Lion House Dinner Rolls

INTRODUCTION

Lion House Dinner Rolls are soft, light, and warm bread that many people love. These rolls are easy to make at home and fit a busy life. They bake well for family dinners, parties, and meal prep. If you want a simple bread that can become a healthy version of a favorite side, this recipe is a good place to start. For more easy meal ideas that pair well with these rolls, see our full list of dinner recipes.

These rolls can be a lighter option when you control butter and portion sizes. With small changes you can make them lower in calories or higher in protein. Keep reading for clear steps, storage tips, and simple ways to make these rolls fit goals like being good for weight loss or great for meal prep.

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WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You will love Lion House Dinner Rolls because they are soft and simple to make. The dough is easy to mix in a stand mixer. The recipe gives many rolls, so it is great for a crowd or for meal prep. These rolls can also work as a healthy version of restaurant bread if you use less butter or swap in a lighter fat.

This recipe is a lighter option when you brush less butter and keep roll sizes small. If you want a high protein meal, you can make a variation with added whey or Greek yogurt to boost protein. These rolls are also easy to freeze, so you can make them ahead and save time on busy days.

For a light side that matches these rolls, try fresh dishes like fresh spring rolls. They give a bright, low-calorie contrast to the warm bread.

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HOW TO MAKE Lion House Dinner Rolls

Follow the list below to make the rolls. Read all steps first and plan time for rises. The step-by-step notes below are clear and simple.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

• Large mixing bowl
• Stand mixer with dough hook (or a large bowl and a strong arm)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Pastry mat or clean counter space
• Pizza cutter or sharp knife
• Baking pan, greased
• Plastic wrap or clean towel
• Pastry brush

Ingredients You’ll Need :

2 cups very warm water, 2/3 cup instant nonfat dry milk, 2 Tbsp dry instant yeast, 1/4 cup sugar, 2 tsp salt, 1/3 cup shortening, butter or margarine ((I put mine in the microwave for 15 secs to soften it)), 1 egg, lightly whisked, 5 to 5-1/2 cups AP flour

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :

In your large mixer bowl, combine the water and the milk powder and stir until the milk dissolves., Add the yeast to the mixture and let proof for a minute or two., Add the sugar, salt, shortening, egg and 2 cups of the flour to the yeast mixture. Whisk everything together well., Place the bowl on the mixer with the dough hook, and add 2 more cups of flour then mix on low speed for 2-3 minutes., Add another 1 cup of flour and mix again., If needed, add the remaining 1/2 of a cup of flour – The dough should be soft, not overly sticky, and not stiff. (It is not necessary to use the entire amount of flour. The softer the dough, the lighter the roll.), Scrape the dough off the sides of the bowl and move the dough around as you spray non-stick spray around the sides of the bowl. Spray the dough with the oil too. (This helps prevent the dough from drying out.), Cover with plastic wrap and/or a cotton towel and allow to rise in a warm place until double in size, about an hour. (I preheat my oven to just about 100 degrees then turn it off and let the dough sit in there for an hour.), After the dough has risen, sprinkle a pastry mat or your counter with flour and scrape the dough out on to the prepared surface., Roll the dough in to a large rectangle. (For 3 rows of 8 make your rectangle about 20×12.), Brush melted butter over the entire dough rectangle, then cut your rolls 2-1/2 inches by 4 inches, using a pizza cutter and your fingers as guides as she shows you in the video., Flip the rolls with the butter on the inside and place the rolls on a greased baking pan, spacing them equally apart doing 6 rolls on the long side x 4 rolls on the short., Optional: If you are making these the day before, you can now cover the rolls with saran wrap and place the tray in the refrigerator for up to 18 hours. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator, let rise for one hour, then skip to instruction 15., Cover loosely with a clean towel and let rise in a warm place until the rolls are double in size (approx. 30 minutes.), When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375., Remove the cover from the rolls and bake at 375 for 15-20 minutes or until they are browned to your satisfaction. Remove from the oven and immediately brush with melted butter. (Yields about 2 dozen rolls.)

This set of steps makes soft, even rolls. For a healthier version, use light butter spray on top and less melted butter at the end, or use a light margarine to cut saturated fat. If you want to try a gluten-free path, look for tested recipes like gluten-free pizza rolls for ideas on flour swaps and texture.

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HOW TO SERVE Lion House Dinner Rolls

Serve these rolls warm. For healthy serving ideas, use small portions. One roll per person is a good start. Pair with a fresh salad and a lean protein to make a balanced meal. These rolls go well with soups and baked chicken, and they absorb sauces nicely without adding a lot of calories if you use them in small amounts.

