ensure the water temperature is around 110°F to activate the yeast properly. You can substitute the shortening with butter for a richer flavor. If you don't have all-purpose flour, bread flour can also be used for a chewier texture. Additionally, consider adding herbs or garlic powder to the dough for a twist. These rolls are fantastic when served warm alongside Marinated Beef Roast.

Serving Suggestions

These Old-Time Rolls are perfect as a side for soups and stews, or served with butter and jam for breakfast. They pair beautifully with Creamy Pecan Fudge for a sweet touch. Consider serving them alongside a fresh salad or as a base for sliders. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven for the best taste and texture.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the rolls in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Old-Time Rolls contains roughly 130 calories, with 3g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 771mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).

130 kcal 6% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.6g 5% DV
Total Fat 4.9g 6% DV
Carbs 19.7g 7% DV
Fiber 1.2g 4% DV
Sugar 0.1g

Electrolytes

Sodium 770.9mg 34% DV
Potassium 227.5mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 43mg 14% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 10.5mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 7.3mg 8% DV
Calcium 46.4mg 4% DV
Iron 0.6mg 4% DV
Diet fit Low-carb 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 make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise, then shape the rolls and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, allow them to come to room temperature and rise again before baking. This saves time on the day you want to serve them.

Why did my rolls not rise properly?

If your rolls did not rise, it could be due to inactive yeast. Always check the expiration date on your yeast package, and ensure the water temperature is warm but not hot, as excessive heat can kill the yeast. Also, make sure to give them enough time in a warm environment to rise.

Can I add additional flavors to the dough?

Absolutely! You can incorporate various ingredients such as cheese, herbs, or spices to enhance the flavor of your rolls. For example, adding garlic powder or dried herbs can create a savory version, while cinnamon can lend a sweet touch. Experiment to find your favorite combination.

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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