Freeze and Bake Dinner Rolls
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These freeze and bake dinner rolls will be the perfect solution for your Thanksgiving dinner this year. The prep for these rolls is done ahead of time. You will par-bake them and then freeze them.
To enjoy these freeze-and-bake dinner rolls, you cook them from frozen for about 8 minutes. Then, you have freshly baked warm rolls to enjoy. Think of these as like good old brown-and-serve dinner rolls back in the day. If you have ever made Sister Shubert’s frozen rolls before, they are very similar to those.
These rolls are on the smaller side, but I think they are the perfect size for Thanksgiving. This recipe makes 24 rolls. If you want them bigger, just divide the dough into 18 or 12 instead of 24.
Ingredients to make Freeze and Bake Dinner Rolls
- ACTIVE DRY YEAST – you can use instant yeast instead. If so there is no need to add it to the water and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- SUGAR – This adds sweetness to the rolls and feeds to yeast.
- MILK – I use skim. However, the higher fat content of the milk the more rich the roll will be.
- CANOLA OIL – You could also use vegetable oil if you prefer.
- SALT
- FLOUR – I just use all-purpose flour. For a heartier roll, you could use half wheat flour and half all-purpose flour.
- BUTTER – I just use salted butter.
You can double this recipe, too, if you have a big enough mixer to handle that amount of dough like a Bosch. I use my Kitchen Aid mixer to make this recipe.
How to make the rolls
This roll recipe is fairly simple to make. You dissolve some yeast with some warm water and a little sugar. Then, let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to get foamy. Next, add some warm milk, canola oil, salt, and flour to the yeast mixture. Once you combine the dough on low speed, knead it for about 6 minutes. This is where the Kitchen Aid mixer comes in handy.
Once the dough has been kneaded, it’s time to let the dough rise until doubled. It will take about 1 1/2 hours. You can also do this in an Instant Pot on the warm or yogurt setting covered with like a lid from one of your sauce pans. This can get the dough ready in about 45 minutes instead.
Divide the dough into 24 pieces and roll each piece into a 10-inch rope. Tie the rope in a knot and then pinch the 2 ends together. Place each of the rolls on a greased cookie sheet and allow them to rise until double in size.
Brush with melted butter and then partially bake. Bake rolls at 300 degrees for 15 minutes. Allow to cool completely. Then freeze on the baking sheet until firm, then place in a freezer bag and freeze until ready to use.
How to cook the rolls from frozen
When you want the rolls, cook as many as you need. Cook the frozen dough balls right from the freezer for about 8 minutes or until golden at 350 degrees. There is no need to thaw. I love enjoying these yeast rolls fresh from the oven. They have a light, crisp crust with a tender inside.
These are also great to just have in the freezer for when you want some rolls with your dinner. If you don’t want to freeze them, then just bake them at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes. I think you will love having this dinner roll recipe in your collection!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put these rolls in the oven to rise?
Yes, preheat our oven to the lowest temperature, then turn off. Place the rolls in the oven to rise. Keep an eye on them so they don’t over rise.
How long will these rolls keep in the freezer?
You can store them for up to 2-3 months. Ensure they are well-sealed to prevent freezer burn.
How do I prevent freezer burn on these freeze and bake dinner rolls?
Use an airtight container or freezer zip top bag, removing as much air as possible. Label with the date to help you keep track of freshness.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
Freeze and Bake Dinner Rolls
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pkg active dry yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- ¾ cup warm water
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¾ cup warm milk
- ⅛ cup canola oil
- 2 tsp salt
- 3 ¾ cup to 4 1/8 cup flour
- 2 Tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, add yeast, 2 tsp sugar, and warm water. Allow to sit for 5 minutes to get foamy.
- Add the dough hook attachment and add in warm milk, oil, salt, and half the flour. Mix until combined. Then start to add in the remaining flour until the dough pulls clean away from the sides of the bowl. Allow the dough to knead with the dough hook for 6 minutes. Cover and allow to rise until double in size, about 1 1/2 hours.
- Punch dough down and turn out on to a counter that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Divide dough on half, Then divide each half into 12 pieces. Roll each piece into a 10 inch rope. Tie in a knot and them pinch ends together. Place a a greased baking sheet 2 inches apart.Cover with a light kitchen towel (like a flour sack towel) or plastic wrap sprayed with non-stick spray. Allow to rise until double in size for about 30 minutes.
- Preat oven to 300 degrees. Parbake the rolls for 15 minutes at 300 degrees. Cool completely then freeze on the baking sheet for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer bag. Freeze unto ready to bake. **see note if not freezing.
- To bake. preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place frozen rolls on a baking sheet cook for 4 minutes, then roate the pan. bake for another 4 minutes or until golden brown. Makes 24 rolls.
Nutrition
This recipe is adapted from Taste of Home.
