Water Rolls
Soft, fluffy water rolls with a subtle sweetness and tender crumb, perfect for breakfast or alongside hearty meals. Their light texture and simple ingredients make them a versatile choice for family dinners, picnics, or holiday gatherings, offering comfort and homemade goodness in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Work the first seven ingredients into a dough and add the rest of the flour.
- Place the dough in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Shape the dough into rolls and let them rise for 2 hours.
- Bake at 450°F until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your water is lukewarm, as too hot can kill the yeast. If you don’t have shortening, you can substitute with butter or margarine. Additionally, consider adding herbs or garlic to the dough for extra flavor. If you want a softer crust, brush the rolls with melted butter before baking.
Serving Suggestions
These water rolls are perfect alongside a hearty soup or stew, such as a beef stew or vegetable bisque. They make a great addition to any meal, especially during family gatherings. For a sweet treat, serve them with honey butter or alongside the World'S Best Sugar Cookie for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftover water rolls, allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or sealable bag. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the rolls in a single layer, then transfer to a bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Water Rolls contains roughly 304 calories, with 6g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (14% of the Daily Value), protein (12% of the Daily Value), and potassium (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1035mg per serving (45% 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 make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just shape the rolls and let them rise before baking. This is great for planning meals or for special occasions.
What can I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough isn't rising, it might be due to inactive yeast. Ensure your yeast is fresh and your water is the right temperature. If the dough still doesn't rise, try placing it in a warmer area, like an oven turned off with just the light on.
Can I add ingredients like cheese or herbs?
Absolutely! Adding shredded cheese or herbs like rosemary or thyme can enhance the flavor of your rolls. Just fold them in gently after the first rise for the best texture.
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).