Try filling a roll with a thin slice of turkey or smoked chicken and a leaf of lettuce for a quick sandwich. This gives extra protein and fiber if you add a side salad with beans or greens. For a light dip, try plain Greek yogurt mixed with herbs to keep calories low and add protein.

For a protein boost on the side, serve with deviled eggs or a quick egg salad to create a high protein meal that still feels balanced and satisfying: pair them with deviled eggs for a protein hit.

Portion control tip: eat one roll with your plate, not two. This keeps calories down and makes the meal a good choice if you aim to be good for weight loss.

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STORAGE & FREEZING : Lion House Dinner Rolls

Store rolls at room temperature in a sealed bag or container for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze cooled rolls in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat frozen rolls, thaw at room temperature for an hour, then warm in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes or until warm. You can also microwave a single roll for 10–15 seconds, but the oven gives a better crust.

If you keep them in the fridge, rolls can dry faster. Freeze any you will not eat in 48 hours for the best fresh taste later. Freezing is great for meal prep and saves time on busy days.

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SERVING SUGGESTIONS

• Balanced plate: one roll, roasted chicken breast, and a big salad with beans for fiber.
• Low calorie soup pairing: small roll with vegetable soup or tomato soup.
• Sandwich idea: turkey, spinach, and mustard in a warmed roll for a quick meal prep lunch.
• Breakfast use: split and toast with a thin spread of peanut butter and a side of fruit for a balanced start.

These choices help keep the meal lower calorie and higher in protein or fiber when you add lean meat, beans, or yogurt.

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VARIATIONS

• Healthier version: Use half butter and half light oil, and brush rolls lightly with oil instead of full butter. Use less sugar if you like a less sweet roll. These steps can make a lighter option that still bakes soft rolls.
• High-protein version: Add 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt and 1/4 cup unflavored whey protein isolate to the dough (reduce flour a bit if needed). This makes a denser roll that can be a high protein meal partner. Keep in mind texture will change but you will gain protein.
• Low-carb idea: Replace part of the flour with almond flour and add psyllium husk to help binding. Low-carb rolls will be denser and smaller but can serve those on a low-carb plan.
• Air fryer or oven-baked tweak: These rolls are oven-baked at 375°F for best rise and color. For an air fryer test, bake small rolls at 325°F in the air fryer basket for 8–10 minutes, checking often. The oven method is the classic way and keeps the soft crumb.
• Sweet twist: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon and a tablespoon of sugar to the butter before brushing for a sweet roll snack.

If you want a special dessert after dinner, you might enjoy something rich like a pound cake for a special treat, but for daily meals keep the roll portion small.

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FAQs

Q: Are these rolls good for someone watching calories?
A: Yes. If you keep roll size small and use less butter, these rolls can fit a low calorie plan. One small roll with lean protein and veggies makes a balanced plate and can be good for weight loss.

Q: Can I make these rolls diabetic-friendly?
A: You can make them more diabetic-friendly by reducing added sugar and keeping portion sizes small. Pair one roll with protein and fiber, such as beans or a salad, to help slow blood sugar spikes.

Q: How long do the rolls last in the freezer?
A: Freeze up to 3 months in a sealed bag. Thaw and reheat in the oven for best texture.

Q: Can I add whole wheat flour for more fiber?
A: Yes. Swap up to half the AP flour for whole wheat flour to add fiber. The rolls will be a bit denser but will give more fiber and will help make the meal feel more filling.

Q: Is there a way to make these rolls higher in protein?
A: Yes. Add Greek yogurt, whey protein isolate, or use milk with added protein. Serve with lean meats or eggs to make a high protein meal.

Q: Can I make these ahead for meal prep?
A: Yes. You can shape rolls and refrigerate the tray for up to 18 hours, then bake after a final rise. This is great for meal prep and saves busy time.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Lion House Dinner Rolls

• Dough ahead: Mix and let the dough rise, then punch down and shape the rolls. Cover the tray with plastic and put in the fridge up to 18 hours. When ready, let sit at room temp for 1 hour and bake. This is great for meal prep and for busy week nights.
• Freeze before baking: You can freeze shaped rolls on the pan. Once frozen, move them to a freezer bag. To bake, let thaw and rise then bake as directed.
• Bake and freeze: Bake a full batch, cool, then freeze. Reheat single rolls as needed for fast meals. This makes these rolls a great feed-ahead side for weeknight dinners or packed lunches.
• Portion control for weight loss: Make small rolls at shaping time. Smaller rolls help you enjoy bread without extra calories and make it easier to keep the meal light.

These make-ahead tips help you save time, feed a family, and keep meals balanced. With small swaps and smart sides, Lion House Dinner Rolls can become part of a healthy plan that fits goals like low calorie meals, high protein options, and great meal prep choices.

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