Pat Cary'S Refrigerator Rolls
Soft, fluffy refrigerator rolls with a slightly sweet flavor, perfect for breakfast or dinner. Their convenient make-ahead process makes them ideal for busy households, and they pair well with butter, jam, or savory dishes. These versatile rolls stay fresh for days when refrigerated, offering warm, homemade goodness anytime.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour boiling water over salt, sugar, and shortening. Stir and let cool.
- Add yeast to lukewarm water; let sit until frothy.
- Combine yeast mixture and egg into the cooled mixture.
- Stir in flour to make a soft dough.
- Rub the top with solid shortening.
- Cover loosely and refrigerate for 3 to 4 days.
- When ready to bake, take out about 2 hours before use.
- Make into rolls and let rise.
- Bake at 450°F until browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter roll, ensure your dough is soft but not sticky by adjusting flour as needed. If you don't have solid shortening, unsalted butter can be used as a substitute. Make sure to let the yeast sit until frothy to ensure it activates properly. For variations, consider adding herbs or cheese to the dough for added flavor. These rolls pair beautifully with Quick Crisp Lemon Cookies.
Serving Suggestions
These refrigerator rolls are perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings. Serve them warm with butter or alongside hearty soups and stews. They also pair nicely with Log Cabin Dessert for a sweet finish or can be used to mop up sauces from your main dishes. Consider serving them with a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, wrap rolls in foil and place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, ensuring they stay soft and warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pat Cary'S Refrigerator Rolls contains roughly 306 calories, with 9g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of protein (18% of the Daily Value) and iron (17% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1008mg per serving (44% 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 freeze the dough or the baked rolls?
Yes, you can freeze the dough before it rises or the baked rolls. For the dough, shape it into rolls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. For baked rolls, let them cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it may be due to inactive yeast. Make sure your lukewarm water isn’t too hot (should feel warm to the touch) when activating the yeast. Also, ensure your dough is kept in a warm, draft-free area. If it still doesn’t rise, consider using fresh yeast or checking the expiration date of your yeast package.
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! The beauty of refrigerator rolls is that they can be made ahead. After mixing the dough, refrigerate it for 3 to 4 days. When ready to bake, simply shape the rolls and let them rise before baking. This makes them an excellent option for meal prep or holiday entertaining.
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).