Cafeteria Rolls
Cafeteria Rolls bring back nostalgic, old-fashioned vibes from school days with their big, soft, and fluffy texture. Made easy by lunch ladies with tender, yeast-leavened love, they’re the perfect, easy-to-make treat that’ll give you a taste of those comforting, soft rolls just like in the old days!
Everyone loves the warm, comforting taste of cafeteria rolls, especially when they remind you of the good old days of school lunches. Making these fluffy, golden rolls at home is easier than you might think. You can bring that nostalgic flavor to your kitchen with simple ingredients like flour, yeast, sugar, and milk.
The wonderful aroma of freshly baked rolls is just a bonus to the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that these rolls promise. Whether you’re looking to recreate a childhood favorite or want to try something new, cafeteria rolls bring a delightful touch to any meal.
Why You’ll Love Cafeteria Rolls
- Soft and Fluffy: These homemade rolls are known for their soft and fluffy texture, which makes them perfect for any meal.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients like flour, sugar, yeast, and butter, these rolls are straightforward to prepare without requiring fancy equipment.
- Versatile Uses: Enjoy them with soups, salads, dinners, or some jam or butter for breakfast.
- Nostalgic: These rolls often bring back memories of lunches in the school cafeteria, creating a warm, comforting feeling with each bite.
- Family-Friendly: The whole family loves them, making them a hit at family gatherings.
- Customizable Flavors: Brush them with garlic butter or add herbs to create a twist on the traditional recipe.
- Perfect Rise: Light and airy, the rolls rise beautifully, giving them a professional, bakery-style look.
- Budget-Friendly: The ingredients needed are economical and often already in the pantry.
- Delicious Warm or Cold: These yummy rolls are perfect, whether fresh out of the oven or later in the day.
Ingredients
- Warm water: Helps activate the yeast and form the dough.
- Sugar: Sugar feeds the yeast and adds sweetness to the rolls.
- Active dry yeast: Makes the dough rise and become fluffy.
- Milk: Adds richness and soft texture to the rolls.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and add moisture to the dough.
- Salt: Enhances the flavor of the rolls.
- All-purpose flour: The main structure for the rolls.
- Shortening: Adds tenderness and helps with the dough’s texture.
- Salted butter: Brushed on top of the rolls for a golden finish.
How to Make Homemade Cafeteria Rolls
- Step One: Mix the warm water and 1 tablespoon of sugar in a large bowl. Sprinkle yeast packets over the top and gently stir together. Let it stand for 10 minutes until the yeast starts to bloom.
- Step Two: Gently whisk the milk, eggs, and salt into the yeast mixture.
- Step Three: In another large bowl, stir the flour and â…” cup sugar. Crumble the shortening in with your fingers until it is mixed in.
- Step Four: Gradually stir the flour mixture into the wet mixture with a wooden spoon until combined.
- Step Five: Set the dough in a warm place until it has doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Step Six: When the dough has doubled, pour the melted butter on top and knead it into the dough until all combined.
- Step Seven: Grease (2) 9×13 inch panns. Separate the dough into 24 pieces. Roll them into a ball and place 12 in each pan.
- Step Eight: Set aside until the rolls double in size, about 45 minutes.
- Step Nine: Bake in a 400℉ preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until the rolls are golden.
Equipment Needed
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What to Serve with Cafeteria Lady Rolls
- Soups: These rolls are perfect for dipping into soups like tomato soup, chicken noodle soup, or vegetable soup. The rolls soak up the flavors and make each bite delicious. Try them with our Creamy Tortellini Soup and Buffalo Chicken Soup.
- Salads: A fresh salad with mixed greens, veggies, and a tangy vinaigrette complements the rich taste of the roll—Caesar salad or a simple garden salad pairs particularly well.
- Roasted Meats: Cafeteria rolls make a great side for roasted chicken, turkey, or beef. They can also mop up gravy or sauces, adding an extra layer of taste.
- Stews: Hearty stews with beef, vegetables, and rich broth are another excellent match for these rolls. The rolls help to absorb the savory juices.
