SOUTHERN ROADHOUSE ROLLS

Indulge in Southern Comfort: Roadhouse Rolls Recipe

Embark on a culinary journey through the heart of the South with this delightful recipe for Southern Roadhouse Rolls. These soft, pillowy rolls are a beloved staple of Southern cuisine, often enjoyed at family gatherings, holiday feasts, and alongside hearty comfort food. With their buttery flavor and irresistible texture, these rolls are sure to become a cherished favorite in your home. Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into the art of baking these Southern delicacies.

Ingredients

• 4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 7 cups flour
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 3 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the milk until it is warm but not boiling. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar until dissolved.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine 6 cups of flour, eggs, salt, melted butter, activated yeast mixture, and warm milk mixture.
4. Mix the ingredients together until a sticky dough forms.
5. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for 5-7 minutes, adding additional flour as needed until the dough is smooth and elastic.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
7. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 24 equal-sized pieces.
8. Shape each piece of dough into a round ball and place them in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spacing them evenly apart.
9. Cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until puffed and doubled in size.
10. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
11. Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
12. Remove the rolls from the oven and brush them with melted butter while still warm.
13. Serve the rolls hot and enjoy their soft, buttery goodness.

Cook Notes and Variations

• For extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of garlic powder or dried herbs such as rosemary or thyme to the dough.
• To make the rolls sweeter, you can increase the amount of sugar in the dough or sprinkle sugar on top of the rolls before baking.
• For a softer crust, you can brush the rolls with melted butter immediately after removing them from the oven.

Keto and Low Carb Versions

For those following a keto or low carb lifestyle, here’s how to adapt this recipe:

• Substitute almond flour or coconut flour for the all-purpose flour to reduce the carb content.
• Use a sugar-free sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener in place of sugar.
• Instead of traditional milk, use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk to further reduce the carb count.
• Replace the warm water with warm unsweetened almond milk or warm water with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar for a dairy-free keto option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I freeze the dough for later use? Yes, you can freeze the dough after shaping it into rolls. Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the rolls to a freezer bag or airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let the rolls thaw and rise in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
2. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast? Yes, you can use instant yeast in place of active dry yeast in this recipe. However, you may not need to let the instant yeast activate in warm water before adding it to the dough. Simply mix the instant yeast directly into the dry ingredients and proceed with the recipe as directed.
3. How long do the rolls stay fresh? These rolls are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are baked. However, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, wrap the rolls in aluminum foil and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
4. Can I make smaller or larger rolls? Yes, you can adjust the size of the rolls to your preference. For smaller rolls, divide the dough into more pieces and adjust the baking time accordingly. For larger rolls, divide the dough into fewer pieces and bake them for slightly longer.
5. Can I add toppings to the rolls? Absolutely! You can brush the rolls with melted butter and sprinkle them with sea salt, sesame seeds, or shredded cheese before baking for added flavor and texture.

Southern Roadhouse Rolls are a quintessential part of Southern cuisine, cherished for their soft, buttery texture and comforting aroma. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these rolls are a delightful addition to any meal or gathering. Whether served alongside fried chicken, barbecue ribs, or a bowl of soup, these rolls are sure to impress with their homemade goodness. So gather your ingredients and enjoy the warm embrace of Southern hospitality with these irresistible rolls.