Versatile Rolls

Prep: 30 min Cook: 40 min Serves: 60 Cuisine: American

Soft, fluffy rolls with a mild, yeasty flavor perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, or side dishes. Suitable for all occasions and versatile in serving options.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups milk
  • 5 tablespoons salt
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 cakes compressed yeast
  • 1/4 cup water at 85°F
  • 8 to 10 cups flour

Instructions

  1. Scald the milk and let it cool to about 85°F.
  2. Add salt and sugar to the milk and stir to dissolve.
  3. Dissolve the compressed yeast in 1/4 cup water at 85°F.
  4. Combine the milk mixture and yeast mixture and mix until smooth.
  5. Gradually add 8 to 10 cups of flour, mixing after each addition.
  6. Knead the dough well and let it rise until doubled in bulk, covered.
  7. Shape the dough into rolls as desired.
  8. Allow the rolls to rise in covered pans until doubled in size.
  9. Bake in a preheated oven at 275°F for about 40 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of butter to the milk mixture. If you don't have compressed yeast, you can substitute with active dry yeast; use about 2 1/4 teaspoons. For a fun twist, try adding herbs or cheese to the dough for a savory variation, similar to Pretzel Rolls.

Serving Suggestions

These versatile rolls are perfect for any meal; serve them warm with butter or alongside soups and stews. They also make excellent sliders for sandwiches. For a delightful dessert pairing, serve with Pear `N' Apple Cobbler for a sweet finish.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a zip-top bag. To reheat, wrap them in aluminum foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or microwave for 15-20 seconds.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Versatile Rolls contains roughly 285 calories, with 12g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (51% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and protein (24% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2817mg per serving (122% of the Daily Value).

285 kcal 14% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 12.2g 24% DV
Total Fat 2.4g 3% DV
Carbs 56.8g 21% DV
Fiber 7.7g 28% DV
Sugar 7.4g 15% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2817.2mg 100% DV
Potassium 980.9mg 21% DV
Cholesterol 0.9mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 28.2mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 45.9mg 51% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 1% DV
Calcium 114.2mg 9% DV
Iron 3.5mg 20% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk 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 these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise. After shaping, cover the rolls and refrigerate them overnight. The next day, let them come to room temperature and rise before baking.

What if my dough isn't rising?

Make sure your yeast is fresh and the milk is at the correct temperature (about 85°F). If the dough isn't rising, it may be too cold; try placing it in a warm, draft-free area.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for part of the all-purpose flour, but start with a 50/50 mix to maintain texture. Whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid, so you may need to adjust the milk slightly.

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).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →