Surprise Rolls
A fluffy, mild roll with subtle cottage cheese flavor, perfect for brunch or as a side for soups—soft, slightly sweet, and delightfully easy to make.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in very warm water.
- Warm cottage cheese in a saucepan or microwave.
- Add cottage cheese, sugar, salt, soda, beaten egg, and 1/2 cup flour to the yeast mixture.
- Beat for 2 minutes with a wooden spoon or mixer.
- Turn dough onto a floured board.
- Knead for 10 minutes.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat all sides.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1½ hours.
- Punch down the dough.
- Divide dough into 12 equal parts.
- Shape each part into a ball.
- Place balls in a 9‑inch round baking pan sprayed with vegetable pan spray.
- Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure that the water used to dissolve the yeast is warm but not too hot, as high temperatures can kill the yeast. You can substitute low-fat cottage cheese with ricotta for a creamier texture. If you want to add flavor, consider incorporating herbs or spices like garlic powder or onion powder into the dough. These rolls can be made ahead and frozen before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Surprise Rolls are delightful on their own or served alongside soups and salads. They pair beautifully with Cilantro-Lime Potatoes for a flavorful meal. Consider slathering them with butter or dipping them in marinara sauce for added flavor. These rolls could also be offered at brunch, complementing dishes like Soft Ginger Drops or a light fruit salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Surprise Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To extend their freshness, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. They can also be microwaved for 15-20 seconds each.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Surprise Rolls contains roughly 113 calories, with 6g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of protein (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 978mg per serving (43% 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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but it may result in denser rolls. Start by replacing half of the flour with whole wheat and adjust the moisture if needed. Whole wheat flour adds nutritional value and a nutty flavor, making the rolls even healthier.
What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it could be due to inactive yeast. Ensure your yeast is fresh by checking its expiration date. Additionally, the environment should be warm; if it's too cold, find a warmer spot or preheat your oven for a minute, then turn it off and place the dough inside to rise.
Can I add fillings to the Surprise Rolls?
Absolutely! You can add cheese, herbs, or even cooked meats to the center of the rolls before shaping them into balls. Just be sure not to overfill, as this can affect the rising process. Experiment with different fillings for a unique twist on this classic recipe!
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).