Vera Jones' Easy Refrigerator Rolls
Soft, fluffy refrigerator rolls with a hint of sweetness, perfect for breakfast or dinner. Easy to prepare and store, making them ideal for busy families and gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water.
- Add salt, sugar, shortening, and half the flour to the yeast mixture.
- Beat vigorously until smooth.
- Mix in the remaining flour.
- Knead on a floured board until smooth.
- Place the dough, greased side up, in a greased bowl.
- Cover with a damp cloth.
- Place in refrigerator and use within 48 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure the water is warm but not hot, around 110°F. If you don't have soft shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of unsalted butter or margarine. If you're short on time, you can skip the refrigeration step and allow the dough to rise in a warm place until doubled in size, which may take about an hour. These rolls can also be made ahead and frozen after baking.
Serving Suggestions
These rolls are perfect as a side for soups and stews, or served alongside dishes like Ham-Stuffed Bell Peppers. You can brush them with melted butter before serving for added richness. For a delightful twist, consider making mini sandwiches with your favorite fillings or serving them with a spread like homemade garlic butter.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. To reheat, wrap the rolls in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. This will help retain their softness and freshness, making them delightful for any meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vera Jones' Easy Refrigerator Rolls contains roughly 470 calories, with 7g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is a good source of protein (15% of the Daily Value), calcium (14% of the Daily Value), and iron (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1916mg per serving (83% 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?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast in this recipe. Use the same amount, but there's no need to dissolve it in warm water first. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients for a quicker preparation.
What happens if I let the dough rise too long in the refrigerator?
If the dough rises too long in the refrigerator, it may over-proof and lose its ability to rise properly when baked. Ideally, use the dough within 48 hours. If you notice it has risen significantly before baking, shape it and bake it sooner rather than later.
Can I add herbs or cheese to the dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate herbs like rosemary or thyme, or add shredded cheese to the dough for extra flavor. Just be mindful to adjust the flour slightly if the dough becomes too wet from the additional ingredients.
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).