Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Soft Dinner Rolls




From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite... Bread, in one form or another, has always been a part of our holiday meals. I've been looking for a recipe that would allow me to make rolls from a dough that could be shaped and frozen days before the rolls were to be baked off. I envisioned the maddening aroma of just baked bread greeting guests as they walked through the door. While that's a great appetite stimulant, it's also helps boost the cook's reputation and I'm not above a dirty trick or two. Martha Stewart had a recipe for a rich and buttery pan roll that I thought would work well for my purposes. I've just completed a test run and these are just what I was looking for. The dough for these rolls can be made without special equipment. If you have a wooden spoon, you can have rolls for dinner. They are easy to make and have a soft crust that covers a buttery interior that is light and fluffy. They are a perfect addition to the holiday table and I can assure you they will be on mine this year. I hope you will give them a try. The recipe for the rolls follows and below it you can see the complete menu for our non-traditional holiday dinner. Bon Appétit!

Soft Dinner Rolls...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite courtesy of Martha Stewart

Ingredients:
1/4 cup warm water
4-1/2 teaspoons (4 packets) active dry yeast
1 1/2 cups warm whole milk
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted, plus more for bowl and pans
1/4 cup sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons salt
3 large eggs, divided use
6 to 6 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled), plus more for work surface

Directions:

1) Place water in a small bowl; sprinkle with yeast, and let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, butter, sugar, salt, and 2 eggs. Whisk in yeast mixture.
2) Using a wooden spoon, stir in 6 cups flour, 1 cup at a time, until you have a soft, shaggy dough (if necessary, add up to 1/2 cup more flour). Turn dough out onto a floured work surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 5 to 10 minutes. Butter the inside of a large bowl; place dough in bowl, turning to coat. Cover bowl with plastic wrap; let stand in a warm spot until dough has doubled in size, about 1-/4 hours.
3) Butter two 13-by-9-inch baking pans. Divide dough in half. Roll each half into a 15-inch rope; cut each rope into 15 1-inch pieces. Press each piece into a disk, then shape into a ball. Arrange dough balls in prepared pans. (To make ahead: Wrap pans well, and freeze, up to 2 months.) Cover pans loosely with plastic; let stand in a warm spot until rolls have doubled in size, about 1 1/4 hours (2 hours more if frozen for a total of 3 to 3-1/2 hours).
4) Position racks in upper and lower third of oven. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. In a small bowl, beat remaining egg until blended; brush onto rolls. Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes, rotating pans back to front and top to bottom halfway through. Let rolls cool 15 minutes before serving. Yield: 30 rolls.

Thanksgiving Menu 2011







First Course: Fennel and Carrot Soup













Salad Course: Roasted Apple Salad with Bacon and Mixed Greens














Main Course: Cider Brined Pork Loin













Side Dish: Sweet Potato Home Fries

















Additional Sides: Minted Peas, Apple Stuffing and Red-Currant Cranberry Sauce
















































Dessert One: Frozen Maple-Mousse Cake with Candied Cranberries














Dessert Two: Cranberry Bread Pudding with Orange Hard Sauce

56 comments :

Swathi said...

Dinner rolls looks super delicious. Love all the thanksgiving menus.

Red Nomad OZ said...

Sensational! It's surprising how hard it is to find a good basic dinner roll recipe - that works!!! And for an Aussie bakery fan like me they're a must!!

Jeannie said...

Mary, those rolls are so soft, and looks delicious! I am sure they don't last very long on the table!

Diane said...

If they taste just half as good as they look then they must be excellent. Take care Diane

Priya Suresh said...

Super cute looking prefect dinner rolls..

Ellen Whyte said...

Yum. I have a breadmaker and I must say it's a lovely thing to have. These rolls look quite sweet, perfect for a turkey dinner.

Jenn @ Bliss to Bean said...

Gosh those rolls look heavenly!!!!

Daisy Roshan said...

fabulous dinner rolls and an awesome platter for Thanksgiving..

Sushma Mallya said...

Those dinner rolls looks so perfect!

Lynn said...

I have this bookmarked Mary and will give it a try! Love the idea of rolls in the freezer ready when I am! Happy Thanksgiving:@)

Sonia ~ Nasi Lemak Lover said...

your dinner rolls look really soft and good.

