I’ve never understood people who claim they don’t like bread. What’s not to love about soft, doughy, carb-filled goodness? One of my favorite parts of holiday dinners is the fresh rolls served straight out of the oven. Growing up, my grandmother always made perfect, super soft, and fluffy rolls that we would all fight over. With the holidays right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to share a recipe for these old-school, Southern-inspired yeast rolls.
Directions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Warm up 1/4 cup of milk. Mix the warm milk, yeast, and a dash of sugar. When the mixture becomes fizzy and puffy after a few minutes, it’s ready.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt. Slowly add the rest of the milk, softened butter, yeast mixture, and one egg. Mix until well blended.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rest
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set aside for 15 minutes.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Knead the dough by hand on a floured surface until it forms an elastic consistency, or use a dough hook and electric mixer on speed two for 8-10 minutes.
Step 5: First Rise
Once the dough is the right consistency, add cooking oil to the bowl, put the dough back in, and cover with plastic wrap. Let it rise for one hour.
Step 6: Shape the Rolls
Grease a rectangular baking pan. Punch down the dough, then separate it into individual balls, about three tablespoons each. Place the balls in the pan, ensuring they aren’t too crowded. Cover and let rise for one hour.
Step 7: Bake the Rolls
Beat the remaining egg and brush it over the tops of the dough balls. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes at 350°F, or until golden brown. When done, place on a wire rack to cool.
Now you’re ready to slather them with butter and dig in. Instead of buying rolls from the grocery store this Thanksgiving or Christmas, I’m definitely trying this nostalgic recipe.
