I can never get enough of the aroma of freshly baked yeast rolls filling my kitchen!
Cracker Barrel’s yeast rolls are famed for their slight sweetness and fluffy texture, making them a favorite at any gathering.
You’ll want to make sure the dough is kneaded just right to achieve that soft, airy result—don’t rush this step!
A another quick tip:
Let the rolls rise in a warm, draft-free spot to help them double in size for that perfect fluffiness!
How to Make Cracker Barrel Yeast Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 packet Active Dry Yeast
- 1/4 cup Warm Water
- 1/3 cup Sugar
- 1/4 cup Butter (melted)
- 4 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 cup Milk (warm)
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 cup Butter (softened for brushing)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Dissolve yeast in warm water and let it sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
Step 2:
Mix sugar, melted butter, and warm milk with the yeast mixture in a large bowl.
Step 3:
Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Step 4:
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled, around 1.5 hours.
Step 5:
Punch down the dough and divide into 12 even pieces. Shape into rolls and arrange on a greased baking sheet.
Step 6:
Cover the rolls and let them rise again until doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
Step 7:
Preheat oven to 375°F. Brush rolls with softened butter.
Step 8:
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm!
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Perfect Dough Temperature
The liquid ingredients need to be warm but not hot. Imagine warm bathwater; this will help the yeast activate properly!
Kneading by Hand
If you’re new to kneading, don’t stress! The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, perfect when it starts to pull away from your hands.
Rising Environment
When allowing the dough to rise, use a warm, draft-free area. I love using the inside of my oven with just the light on. It maintains the perfect temperature for rising!
Butter, Butter, Butter!
Brushing softened butter on top before baking adds flavor and helps your rolls turn a beautiful golden color. I often add another brush after baking for extra richness!
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. They can make for a quick warm-up breakfast or snack the next day! Enjoy those buttery rolls with some jam or honey for extra goodness.
What to Serve with Cracker Barrel Yeast Rolls
Classic Turkey and Gravy
You can pair your rolls with a classic turkey and gravy. Warm, tender turkey slices soaked in savory gravy perfectly complement the soft, warm texture of the rolls.
Sweet Potato Casserole
Add some sweetness to the meal with a sweet potato casserole. The creamy texture and the slight crunch of pecans make it a wonderful companion to the yeast rolls.
Cranberry Relish
A tangy cranberry relish adds a refreshing burst of flavor. The tartness provides a great counterbalance to the rich and buttery rolls.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
For a unique twist, serve these rolls with a creamy broccoli cheddar soup. The comforting warmth and cheesy goodness of the soup are ideal for dipping.
Spicy Jalapeño Cornbread Muffins
If you’re feeling adventurous, layer the flavors by adding jalapeño cornbread muffins. Their spicy kick offers a wonderful contrast to the softness of the yeast rolls.
Honey Butter Glazed Carrots
These yeast rolls pair wonderfully with honey butter glazed carrots. The sweet glaze enhances the buttery flavor of the rolls, creating a harmonious blend that adds a fresh element to your meal.
Variations and Substitutions
Adding Flavors
When making these delicious rolls, you can easily add some extra flavors to get them just the way you like!
Try tossing in some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme directly into the dough.
This can really enhance the aroma.
Grated cheese is another wonderful addition that makes these rolls even more special.
Substitutions
If you don’t have whole milk on hand, 2% milk is a great alternative that still lets the dough rise beautifully.
Make sure to avoid skim milk, as it tends to water down the mix.
For those needing a gluten-free option, consider using a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour that is suitable for yeast-based recipes.
In case you’re out of unsalted butter, use salted butter, but just adjust the salt.
Sweet Touch
For a bit of sweetness, honey works wonders, but you can swap it for pure maple syrup or agave nectar.
This is perfect if you’re serving them to little ones under one year of age.
These small adjustments can personalize your batch of rolls to suit any preference or need.
Feel free to experiment, and enjoy the baking process!
How to Store Leftover Cracker Barrel Yeast Rolls
Storing leftover yeast rolls properly is crucial to maintain their freshness and flavor. You can use a few simple methods to keep them in good condition for future enjoyment!
Use Airtight Containers
When storing your rolls for a short period, placing them in an airtight container helps maintain moisture.
Make sure the container is sealed tightly to prevent the rolls from drying out quickly.
Refrigeration Tips
If you won’t eat your leftover rolls within a day or two, refrigeration is an ideal option.
Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or a plastic bag.
Freezing for Longevity
For longer storage, freezing your rolls is a great choice!
Wrap each roll tightly in foil, and place them inside a freezer-safe bag or container for added protection.
If you decide to freeze them, they will stay fresh for up to three months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Salt and Yeast Interaction
You should be mindful when mixing salt with yeast, as it can harm the yeast’s activity.
Instead, blend the salt into the flour before introducing the yeast.
This trick is ideal for getting those perfect rolls.
Temperature Awareness
You should make sure the liquid for proofing yeast is warm but never too hot.
Hot liquid can kill the yeast, while cold liquid might not activate it.
Warm liquid should feel just cozy to your touch.
Dough Handling
You must avoid over-kneading the dough to keep your rolls nice and fluffy.
Handle the dough gently to prevent overworking the gluten.
If the dough feels tight, let it rest for a short break before trying again.
Cracker Barrel Yeast Rolls Recipe
- 1 packet Active Dry Yeast
- 1/4 cup Warm Water
- 1/3 cup Sugar
- 1/4 cup Butter melted
- 4 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 cup Milk warm
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 cup Butter softened for brushing
- Dissolve yeast in warm water and let it sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
- Mix sugar, melted butter, and warm milk with the yeast mixture in a large bowl.
- Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled, around 1.5 hours.
- Punch down the dough and divide into 12 even pieces. Shape into rolls and arrange on a greased baking sheet.
- Cover the rolls and let them rise again until doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Brush rolls with softened butter.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm!
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