Southern Refrigerator Rolls
Southern Refrigerator Rolls are soft, flaky, and slightly sweet yeast rolls that are perfect for breakfast or dinner, ideal for family gatherings or comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- To sweet milk, add sugar and shortening.
- Put the mixture in a saucepan and bring to boiling point; let cool until lukewarm.
- Add yeast which has been dissolved in the warm water.
- Stir in 6 cups of flour.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for 2 hours.
- Add 5 more cups of flour, salt, and baking powder, which have been sifted together.
- Grease the top of the dough and cover carefully with waxed paper.
- Place in refrigerator until needed.
- Allow 1 1/2 to 2 hours for final rising after rolls are in the pan.
- Bake in a moderate oven at 375°F for 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use high-quality shortening for a flakier texture. If you run out of sweet milk, you can substitute it with a mixture of regular milk and sugar, adjusting the sugar content accordingly. Make sure the water is warm, not hot, when dissolving the yeast to activate it properly. If your dough is too sticky, add flour gradually until the desired texture is reached.
Serving Suggestions
These Southern Refrigerator Rolls are perfect as a side dish for your favorite meals, especially with hearty dishes like fried chicken or pot roast. Serve them warm, brushed with melted butter for extra richness. They also pair beautifully with The Colonel'S Ketchup Gravy(It'S A Guy Thing!) for a comforting twist. For a lighter option, offer them alongside Fresh Fruit And Dip.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, place the rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This will help restore their original texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Refrigerator Rolls contains roughly 514 calories, with 3g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 476mg per serving (21% 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 instant yeast instead of active dry yeast for this recipe?
Yes, you can use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast. Simply mix it directly with the dry ingredients without dissolving it in water first. This can save time in the preparation process, as instant yeast works faster.
How can I tell when the dough has risen enough?
The dough is ready when it has doubled in size and feels light and airy to the touch. You can gently poke your finger in the dough; if the indentation remains, it’s risen sufficiently. Make sure to keep it in a warm environment to achieve the best results.
What should I do if my rolls come out dense?
If your rolls turn out dense, it may be due to insufficient rising time or too much flour in the dough. Ensure you measure flour correctly by spooning it into a measuring cup and leveling it off. Also, make sure the dough is given enough time to rise until it has doubled 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).