Overnight Refrigerator Rolls
Soft, buttery overnight refrigerator rolls with a hint of sweetness, perfect for breakfast or dinner gatherings, easily prepared ahead for fresh, warm bread anytime.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soften yeast in warm water (105~ to 115~).
- Add shortening, sugar, eggs, 4 cups of flour, and salt to the yeast mixture.
- Stir, then beat until smooth, about 1 minute.
- Stir in remaining flour, using your hands if necessary to work in the last 2 cups.
- This will form a soft dough.
- Cover tightly and store in refrigerator overnight or until needed.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of these rolls, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg to the dough. If you don't have shortening, unsalted butter can be substituted for a richer taste. Ensure your water temperature is accurate; too hot can kill the yeast, while too cold will not activate it properly. For extra fluffy rolls, allow them to rise after shaping before refrigerating.
Serving Suggestions
These Overnight Refrigerator Rolls are perfect for breakfast or brunch and pair beautifully with butter and homemade jams. For a complete meal, serve alongside a hearty soup or salad. You can also use them as slider buns for mini sandwiches, adding versatility to your dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Once baked, store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the rolls in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or microwave for 15-20 seconds until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Overnight Refrigerator Rolls contains roughly 1488 calories, with 29g protein, 231g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (64% of the Daily Value), protein (58% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1354mg per serving (59% 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 quick-acting dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute active dry yeast for quick-acting yeast. However, active dry yeast requires proofing in warm water before adding it to the ingredients. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy before mixing with other ingredients.
How do I know when the dough is ready?
The dough is ready when it has doubled in size and feels soft and pliable. A good test is to poke the dough; if it springs back slowly, it's ready for the next step. If it doesn't spring back, give it more time to rise.
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! The beauty of Overnight Refrigerator Rolls is that you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator. Just shape the rolls in the morning and bake them fresh for breakfast or brunch.
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).