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–+ servings
Ice Box Rolls
Ice Box Rolls were a beloved staple in mid-20th-century Southern kitchens, offering the convenience of overnight dough paired with the irresistible warmth of homemade bread. This 1944 recipe from Cubia, North Carolina, incorporates mashed potatoes to yield incredibly soft and fluffy rolls. Perfect for holidays or Sunday dinners, these rolls rise slowly in the fridge and bake up golden and tender. With a subtle sweetness and a light, airy interior, they’re ideal for slathering with butter or pairing with hearty meals.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Rising Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 45 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American, Southern
Servings 24 rolls
Calories 165 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup potatoes (mashed, plain, no seasoning)
  • ½ cup lard (or substitute with unsalted butter)
  • ⅓ cup sugar
  • 1 cup milk (scalded )
  • 1 cake yeast (or 2¼ tsp active dry yeast)
  • 2 eggs (separated)
  • ½ cup lukewarm water
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 quart flour (approx. 4 cups)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

  • Boil and mash the potatoes until smooth. Set aside 1 cup.

Step 2: Mix Base Ingredients

  • Cream together the mashed potatoes, lard, and sugar until light.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Salt

  • Beat the egg yolks separately. Add them to the mixture.
  • Beat egg whites until stiff and fold in.
  • Add salt.

Step 4: Incorporate Scalded Milk

  • Scald the milk, then let it cool before adding it to the mixture.

Step 5: Activate Yeast

  • Dissolve the yeast cake in ½ cup lukewarm water. Let it bloom, then add to the bowl.

Step 6: Add Flour Gradually

  • Beat in flour a little at a time until dough forms.

Step 7: Knead and Chill Dough

  • Turn dough onto a floured board. Knead until smooth.
  • Place in a greased bowl and refrigerate overnight or until doubled.

Step 8: Shape Rolls and Rise

  • Shape into rolls and place in greased muffin tins or a baking sheet.
  • Let rise until doubled in bulk.

Step 9: Bake

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Bake rolls for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Tips

  • Let the dough chill overnight for the best flavor and texture
  • Bring dough to room temperature before shaping for easier handling
  • Brush rolls with melted butter immediately after baking for a soft crust
  • Substitute mashed potatoes with potato flakes if needed
  • Shape into cloverleaf or pan rolls for variety
  • Add a pinch of nutmeg for a subtle vintage bakery note
  • Use bread flour for slightly chewier rolls
  • These rolls freeze well after baking
  • Excellent served with holiday meals or Sunday dinner

Nutrition

Calories: 165kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 4gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.8gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.4gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 145mgPotassium: 85mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 160IUVitamin C: 1.5mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 1.3mg
Keyword comfort food, family recipe, heirloom, homemade bread, overnight dough, vintage, yeast rolls
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