Martha said...

mmm, delicious! I think I have a very similar recipe hanging on the inside of my cupboard door, where I sometimes hang a favorite or quick go-to recipe so I can get to it quickly without going through my stack of c-books. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. I hope they know how lucky they are :)

Sprigs of Rosemary said...

I have yeastaphobia. Just not enough bread successes under my belt. I give myself a 50/50 chance. But I love having a trick under my sleeve and I'll give it my best shot and make these. A big family dinner wouldn't be the same without bread (although I was thinking the easy way out with cornbread.) Have a happy feast!

Sara's Sweet Surprise said...

Hello Mary~I'm b-a-c-k to makin' my visits (finally)! I just wanted to take a minute at this season of renewed hope and gratitude to personally thank you for your visits and kind words, especially with the loss of my kitty Angel. I wish I could convey to you how much your continued friendship means to me. You're always so generous to share a big part of your hearts passion through your wonderful cuisine. I look forward to each and every visit.

I've mention to my family and friends on many occasions that I could live off bread alone. There isn't a roll or loaf that misses my plate. Hot from the oven lathered in butter...divine!!
Your Thanksgiving dinner is one I know I'd enjoy!! I may have to double up on my gym visits, but it would be worth it!

Sweet Wishes,
Sara

From the Kitchen said...

From the buttery rolls to the cranberry desserts, your guests are in for a tasty treat. Ah, the aroma of yeast bread baking--it cannot be captured in a "spray"!

Happy Thanksgiving, Mary!

Best,
Bonnie

Tanna said...

Oh, this menu makes me drool, Mary!! As for the bread recipe... I'm not sure how you let them rest for 15 minutes! LOL! I'm pretty sure the cook needs to sample immediately with a nice slather of butter. ;)

Mary, I wish you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving full of love and laughter. blessings ~ tanna

Unknown said...

Fabulous! I'm trying to wipe the drool off of my mouth! And I don't think that's a dirty trick - to have this bread baking as your guests arrive - I think it's wonderful to create such a lovely atmosphere for them!

That Girl said...

I always make biscuits because I just can't nail down those soft dinner rolls.

Kim said...

Celebrating holidays with great food, great bread and great wine is heaven to me. These fluffly rolls looks really perfect and I shall try these!

Lenia said...

Your dinner rolls seem so yummy!The menu is just amazing!Please invite me!!!

StephenC said...

I admit to a character flaw: I have no desire to bake from scratch. Do you have any thoughts about supermarket rolls?

Big Dude said...

The rolls look perfect and the menu sounds delicious, but I forgot what time we're supposed to be there.

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

Even my thoughts are groaning with all of these delicious choices.Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Mary and all the joy that the season brings.

June said...

Wow - the rolls look wonderful and I love your menu. I'm with Big Dude. What time's dinner?

Claudia said...

There is something about fresh bread/rolls that does indeed enhance the cook's reputation - and the aroma is a big plus. These are buttery soft delectables that I would be proud to serve.
I will be joining you beginning December 2. With "the big meal" on Thursday - I know I won't have a credible post this Friday - and would like to "hit the board running." My e-mail is: claudiaihaas@gmail.com (yes, there's a "i' in the middle of my name - looking back a mistake!) Funny, that we cannot e-mail each other! Happy Thanksgiving, Mary.

Erica said...

Thanks so much for your sweet comment on our blog. These rolls look divine! I love bread!

The Baking Gypsy said...

Mary, thank you so much for coming by! It is a delight to have you as a reader.
Those dinner roles look so wonderful for the Thanksgiving holiday. A delicious variety of recipes as well!
I hope you and yours a very happy Thanksgiving!

xoxo,
Tammy

JG said...

Mary, your Dinner Rolls look delicious! I am bookmarking this recipe. So nice that they can be frozen and then baked later. Happy Thanksgiving to you & your family!
~Judy

Chef E said...

I SWEAR I can smell them right now...love the 'dirty tricks' comment!

Does work doesn't it LOL

Lauren @ hey, who cut the cheese? said...

Your dinner rolls look soft and delicious! The Thanksgiving menu looks fab, too =). Wish I was eating dinner at your house! Have a very happy holiday!

Chelsea said...

I love traditional dinner rolls. Perfect for Thanksgiving!

Valérie said...

