Lunch Lady Rolls

🍞 Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• Egg wash: 1 egg + 1 tablespoon water

👨‍🍳 Directions

1. 1
   Combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. 2
   In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs. Stir until a dough forms.
3. 3
   Knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. 4
   Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours until doubled.
5. 5
   Punch down dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Shape each into a smooth ball and place in a greased 9x13 baking pan.
6. 6
   Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
7. 7
   Brush tops with egg wash. Bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes until golden brown. Brush with melted butter right out of the oven. Enjoy!

🌿 Health Benefits

Dinner rolls provide carbohydrates for energy. Using whole-grain flour adds fiber and B vitamins. Milk and eggs contribute protein and calcium. These rolls are best enjoyed fresh and warm as part of a balanced meal.

📚 History

Bread-making dates back to ancient Egypt, where leavened bread was first discovered around 3000 BC. Individual dinner rolls became popular in the Middle Ages as a refined portion for formal gatherings. They gained aristocratic popularity in the 17th and 18th centuries in Europe. In the United States, soft, pillowy rolls became a staple of school cafeterias and family dinners, earning the nostalgic name “Lunch Lady Rolls.”

❓ Quiz