Thelma'S Light Rolls

Prep: 120 min Cook: 35 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Light, fluffy rolls with tender texture, subtly sweet flavor from potatoes and sugar, perfect for breakfast, dinner sides, or special occasions, appealing to all bread lovers.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup mashed potatoes
  • 1 cup milk, heated then cooled
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 cake yeast
  • 1 1/2 cups shortening
  • 2 cups flour

Instructions

  1. Mix mashed potatoes, heated then cooled milk, salt, egg, sugar, and yeast together.
  2. Add flour gradually to the mixture and knead until a soft dough forms.
  3. Let the dough rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  4. Punch down the dough and knead again.
  5. Let the dough rise a second time until doubled, about 45 minutes.
  6. Cover the dough with a warm wet towel and roll it out on a floured surface.
  7. Cut the rolled dough into individual rolls.
  8. Place the rolls on a baking pan and let them rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
  9. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, make sure your mashed potatoes are smooth and lump-free. You can substitute the shortening with unsalted butter for a richer flavor, or use coconut oil for a dairy-free option. If you don't have cake yeast, you can use active dry yeast; dissolve it in warm water before mixing it in. Ensure to knead the dough well for optimal rise.

Serving Suggestions

These light rolls are perfect for serving alongside a hearty soup or stew, especially with Bread Bowl Spinach Dip. They also make a delightful addition to any holiday meal. Try pairing them with honey butter for a sweet touch or serve them as a side for your favorite American recipes.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap them in aluminum foil and place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze the rolls in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Thelma'S Light Rolls contains roughly 393 calories, with 6g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is a good source of iron (16% of the Daily Value), calcium (13% of the Daily Value), and potassium (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 735mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).

393 kcal 20% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.6g 11% DV
Total Fat 15.5g 20% DV
Carbs 58.2g 21% DV
Fiber 1.6g 6% DV
Sugar 13.9g 28% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 735.1mg 32% DV
Potassium 543.1mg 12% DV
Cholesterol 53.4mg 18% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 69mcg 8% DV
Vitamin C 10mg 11% DV
Vitamin D 0.5mcg 3% DV
Calcium 174.5mg 13% DV
Iron 2.9mg 16% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Egg 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 make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After the first rise, cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you're ready, allow the dough to come to room temperature and complete the second rise before baking.

What if my dough doesn't rise?

If your dough doesn't rise, it may be due to expired yeast or not enough warmth. Ensure your yeast is fresh and proofed correctly. If the kitchen is too cool, try placing the dough in a warm spot or near a heat source to encourage rising.

Can I add herbs or spices to the dough?

Absolutely! Feel free to add herbs like rosemary or thyme, or spices such as garlic powder or onion powder to the dough for extra flavor. This can elevate your rolls and make them even more versatile for various meals.

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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