Cornmeal Yeast Rolls

The moment I think about warm, fluffy Cornmeal Yeast Rolls, I’m transported back to my grandmother’s kitchen. The aroma of freshly baked bread would fill the air, making it impossible to resist sneaking a warm roll straight from the oven. These rolls are not just food; they’re a symbol of love, comfort, and togetherness. I remember bustling around the kitchen with my siblings, eager to help, but mostly just waiting for those golden-brown rolls to come out of the oven. We would spread a generous amount of butter on each roll, watching it melt into the soft, warm bread, and it was pure bliss. Making Cornmeal Yeast Rolls has become a cherished tradition in my home, one that brings family and friends together. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner, these rolls always steal the show. They’re incredibly easy to make, and each batch is a reminder of those sweet moments spent in the kitchen.

What to Buy for Cornmeal Yeast Rolls

When it comes to making Cornmeal Yeast Rolls, the ingredients play a crucial role in achieving that perfect texture and flavor. Each ingredient complements one another, creating a harmonious blend that results in scrumptious rolls. The key players in this recipe are all-purpose flour, cornmeal, and yeast, which together create the perfect dough for fluffy rolls.

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the rolls. It provides structure and helps achieve that soft and fluffy texture.
• ½ cup plain cornmeal: Adds a unique flavor and a slight crunch that elevates the rolls beyond traditional bread.
• 2 tbsp sugar: Enhances the flavor and helps the yeast to activate, contributing to the dough’s rise.
• 1 (¼-oz) package active dry yeast: The magic ingredient that makes these rolls rise and become light and fluffy.
• 1 tsp salt: Essential for flavor and helps to control the yeast’s fermentation process.
• 1 cup water: Activates the yeast and hydrates the dough, creating the right consistency.
• 3 tbsp butter, divided: Adds richness and flavor to the rolls, making them irresistible.
• 1 egg: Helps bind the ingredients together and adds moisture for a richer roll.

Putting Together Cornmeal Yeast Rolls

Making Cornmeal Yeast Rolls is a joyful process that fills your home with the aroma of baking bread. The steps are simple, yet they require a bit of love and patience. Let’s walk through how to create these delightful rolls that will surely impress your family and friends.

1. In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine 2½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup plain cornmeal, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 (¼-oz) package active dry yeast, and 1 tsp salt. Mix on low speed until the dry ingredients are well combined. The combination of these ingredients lays the foundation for your rolls.
2. In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup water and 2 tbsp butter until warm, about 120° to 130°F. Use a kitchen thermometer if available, as the right temperature is crucial for activating the yeast without killing it.
3. Add the warm liquid to the dry ingredients in the mixer bowl. Beat until the mixture is moistened and starts to come together. You’ll notice the dough beginning to form, and it should be slightly sticky at this point.
4. Add 1 egg to the bowl and beat on medium speed for 5 to 6 minutes. This is where the magic happens! The dough should become smooth and elastic, pulling away from the sides of the bowl.
5. Once the dough reaches the right consistency, cover the mixing bowl with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, which typically takes about 1 hour. This step is vital for achieving those fluffy rolls you desire.
6. After it has risen, punch down the dough to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 18 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, ensuring they are all uniform in size for even baking.
7. Place the shaped rolls in a lightly greased 13×9-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans. Ensure they are spaced evenly to allow for further rising. Cover the pans and let the rolls rise again in a warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes. This is your second rise, which adds to the fluffiness.
8. Preheat your oven to 400°F while the rolls are rising. Once they have doubled in size, bake them for 15 to 20 minutes or until they are golden brown. The smell will be irresistible as they bake, filling your home with warmth.
9. As soon as the rolls are done, melt the remaining 1 tbsp butter and brush it over the warm rolls. This adds a lovely sheen and extra flavor to your beautiful Cornmeal Yeast Rolls. Let them cool slightly before serving.

Helpful Hints

Baking Cornmeal Yeast Rolls can be a delightful experience. Here are some tips to ensure your rolls turn out perfectly every time.

• Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature. They should remain fresh for about 2 to 3 days.
• Freezing: If you want to make these rolls ahead of time, freeze them after baking. Once cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. They will last up to 3 months in the freezer.
• Reheating: To reheat frozen rolls, place them on a baking sheet at 350°F for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until warmed through. They taste almost as fresh as when they were baked!
• Pairing: These rolls are perfect for serving with soups, stews, or alongside a hearty salad. They also make great sliders for sandwiches.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment by adding herbs, cheese, or spices to the dough for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Best Served With

When it comes to serving Cornmeal Yeast Rolls, the options are endless. Here are some great ideas:

• With Soups: Pair these rolls with hearty soups like chicken noodle or a chunky vegetable soup. They’re perfect for dipping!
• During Holidays: These rolls make a wonderful addition to your holiday table, complementing festive dishes like roasted turkey, ham, or braised meats.
• Casual Gatherings: Consider serving them at potlucks or family gatherings, where they can be enjoyed as a side or a main attraction.
• For Breakfast: Slice them open and spread some jam or honey for a delightful breakfast option. They can also be used to make delicious breakfast sandwiches!
• Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, make sure to store them correctly in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
• Seasonal Pairings: These rolls are versatile enough to enjoy year-round, but they pair especially well with fall and winter meals, making them a cozy addition to any dinner.

FAQ

Conclusion

The magic of Cornmeal Yeast Rolls lies in their fluffy texture and delightful flavor, making them a must-have at any meal. Their versatility allows them to shine at both casual dinners and festive gatherings. I encourage you to try making these rolls and enjoy the warmth and comfort they bring to your table. It’s not just about the food; it’s about creating memories that last a lifetime.

Cornmeal Yeast Rolls

The ultimate comfort food, Cornmeal Yeast Rolls are light, airy, and bursting with flavor. These easy-to-make rolls are perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to holiday feasts. Warm from the oven, they're the perfect side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins

Servings: 18 servings

Course: Side Dishes

Cuisine: American

Calories: 130

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup plain cornmeal
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 package active dry yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup water
• 3 tbsp butter
• 1 egg egg

Equipment

• Kitchen-Aid Mixer
• 9-inch Round Cake Pan
• 9×13-inch Cake Pan

Method

 

1. In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine 2½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup plain cornmeal, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 (¼-oz) package active dry yeast, and 1 tsp salt. Mix on low speed until the dry ingredients are well combined.
2. In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup water and 2 tbsp butter until warm, about 120° to 130°F. Add this warm liquid to the dry ingredients in the mixer bowl.
3. Beat the mixture until it is moistened and starts to come together. The dough should be slightly sticky.
4. Add 1 egg to the bowl and beat on medium speed for 5 to 6 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
5. Cover the mixing bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
6. After it has risen, punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide it into 18 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball.
7. Place the shaped rolls in a lightly greased 13×9-inch baking pan or 9-inch round cake pans. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
8. Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the rolls for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Melt the remaining 1 tbsp butter and brush over the warm rolls before serving.

Notes

• Tip 1: The rolls will take about 1½ hours total to rise.
• Tip 2: You can make these rolls ahead of time and freeze for later.
• Tip 3: You can split the rolls between two 9-inch cake pans.
• Tip 4: These rolls taste great fresh out of the oven and reheated.

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Meet Violet Lane

The Creative Spark I see the kitchen as my art studio. I love experimenting with colors and textures, and I’m usually the one asking, “What if we added this?” I encourage the team to take risks and try new flavor combinations. I love the energy of cooking with six other people it’s chaotic, colorful, and inspiring. I’m hands-on with the cooking and styling, always trying to make our plates look as artistic as they taste.