Grab For Eats When it comes to comfort food, the Bob Evans Dinner Roll Recipe stands out as a beloved classic. These little round loaves are the ultimate side dish, known for their soft, fluffy texture and buttery flavor. Originating from Bob Evans Farms, a family restaurant chain founded by the iconic Bob Evans himself in the 1960s, these rolls have become a staple at dinner tables across America.
Who is Bob Evans?
Bob Evans was a farmer and entrepreneur who started his career by serving sausage to truckers at his Ohio farm. His passion for good food and community eventually led him to open his first restaurant, where he focused on hearty, home-cooked meals. The legacy of Bob Evans continues today, with restaurants serving up comfort food, including their famous dinner rolls that complement any meal perfectly.
Understanding Dinner Rolls
Dinner rolls are soft, small bread loaves typically served warm as a side dish during meals. Their name derives from their historical use as a practical bread option for dinner, allowing diners to pass them easily around the table. These delightful rolls have a rich history, dating back centuries. They became increasingly popular in the 19th century when baking techniques improved, allowing for lighter and fluffier bread options.
What’s the Difference Between Rolls or Buns?
While dinner rolls, buns, crescent rolls, and cinnamon rolls may all be baked bread products, they each have unique characteristics:
- Dinner Rolls: Typically, they are soft and round, often served warm with butter. They are versatile and can accompany any meal.
- Buns: Usually slightly sweeter and often used for sandwiches or sliders. They tend to be a bit denser than dinner rolls.
- Crescent Rolls: Flaky and buttery, these rolls are made with a laminated dough, giving them a distinct layered texture. Often found at breakfast or as a side, they’re a delightful treat.
- Cinnamon Rolls: These are sweet, spiraled rolls filled with cinnamon and sugar, usually topped with icing. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, they’re a far cry from the simplicity of dinner rolls.
What to Pair with Bob Evans Dinner Rolls
The beauty of the rolls made from the Bob Evans Dinner Roll Recipe is their versatility. These rolls pair beautifully with a wide range of dishes:
- Main Courses: They complement roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or beef, soaking up delicious gravies and sauces.
- Soups and Stews: The soft texture makes them perfect for dipping into hearty soups or stews, enhancing the meal experience.
- Salads: A warm roll can balance a cool salad, providing a comforting contrast.
- Holidays: These rolls are especially popular during holiday feasts, making appearances at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter dinners.
Pair the dinner rolls with these recipes to heighten your eating experience:
- CPK Chicken Piccata
- Beef Chuck Roast Spanish Recipe
- Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe
- Country Vegetable Soup Recipe
Essential Utensils for Making Bob Evans Dinner Rolls
Before diving into the kitchen, gather the necessary utensils for making the Bob Evans Dinner Roll Recipe:
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula for mixing
- Clean countertop or cutting board for kneading
- Rolling pin (optional, if you prefer to roll out the dough)
- Muffin tin or baking sheets for shaping the rolls
- Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap for covering the dough during rising
- Pastry brush for applying melted butter
Ingredients for the Bob Evans Dinner Roll Recipe
Ready to whip up some delicious dinner rolls? Here’s a friendly guide to the ingredients you’ll need to create these fluffy delights:
- Yeast: Grab 2 packages of active dry yeast. This little powerhouse helps your dough rise beautifully and adds wonderful flavor.
- Sugar: You’ll need 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. It brings just the right amount of sweetness without changing the lovely color of your rolls.
- Salt: Don’t forget the 2 teaspoons of salt! It’s essential for enhancing flavors and making everything taste even better.
- Eggs: Use 2 beaten eggs. Eggs work wonders in your dough, adding richness, volume, and that beautiful golden color.
- Milk: You’ll want 2 cups of milk, scalded and cooled to lukewarm. This is a key ingredient for a soft, tender texture.
- Vegetable Shortening: A scant 1/4 cup of vegetable shortening or margarine will help keep your rolls moist and delicious.
- Flour: You’ll need about 5 cups of all-purpose flour, which is the backbone of all great baked goods.
- Butter: Lastly, don’t forget the melted butter! It adds a rich flavor that perfectly complements the rolls.
How to Make our Bob Evans Dinner Roll Recipe
Step 1 – Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the yeast with half a cup of warm milk. Let it sit until frothy.
Step 2 – Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining milk, sugar, salt, eggs, shortening, and most of the flour. Stir until the dough begins to come together.
Step 3 – Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about five minutes until smooth and elastic. Add more flour as needed.
Step 4 – First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
Step 5 – Shape the Rolls: Punch down the dough and roll it into small balls. Dip each ball in melted butter and place them in greased muffin tins or on baking sheets spaced three inches apart.
Step 6 – Second Rise: Allow the shaped rolls to rise again until doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
Step 7 – Bake: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and bake the rolls for 20-30 minutes until golden brown. Brush with more melted butter before serving.
The Perfect Bob Evans Dinner Roll Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula for mixing
- Clean countertop or cutting board (for kneading)
- Rolling Pin (optional, if you prefer to roll out the dough)
- Muffin tin or baking sheets (for shaping the rolls)
- Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap (for covering the dough during rising)
- Pastry brush (for applying melted butter)
Ingredients
- 2 pkgs active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp salt
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup vegetable shortening or margarine
- 2 cups scalded lukewarm milk, divided
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- melted butter
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining milk, sugar, salt, eggs, shortening, and most of the flour. Stir until the dough begins to come together.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about five minutes until smooth and elastic. Add more flour as needed.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
- Shape the Rolls: Punch down the dough and roll it into small balls. Dip each ball in melted butter and place them in greased muffin tins or on baking sheets spaced three inches apart.
- Second Rise: Allow the shaped rolls to rise again until doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and bake the rolls for 20-30 minutes until golden brown. Brush with more melted butter before serving.
Tips
- Don’t Rush the Yeast: Give your yeast time to activate properly. If it doesn’t foam up, it might be too old—better to start fresh!
- Adjust Flour as Needed: If your dough feels too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. You want it to be manageable but not dry.
- Butter it Up: Brushing the rolls with melted butter before and after baking not only adds flavor but also gives them a lovely golden sheen.
- Herb It Up: For an extra twist, sprinkle finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme on top before baking. It adds a delightful aroma and flavor!
Nutrition
Final words:
When it comes to comfort food, few things can compete with the warmth and satisfaction of a freshly baked roll. The Bob Evans Dinner Roll Recipe is not just about the ingredients or the steps; it’s about bringing people together around the table. Once you experience these soft, fluffy rolls, you’ll be hooked! Perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to holiday feasts, these rolls are sure to please. Get ready to fill your home with the wonderful aroma of baking bread and enjoy the delightful experience of homemade dinner rolls. Happy baking!
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