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Lunch Lady Cafeteria Rolls Recipe


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4.1 from 70 reviews

  • Author: Sky
  • Total Time: 1 hour 65 minutes (including 1h 30m inactive rising time)
  • Yield: 24 rolls
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Lunch Lady Cafeteria Rolls are soft, fluffy, and perfectly golden rolls that bring back nostalgic cafeteria vibes. Made with simple ingredients like bread flour, yeast, and milk powder, these rolls are easy to prepare and perfect for any meal. The dough undergoes a double rise for optimal texture, and the finished rolls are brushed with melted butter for a rich, inviting flavor.


Ingredients

Dough Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
  • 3/4 cup warm water (for yeast)
  • 6 1/2 cups bread flour
  • 3/4 cup instant nonfat dry milk powder
  • 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 6 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 1/4 cups water (for dough)

Finishing

  • Butter or nonstick spray (for greasing and brushing rolls)
  • Melted butter (for brushing after baking)


Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, stir together the active dry yeast and 3/4 cup of warm water. Set aside and allow the yeast to bloom.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, combine the bread flour, sugar, salt, and instant nonfat dry milk powder.
  3. Add wet ingredients and mix: Pour in the vegetable oil and 1 1/4 cups water. Mix on low speed for 3 minutes to combine the ingredients.
  4. Incorporate yeast mixture: Add the yeast mixture to the dough and switch to the dough hook attachment. Mix on medium speed for 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  5. First rise: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and place it in a warm spot. Let the dough rise until doubled in size, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
  6. Prepare baking dish and shape rolls: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Punch the dough down to release air, then divide it into 24 equal balls. Arrange these dough balls evenly in the prepared baking dish.
  7. Second rise: Cover the dish with a clean kitchen towel and allow the rolls to rise until doubled in size again, about 30 minutes.
  8. Bake the rolls: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Bake the rolls until they are golden brown, approximately 18-20 minutes.
  9. Brush and serve: Remove rolls from the oven and immediately brush them with melted butter for a soft, flavorful finish. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use warm water (about 110°F) to activate the yeast effectively without killing it.
  • Ensure the dough is well-kneaded to develop gluten for a soft and elastic texture.
  • You can store the rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.
  • Reheat frozen rolls by warming them in the oven wrapped in foil for best results.
  • Using bread flour is key for the ideal chewy texture, but all-purpose flour can be substituted if needed.
  • For a dairy-free option, substitute vegetable oil and omit the milk powder or use a non-dairy milk powder alternative.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Baking
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American