Refrigerator Yeast Rolls(Southern Living)

Prep: 15 min Cuisine: American

Refrigerator yeast rolls are soft, fluffy, and buttery, perfect for breakfast or alongside a hearty meal. The yeast-based dough develops flavor overnight, making them convenient and delicious. Ideal for family gatherings, picnics, or everyday dinners that call for warm, homemade bread.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 package dry yeast
  • 5 cups all-purpose flour, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened

Instructions

  1. Combine milk, shortening, and sugar in a saucepan.
  2. Heat until the shortening melts.
  3. Cool the mixture to 105° to 115°F.
  4. Place yeast in a large bowl.
  5. Add the cooled milk mixture and let stand for 5 minutes.
  6. Stir in 3 cups of flour.
  7. Cover and let stand at room temperature for 1 1/2 hours.
  8. Add the remaining 2 cups of flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, stirring well.
  9. Cover tightly and refrigerate for 8 hours or up to 5 days.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, make sure the milk mixture is cooled properly before adding the yeast, as high temperatures can kill the yeast. If you don’t have shortening, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsalted butter. If you want to add a bit of flavor, consider mixing in herbs or garlic powder to the dough.

Serving Suggestions

These rolls are perfect as a side for any meal, especially with dishes like Lime-Cheese Congealed Salad or with butter and jam for breakfast. Serve them warm right out of the oven, or alongside soups and stews. They also make great sliders if you’re looking for a fun twist.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Refrigerator Yeast Rolls(Southern Living) contains roughly 1487 calories, with 34g protein, 259g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (85% of the Daily Value), protein (67% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).

1487 kcal 74% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 33.7g 67% DV
Total Fat 34.6g 44% DV
Carbs 259.1g 94% DV
Fiber 13.4g 48% DV
Sugar 1.1g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 3000mg 100% DV
Potassium 633.4mg 13% DV
Cholesterol 3.8mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1.2mcg
Vitamin C 43.7mg 49% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 342.3mg 26% DV
Iron 15.2mg 85% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk 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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Just keep in mind that the texture may be denser, so you might want to start with a 50/50 blend and adjust from there.

How can I tell if my yeast is still active?

To check if your yeast is active, mix it with warm water and a bit of sugar. If it bubbles and foams after a few minutes, it’s good to use. If not, you may need to buy fresh yeast.

Can I make these rolls without refrigeration?

Yes, if you prefer a quicker method, you can skip the refrigeration step. However, refrigerating the dough develops the flavor and makes the rolls lighter. If you skip it, allow the dough to rise in a warm place until it doubles in size.

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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