Oh, these do look delicious! I can almost smell the wonderful aroma of freshly baked bread!

Sue/the view from great island said...

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, Mary, you've earned it! I'm enjoying just scrolling down that gorgeous lineup.

Shug said...

Yum O' ....I could eat this page up...
I just pinned your rolls to my pinterest page...
Hugs
shug

Becki's Whole Life said...

Mary, these rolls look nice and light and fluffy. Perfect with a little bit of butter. Jim just reminded me that I don't have rolls on our menu so I need a good recipe. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

These dinner rolls are gorgeous, Mary. Homemade bread is always a part of our holiday meals as well. So comforting. We go to a family friend's house for Thanksgiving every year and the host makes the most amazing homemade bread. I'll try to remember to take photos of it. :)

Aldy said...

Gorgeous dinner rolls, Mary! They look so cute and delicate :) Perfect for the Thanksgiving dinner!

Happy Thanksgiving!

HUGS <3

David said...

Mary, I love fresh rolls and bread! These rolls look terrific! Have a great Thanksgiving... Take Care, Big Daddy Dave

Biana | Simple and Tasty Recipes said...

Mary, these rolls look delicious!

Margaret Murphy Tripp said...

Very similar to my grandmother's recipe (only diff is mine used evap milk instead), which I make every year. I always make them ahead of time and freeze them, then reheat them right before dinner. Dinner wouldn't be the same without them. Yours look wonderful. Have a blessed holiday!

laurie said...

Your dinner rolls look amazing!

teresa said...

mmmm, rolls are definitely one of my favorite parts of thanksgiving, delicious!

Joanne said...

those look so soft...I kind of want to poke one! Perfect for a holiday feast!

Unknown said...

Those dinner rolls look perfect! A good dinner roll can make me forget about the turkey :)
Your guests are in for a treat this year, that is for sure!!

T.W. Barritt at Culinary Types said...

I'm booking my plane ticket right now. What a fantastic looking meal!

Gerry @Foodness Gracious said...

Fantastic looking rolls Mary! Another winner from your talented mind :)
Take care..

Carrie said...

Mary, I made a half batch of these for dinner tonight, and they turned out awesome! Thanks so much for yet another great recipe. :) Hope you have a fabulous Thanksgiving!

-Carrie

Brenda @ Its A Beautiful Life said...

Ooooooo... I am enjoying my first-time visit here. Your dinner rolls look maddeningly wonderful.

I love how you share your 'inside' story about your cooking/baking tips and journey.

Wishing you glimpses of heaven in lots of other unexpected places........

Monica Lifferth said...

Mary, that bread pudding looks to die for. I'll take a bread pudding over pie any day. Thanks so much for your comments on our blog. We really appreciate it. You have a beautiful blog and I look forward to continue reading.

Cindy@NorthofWiarton said...

I have never in my life made bread or rolls from scratch, however you have given me inspiration to give these rolls a "try". I once did try making bread, calling my sister later in the day in exasperation, as it had not rose, only to be told to check the expiry date on the yeast. I never attempted to make bread since that fatal day. I will give this roll recipe a "shot" hopefully with great success,& the smarts enough now to use yeast that has not expired, as I too would like to have a dirty trick up my sleeve on some better cooks in my family ! The photos of your rolls & your wit have inspired me. Thank you, Mary.

Cindy@NorthofWiarton said...

Thank you Mary for the directions to your Beginner's Whole Wheat Batter Bread. Trust you, me, I will be letting you know how I make out, as I will definitely be "blogging" my "Bread & Roll Adventures ! Almost sounds a little like "Rock & Roll" doesn't it? Maybe I will play some Rock & Roll as I am having my adventure ! Thank you for the luck by way of Hugs. Hugs are the best !

Tender B. said...

Looking so buttery and good! Hope you had a great holiday.

Martha said...

Oh my, I just baked these and they are perfect! thanks to your easy recipe and instructions! Love it! and I'm sure my Sunday Dinner guests will be happy too :)

Anonymous said...

These were absolutely amazing! They turned out just how i wanted them. Thanks heaps for the recipe, This will definatly become part of our christmas tradtion

Soma said...

I made garlic herb crescent rolls loosely based on this recipe and they were just beautiful!! Thank you:) Will post mine sometimes and link back.

Anonymous said...

Dough is rising...hope I did this right!

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