How to Make Frozen Rolls Better: a few simple ways to make your store-bought Rhodes Rolls taste homemade. They’re SO easy, pillowy soft, and ultra buttery.
Sooo I was going to make homemade rolls this year for the big holiday dinners, but after a few tries, I gave up, and decided to make Rhodes Rolls instead! With a few extra ingredients, you’ll have everybody at the dinner table raving over your “homemade” rolls! It can be our secret…nobody else has to know!
Ingredients
Just 5 simple ingredients (that you probably have on hand already) take these frozen dinner rolls to the next level!
- Rhodes Rolls – the MVP! Rhodes Rolls can be found in the freezer section at your grocery store. You’re looking for the “thaw, rise, and bake yeast dinner rolls”. These make a fantastic base for our semi-homemade rolls. I have not tried (nor seen) another brand of rolls like this, so I can’t vouch for the results if you try something other than Rhodes.
- Unsalted Butter – smothered over the top of the rolls before baking to promote a golden brown flavor and rich, buttery flavor. Feel free to use salted if that’s what you have on hand, but then go easy on the additional salt!
- Parmesan – adds a salty, cheesy flavor and beautiful brown, slightly crispy texture to the top of the rolls. I like using a finely grated cheese for the best results (yes, the kind in the green can is just fine).
- Garlic Powder and Pepper – our simple seasonings! Garlic powder adds a nutty flavor that really makes these shine while the pepper adds a hint of spice.
- Maldon Sea Salt – this flakey sea salt adds a subtle crunch while also enhancing the other flavors in the rolls. Bonus: sea salt makes anything look extra elegant and gorgeous! If you don’t have flakey sea salt on hand, sprinkle on a little table salt, so you can still enhance the flavors of the dish.
Pro tip
See Flavor Variations below to see other ways to flavor the rolls.
How to make
These semi-homemade rolls couldn’t be easier to make!
- Thaw and rise the rolls according to package directions in your baking pan of choice.
- Melt butter in a medium sized bowl, then stir in parmesan, garlic powder, and pepper.
- Spoon the mixture evenly over the rolls, sprinkle with Maldon sea salt, then bake according to package directions.
- Serve with additional butter, if desired, and enjoy!
Pro tip
These are GREAT served next to any dinner, but would also make fantastic leftover sliders.
How do you thaw rhodes rolls?
Rhodes rolls thaw as they rise and double in size at room temperature for 3-5 hours or in the fridge overnight.
How long do rhodes rolls take to rise?
Depending on the method used, frozen rolls can rise in as little as 3 hours or take as long as overnight.
The “Regular” Method
- Spray pan of choice with cooking spray.
- Place frozen rolls in pan, cover with plastic wrap that’s been sprayed with cooking spray, then allow to rise at room temperature for 3-5 hours, or until the rolls have doubled in size.
- Remove plastic wrap and proceed with the recipe.
Refrigerator Method
- Spray pan of choice with cooking spray.
- Place frozen rolls in pan, cover with plastic wrap that’s been sprayed with cooking spray, then refrigerate overnight.
- Optional: if the rolls haven’t doubled in size, allow them to continue rising at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours.
- Remove plastic wrap and proceed with the recipe.
Pro tip
Thaw time can vary greatly depending on the temperature of your kitchen. Colder kitchen = longer rise time.
How do i cook rhodes rolls?
- Allow rolls to thaw and rise according to package directions, then drizzle with the butter mixture listed in the recipe below.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F, then bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown.
- Serve and enjoy!
Pro tip
Baking instructions are also listed on the back of every package!
Best pans for baking rolls
Depending on how many people you’re feeding, you can make 9, 20, or the entire bag!
- 8×8 Square Non-Sticking Baking Dish: if you only need 9 rolls.
- 9×13 Baking Dish: if you need 18 rolls.
- Baking Sheet: if you want to make the whole bag (36 rolls).
Flavor variations
- Make them herby. Make a half batch of the butter sauce from my Turkey Sliders or serve my homemade Herb Butter on the side of the cooked rolls.
- Make them sweet. Omit the parmesan, garlic, and pepper, then serve the rolls next to my homemade honey butter from my Instant Pot Cornbread recipe.
- Keep it simple. Use a homemade seasoning blend and sprinkle on your favorite Italian seasoning, Everything but the Bagel seasoning.
How to store
Leftovers will last in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days, in the fridge for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 1 month.
To reheat: wrap in tin foil, then bake at 350 degrees F until warmed through.
– Jennifer
Rhodes Rolls
How to Make Frozen Rolls Better: a few simple ways to make your store-bought Rhodes Rolls taste homemade. They’re SO easy, pillowy soft, and ultra buttery.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 9 rolls
Equipment for this recipe
(equipment shown are affiliate links)
Ingredients
- 9 frozen Rhodes rolls
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 tablespoon finely grated parmesan
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- Maldon sea salt to taste
Instructions
- Place the frozen rolls in a greased non-stick 8x8 baking pan*, cover the pan with greased plastic wrap, then allow the rolls to thaw and rise according to package directions**.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F, then stir together melted butter, parmesan, garlic powder, and pepper until combined.
- Spoon the butter mixture evenly over the rolls, then sprinkle with Maldon sea salt.
- Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
- Take 5 seconds to either rate this recipe below and/or PIN it. We greatly appreciate it!
STORING
Room Temp:1-2 Days
Refrigerator:1 Week
Freezer:1 Month
Reheat:Wrap in foil then bake until warm
*Storage times may vary based on temperature and conditions
Notes
*See Best Pans for Baking if you want to double or triple the recipe.
**See How to Thaw for thawing instructions.
**See How to Thaw for thawing instructions.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Rhodes Rolls
Amount Per Serving (1 roll)
Calories 154 Calories from Fat 63
% Daily Value*
Fat 7g11%
Saturated Fat 3g19%
Trans Fat 1g
Cholesterol 11mg4%
Sodium 236mg10%
Potassium 54mg2%
Carbohydrates 20g7%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 4g8%
Vitamin A 122IU2%
Vitamin C 1mg1%
Calcium 82mg8%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
*Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on products used.
Keywords: frozen rolls, semi-homemade rolls, store-bought rolls
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