Easy Yeast Rolls

Easy Yeast Rolls Recipe - Soft, Fluffy, and Delicious | Best Homemade Yeast Rolls

Preparation time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Cooking time: 15-18 minutes | Servings: 36 rolls

Introduction

Yeast rolls are a classic and delicious addition to any meal. These fluffy and buttery rolls are perfect for serving alongside soups, salads, or as a side dish for your favorite main course. In this recipe, we will show you how to make easy yeast rolls that are sure to impress your family and friends.

History

Yeast rolls have been a staple in American cuisine for centuries. The use of yeast in bread-making dates back to ancient times, with evidence of leavened bread dating back to ancient Egypt. The process of using yeast to make bread was perfected over time, leading to the fluffy and light rolls that we enjoy today.

Ingredients

2 envelopes of active dry yeast (0.25 oz (7 g))
0.5 cup of warm milk (100°F (38°C) – 110°F)
1 cup of milk
0.5 cup of sugar
0.5 cup of melted shortening
2 large eggs (beaten)
1 tsp of salt
5.5 cups of all-purpose flour
0.5 cup of melted butter (divided)

How to prepare

Combine 0.5 cup of warm milk and yeast in a 2 cup liquid measuring cup; let it stand for 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine the yeast mixture, 1 cup of milk, sugar, and the next 3 ingredients.
Gradually add 1 cup of flour, stirring until smooth.
Gradually stir in enough remaining flour to make a soft dough.
Place the dough in a well-greased bowl, turning it to grease the top of the dough.
Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place (85°F (29°C)), free from drafts, for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it 5 or 6 times.
Divide the dough in half.
On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion of dough to a thickness of 0.25 inches.
Cut the dough with a 2-inch round cutter.
Brush the rounds evenly with 0.25 cup of melted butter, and fold them in half.
Place the rolls in 3 lightly greased 9-inch round cake pans.
Cover the pans and let the rolls rise in a warm place (85°F (29°C)), free from drafts, for 1 hour or until they double in size.
Bake the rolls at 375°F (191°C) for 15 to 18 minutes or until they turn golden.
Brush the rolls with the remaining 0.25 cup of melted butter.

Variations

Add herbs such as rosemary or thyme to the dough for a savory twist.
Sprinkle the rolls with sesame seeds or poppy seeds before baking for added flavor and texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure your yeast is fresh and active before using it in this recipe. If your yeast does not foam when mixed with warm milk, it may be expired.

- Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic to ensure that the rolls turn out light and fluffy.

- Allow the rolls to rise in a warm, draft-free place to ensure that they double in size.

- Brushing the rolls with melted butter before and after baking will give them a delicious golden crust.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these yeast rolls warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey for a delicious treat.

Cooking Techniques

Kneading the dough until smooth and elastic is key to achieving light and fluffy rolls.

- Allowing the rolls to rise in a warm, draft-free place will ensure that they double in size.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute vegetable oil for the melted shortening in this recipe.

- If you don't have active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast instead.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough for these yeast rolls ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Simply let the dough come to room temperature before shaping and baking the rolls.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the warm yeast rolls in a basket lined with a cloth napkin for a rustic and inviting presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

These yeast rolls pair well with soups, stews, salads, and roasted meats.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover yeast rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap the rolls in foil and warm them in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 10 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of these yeast rolls contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of these yeast rolls contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of these yeast rolls contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of these yeast rolls contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

These yeast rolls are a good source of iron and calcium.

Alergens

These yeast rolls contain dairy and wheat allergens.

Summary

These yeast rolls are a delicious and satisfying addition to any meal, providing a good source of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, iron, and calcium.

Summary

These easy yeast rolls are a delicious and versatile addition to any meal. With a fluffy texture and buttery flavor, these rolls are sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy them warm with butter or honey for a comforting treat.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Easy Yeast Rolls. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl learning the ways of the kitchen from my own grandmother. She was a wonderful cook, always whipping up delicious meals and treats for our family to enjoy. I remember watching her as she kneaded dough, rolled out pie crusts, and simmered sauces on the stove. I was captivated by the way she moved with such ease and confidence in the kitchen.

One day, as I was rummaging through her old recipe box, I came across a faded index card with the words "Easy Yeast Rolls" scrawled across the top. Intrigued, I asked my grandmother about the recipe and she smiled warmly, telling me that it was one of her favorites to make. She explained that the rolls were light and fluffy, with a slightly sweet flavor that made them perfect for any meal.

With a twinkle in her eye, she began to recount the story of how she had come to learn the recipe. It all started many years ago, when she was a newlywed living in a small town in the countryside. She had befriended an elderly neighbor who was known for her incredible baking skills. This neighbor, Mrs. Jenkins, took my grandmother under her wing and taught her the secrets of making the perfect yeast rolls.

Mrs. Jenkins was a kind and patient teacher, guiding my grandmother through each step of the process. She showed her how to proof the yeast, mix the dough, and shape the rolls before baking them to golden perfection. My grandmother listened intently, soaking up every bit of knowledge that Mrs. Jenkins imparted.

As she finished her story, my grandmother handed me the faded index card with the recipe written out in her elegant handwriting. She urged me to give it a try, promising that the rolls would turn out just as delicious as when Mrs. Jenkins made them all those years ago.

Excited to test out the recipe, I gathered the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen. I followed the instructions carefully, just as my grandmother had taught me. I proofed the yeast until it was frothy, mixed in the flour and sugar, and kneaded the dough until it was smooth and elastic. The sweet aroma of freshly baked bread filled the air as the rolls rose in the warm oven.

When the timer dinged, I eagerly pulled the rolls out of the oven and marveled at how perfectly they had turned out. They were soft and pillowy, with a beautiful golden crust that glistened in the light. I couldn't wait to taste them, so I tore off a piece and took a bite.

The flavor was incredible - slightly sweet with a hint of buttery richness. The texture was light and airy, just as my grandmother had promised. I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen, passed down through the generations just like Mrs. Jenkins had done for my grandmother.

As I sat down to enjoy a warm roll slathered with butter, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the women who had taught me the art of baking. Their knowledge and passion had been passed down to me, allowing me to create delicious meals and treats for my own family to enjoy.

And so, I continue to make Easy Yeast Rolls, each batch just as perfect as the last. I know that Mrs. Jenkins and my grandmother would be proud to see me carrying on their legacy, sharing the love and joy of cooking with those around me. As I take a bite of a freshly baked roll, I am reminded of the bond that food can create between generations, bridging the gap between past and present in a deliciously satisfying way.