Variations and Substitutions
When it comes to cafeteria rolls, there are many ways to make them unique and suit different tastes. Here are some popular variations and substitutions:
- Flour Types:
- Whole Wheat Flour: Adds more fiber.
- Gluten-Free Flour: Ideal for those with gluten intolerance.
- Sweeteners:
- Honey or Agave Syrup: As a natural sweetener.
- Brown Sugar: For a deeper flavor.
- Fats:
- Olive Oil: A healthier fat option.
- Greek Yogurt: Adds moisture and protein.
Filling the rolls with ingredients can add a whole new level of flavor:
- Cheese-Stuffed Rolls: Adding cheese such as cheddar or mozzarella.
- Herb Butter Rolls: Mix herbs like rosemary and thyme with the butter.
Adding a topping can also change the taste and appearance:
- Sesame Seeds: Adds a nutty flavor.
- Cinnamon Sugar: For a sweet twist.
Storage Instructions
To keep cafeteria rolls fresh and delicious, follow these simple storage tips.
Room Temperature:
- Place the rolls in an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag.
- Store them at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigeration:
- For longer storage, refrigerate the rolls.
- Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil.
- Place the wrapped rolls in a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container.
Freezing:
- Let the rolls cool completely before freezing.
- Wrap each roll tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
- Place the wrapped rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Reheating:
- To reheat room temperature or refrigerated rolls, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the rolls on a baking sheet and cover them with foil.
- Heat for about 10 minutes or until warm.
Microwave Reheating:
- For a quicker option, microwave each roll for 10-15 seconds.
- Place the roll on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature. This helps the dough mix evenly and rise properly.
- Rising: Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area. Cover it with a damp cloth to prevent drying out. Once it has doubled in size, it’s ready for shaping.
- Shaping Rolls: When shaping the rolls, ensure they are roughly the same size for even baking. Placing them on a baking sheet with space in between allows them to expand properly.
- Second Rise: Let the rolls rise again after shaping until they almost double. This step is crucial for light and fluffy rolls.
- Butter Brushing: After the hot rolls come out of the oven, immediately brush them with melted butter. This adds flavor and keeps the crust soft.
History of School Lunchroom Cafeteria Rolls
Cafeteria rolls have been a staple in school lunchrooms for decades. They are known for being soft, pillowy, and slightly sweet.
In the mid-20th century, school lunches became more standardized. During this time, cafeteria rolls gained popularity.
These rolls were economical and easy to make in large batches. Using ingredients like flour, yeast, sugar, and milk, they provided a nutritious option for students. They were often served with butter or jam, making them a favorite part of school lunches.
Recipes for cafeteria rolls have been passed down through generations. Many people remember the comforting taste and texture from their own school days.
Today, the tradition of making cafeteria rolls continues. Home bakers and chefs often recreate these nostalgic treats in their own kitchens, sometimes adding modern twists. They remain a symbol of simple, hearty food that brings back warm memories for many people.
Biscuit and Rolls Recipes
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Cafeteria Rolls
Ingredients
- 3 cups warm water
- 1 tbsp + â…” cup sugar divided
- 3 envelopes active dry yeast .25 envelopes
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp salt
- 10 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cups shortening I used Crisco
- ¼ cup salted butter melted
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the warm water and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Sprinkle yeast packets over top and gently stir together. Let it stand for 10 minutes, until the yeast starts to bloom.
- Gently whisk the milk, eggs and salt into the yeast mixture.
- In another large bowl, stir together the flour and â…” cup sugar. Crumble the shortening in with your fingers until it is mixed in.
- Gradually stir the flour mixture into the wet mixture with a wooden spoon until combined.
- Set the dough in a warm place until it has doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- When the dough has doubled, pour the melted butter on top and knead it into the dough until all combined.
- Grease (2) 9×13 inch panns. Separate the dough into 24 pieces. Roll them into a ball and place 12 in each pan.
- Set aside until the rolls double in size, about 45 minutes.
- Bake in a 400℉ preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until the rolls are golden.
Notes
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
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Delicious
So glad you liked them Brenda! Thank you 🙂