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Lunchroom Cafeteria Rolls

Ingredients

Yeast Mixture

3 cups warm water
1 tablespoon white sugar
3 (.25 ounce) envelopes active dry yeast

Wet Ingredients

1/4 cup milk
2 eggs
1 tablespoon salt
1/4 cup butter, melted

Dry Ingredients

2/3 cup white sugar
10 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup shortening

Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife
Greased round baking pans
Clean kitchen towel

Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large bowl, combine warm water and 1 tablespoon of sugar.
Sprinkle yeast over the top.
Let stand for 10 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Mix milk, eggs, and salt into the yeast mixture.
In a separate bowl, combine flour and 2/3 cup sugar.
Crumble shortening into the flour mixture until barely noticeable.
Gradually stir flour mixture into wet ingredients.
Mix with a wooden spoon until dough pulls away from bowl sides and forms a ball.
Cover with a hot, wrung-out wet towel.
Place in a warm location and let rise until doubled in bulk (about 45 minutes).

Step 3: Shape the Rolls

Pour melted butter over risen dough.
Knead for 2 minutes.
Let dough rest for a few minutes.
Roll out on a lightly floured surface to 1 inch thick.
Cut into 2-inch squares.
Roll squares into balls.
Place in greased round pans, spacing 1 inch apart.
Let rise again until doubled in size.

Step 4: Bake

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Bake rolls for approximately 12 minutes until golden brown.

Pro Tips

For make-ahead convenience, you can refrigerate the dough overnight after shaping.
Ensure your water is warm (not hot) to avoid killing the yeast.
A warm, draft-free area is best for dough rising.

Nutrition (Approximate per roll)

Calories: 200
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 5g

Storage

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days
Freeze for up to 1 month

There's something magical about cafeteria rolls that transports us back to childhood. These soft, buttery rolls were the highlight of many school lunches - the one item everyone looked forward to, regardless of what else was on the tray.

This recipe captures the nostalgic essence of those beloved lunchroom rolls, bringing the comfort of school day memories right into your kitchen.

Generations of students have savored these rolls, their warm, yeasty aroma filling the cafeteria and creating moments of pure culinary joy.

Whether you're recreating a cherished memory or introducing a new generation to this classic comfort food, these rolls promise to be more than just a side dish - they're a delicious trip down memory lane.

More than just a recipe, these Lunchroom Cafeteria Rolls are a testament to the power of simple, comforting food. They remind us that some of the most treasured culinary experiences aren't found in fancy restaurants, but in the familiar, warm spaces of our memories.

Each roll tells a story - of busy lunchrooms, of shared meals, of the simple pleasure of breaking bread together. Whether you're serving these to your family, bringing them to a potluck, or enjoying them as a nostalgic treat, these rolls carry with them the warmth of countless shared moments.

So preheat that oven, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create a little piece of culinary nostalgia. These rolls aren't just food - they're a connection to memories, to comfort, and to the timeless joy of a perfectly baked piece of bread.