Small Family Rolls

Prep: 60 min Cook: 15 min Cuisine: American

Soft, fluffy family rolls with a light and tender crumb, perfect for breakfast or dinner, appealing to all ages and ideal for sharing at family gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 1 pkg dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 2 Tbsp shortening
  • 2 Tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 1/2 cups flour

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water.
  2. Stir in sugar, salt, and 1/2 of the flour.
  3. Beat until smooth.
  4. Add shortening.
  5. Beat in remaining flour; stir until smooth.
  6. Let rise in a warm place until double in size or set in a pan of hot water about 45 minutes.
  7. Bake at 400° F for 15 to 20 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, ensure your water is warm but not hot, about 110°F, to properly activate the yeast. If you don't have shortening, you can use butter or margarine as a substitute. To add flavor, consider mixing in herbs or garlic powder to the dough. This recipe is versatile, perfect for accompanying dishes like Mom'S Barbecue Chicken or served with soups.

Serving Suggestions

These rolls are best served warm and can be enjoyed with butter or olive oil. They pair wonderfully with hearty soups or stews and can also complement a salad. Consider serving them alongside dishes like Layered Hot Fruit Salad for a complete meal experience, or use them to soak up savory sauces.

Storage & Reheating

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

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Small Family Rolls contains roughly 607 calories, with 2g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1791mg per serving (78% of the Daily Value).

607 kcal 30% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.1g 4% DV
Total Fat 60.2g 77% DV
Carbs 17.8g 6% DV
Fiber 2.5g 9% DV
Sugar 0g

Electrolytes

Sodium 1791.2mg 78% DV
Potassium 158.1mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 18.2mg 20% DV
Calcium 15.8mg 1% DV
Iron 0.7mg 4% DV
Diet fit Low-carb
Contains 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 whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but you may need to adjust the liquid slightly as whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture. Start with 2 cups of whole wheat flour and add more as needed until the dough reaches the right consistency.

What if my rolls don’t rise?

If your rolls don’t rise, it could be due to inactive yeast or a cold environment. Ensure your yeast is fresh and dissolved in warm water. If your kitchen is cool, try placing the dough in a warm spot, such as near a preheating oven, to encourage rising.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, let it rise, then punch it down and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let the dough come to room temperature and rise again before shaping into rolls and baking.

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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