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–+ servings
Hot Rolls
These homemade hot rolls are a treasured staple of American comfort food, often passed down through generations via handwritten recipe cards. Originating in early 20th-century kitchens, these yeast-based rolls reflect the simplicity and heartiness of rural American baking. Commonly served during holidays or Sunday dinners, they are known for their fluffy interiors and golden crusts. Their rise in popularity coincided with the wider availability of commercial yeast, enabling home bakers to create soft, warm rolls to accompany meats, stews, or jams. This recipe offers a nostalgic taste of homemade hospitality, perfect for modern gatherings or everyday meals.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Rising Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 32 minutes
Course bread
Cuisine American
Servings 16 rolls
Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup milk
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp shortening
  • 1 yeast cake (or 1 packet active dry yeast)
  • ¼ cup water (lukewarm )
  • 3 to 6 cups flour

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Milk Mixture

  • Scald the milk (heat until just before boiling).
  • Add salt, sugar, and shortening.
  • Let the mixture cool until lukewarm.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

  • Soften yeast cake in ¼ cup lukewarm water.

Step 3: Mix the Dough

  • Add the yeast mixture to the lukewarm milk mixture.
  • Gradually add flour, mixing until a stiff dough forms.
  • Beat well.

Step 4: Knead and First Rise

  • Turn dough onto a floured board.
  • Knead until smooth.
  • Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size.

Step 5: Second Rise

  • Punch down the dough.
  • Let rise again until light.

Step 6: Shape and Final Rise

  • Shape into rolls.
  • Let rise until doubled.

Step 7: Bake

  • Preheat oven to 375°–400°F.
  • Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden brown.

Tips

  • Substitute melted butter for shortening for a richer flavor.
  • Brush tops with melted butter immediately after baking.
  • Add 1 beaten egg to dough for extra tenderness.
  • Use whole wheat flour for a heartier version.

Nutrition

Calories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 5gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 170mgPotassium: 60mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 70IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 1.2mg
Keyword applesauce bread, classic comfort food, family favorite, homemade, rolls, sunday dinner, vintage recipe, yeast rolls
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