Small Dinner Rolls
Soft, warm dinner rolls with a light, fluffy texture and subtle sweetness, perfect for family meals, picnics, or holiday dinners, appealing to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water.
- Stir in sugar, salt, and half the flour.
- Beat until smooth.
- Add egg and shortening.
- Beat in remaining flour until smooth.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a paddle scraper.
- Seal and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a pastry sheet.
- Shape into rolls and let rise again.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For softer rolls, consider using butter instead of shortening for a richer flavor. If you don’t have active dry yeast, you can substitute with instant yeast by adding it directly to the flour. Make sure your water is warm but not hot, as too much heat can kill the yeast. For added flavor, try mixing herbs into the dough.
Serving Suggestions
These small dinner rolls are perfect alongside a hearty soup or stew, such as Jean Leflar's Corn Cheese Casserole. Serve them warm with butter or use them to mop up sauces. For a complete meal, pair with a fresh salad like Simply Apple Salad for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer bag for up to three months. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or microwave for 15-20 seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Small Dinner Rolls contains roughly 213 calories, with 1g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 604mg per serving (26% 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 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.
What if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it may be due to expired yeast or water that was too hot or too cold. Always check the yeast's expiration date and use water around 110°F (43°C) for optimal activation.
Can I add ingredients like cheese or herbs?
Absolutely! Adding shredded cheese or herbs such as rosemary or thyme can enhance the flavor of your rolls. Just fold them in gently after mixing the dough and before the first rise.
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).