Name: Rhodes Frozen Dinner Rolls
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Ingredients: Nonstick spray (or neutral oil for greasing); 12 (57 gram) frozen Rhodes rolls ( (or 15 of the 38 gram rolls)); 6 tablespoons butter (melted); ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (finely chopped (our favorites are rosemary and thyme))

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You found our family-famous Rhodes Dinner Rolls! We've made these rolls again and again for over 10 years for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and even weeknight dinners. After making them so many times, we've really narrowed down what works! We're sharing all of our tips, including overnight vs. faster thawing methods, what pan to use, and how to make enough for big holiday crowds.

I promise these rolls will turn out SO tender and buttery, with the perfect crispy edges. If you're a sucker for Homemade Bread Recipes but don't always want to make them from scratch, these are such a good shortcut.

Golden brown Rhodes dinner rolls in a cast iron skillet.

The first time I made frozen dinner rolls was inspired by this Pioneer Woman recipe. And that was all it took - we have been hooked on shortcut rolls ever since!

These make regular, well-deserved appearances on our holiday tables and are one of the most popular sides in our Thanksgiving Recipes and Easter Recipes. And when we have a few rolls left in the bag, we turn them into this caramelly Rhodes Rolls Monkey Bread. So many wins!

Danielle and Misty smiling with green foliage in the background.

Recipe Notes from Danielle & Misty

This recipe takes all the technical work out of making dinner rolls, and that's why we love it! The true key to mastering a soft, fluffy texture is thawing them correctly.

We share three different thawing methods, but whichever you choose, don't let the rolls over-rise. We've learned from many a crazy day in the kitchen that once they pass double in size, they start to collapse and the texture changes completely.

Get the rise right, and you'll get the rolls right!

"OUTSTANDING!!! And so easy!!! Like another reviewer said it looked like a Pinterest picture when it came out of the oven!"

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Tara

Ingredients for Rhodes dinner rolls

The ingredients for this recipe are ultra-simple, but here are a couple of notes that we have found worth noting.

Ingredients for baking Rhodes frozen rolls on counter.

Rhodes rolls: I use the Rhodes frozen dinner rolls that are 57 grams each, which I buy at my local Sam's Club or Costco. You can also use the smaller ones that are 38 grams each, which can be found in the freezer section at most standard grocery stores, such as Walmart or Kroger stores. These ones may thaw a little faster and won't rise quite as tall, but are still delicious.
Fresh herbs: Although we have tried dried herbs, they truly don't compare to fresh herbs. I highly suggest fresh! You can use one variety or a mix of several herbs.

Best baking pans for Rhodes dinner rolls

Our favorite pan to use is a cast iron skillet. The thick metal retains heat wonderfully and helps create a crispy edge that is soooo delicious! A 12 inch skillet will hold 12 (57 gram) rolls.

You can also bake these in a 9x13 pan, which will also hold 12 (57 gram) rolls. Both glass and ceramic will work, but neither will create the same golden, crispy exterior as cast iron.

How to make Rhodes rolls

To prepare the rolls, spray a 12-inch cast iron skillet (or a 9x13 pan) with non-stick spray or a thin layer of neutral oil. Place the frozen rolls directly in the pan, spacing them as evenly as possible.

Take a piece of plastic wrap and cover the skillet. Spray the outside of the plastic wrap with non-stick cooking spray, then turn the plastic wrap over so that the sprayed side is closest to the frozen rolls.

Spraying the plastic wrap ensures that the thawed rolls will not stick once it is time to bake. If they stick to the plastic wrap, the rolls will deflate which will cause them to lose their soft and fluffy interior.

Frozen Rhodes dinner rolls in pan before rising.

How to thaw Rhodes frozen rolls

After preparing the rolls in the skillet as described above, there are three methods to thaw them. Whatever you choose, the goal is to let them rise until they are doubled in size (see picture below). If they go beyond that, the amazing soft and chewy texture becomes airy instead.

Classic thawing method

Thaw the rolls for 3-5 hours at room temperature in a warm room in the house (for us that is usually the kitchen or laundry room). For best results, watch them carefully after the 3 hour mark until they are doubled in size.

Overnight thawing method (or all day in the fridge)

Place the prepared pan of rolls into the refrigerator for 8-10 hours or overnight, but the next morning (or after 8-10 hours in the refrigerator) they need to be put in a warm place for about an hour, or until they are doubled in size.

Fastest thawing method

Thawing them extra fast is not our preferred method, but there are two quick ways it can be done if necessary.

Option 1: Turn on the oven to 175 degrees for 5 minutes, and then immediately turn it off. As soon as the oven is off, the rolls go into the warm oven. This is where they can easily rise too much. Just to be safe, begin checking on them after an hour. Then continue to check every 30 minutes until you see that they have doubled.

Option 2: Place the rolls in a cold oven with the light on and pour hot water into a shallow pan that's set on the lower rack. Place the rolls on the rack above the pan of water and close the door. Follow the same instructions for timing as the method above.

Risen dinner rolls without herbs and butter.

Baking directions

Once they are doubled in size, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Then gently remove the plastic wrap from the pan. Melt the butter and stir in the fresh chopped herbs and salt.

Pour some the butter mixture evenly over the tops of the dinner rolls, making sure to include the outside edge of the pan (I prefer not to use a brush for this because it tends to deflate the rolls). Reserve a couple tablespoons for after baking.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Allow them to cool directly in the pan, then brush with the reserved butter mixture right before serving.

Risen dinner rolls with butter and herbs before baking.

Tips for baking multiple batches

When serving Rhodes rolls for large holidays, the biggest consideration is oven space. Test how many skillets fit in your oven before you start baking. I can fit three large skillets on two racks if I arrange them just right.

If you can't quite fit them all, bake multiple rounds two skillets at a time.

Edge of pan of baked dinner rolls baked in pan.

Variations and flavor ideas

Mix and match with any of these options for the flavor you love!

Fresh herbs: Thyme, rosemary, sage, oregano, chives, marjoram, or parsley.
Salt: Kosher salt, garlic salt, or sea salt.
Garlic: You can cook a bit of minced garlic in the melted butter to infuse it - so good! You can also use garlic powder.
Parmesan cheese: We have a simple Garlic Parmesan Rhodes Rolls recipe too!
Bread dough: Instead of rolls, use the Rhodes bread dough to make this Rhodes Pull Apart Bread.

A hand holding one soft and fluffy dinner roll made from frozen dough.

Tips & Tricks

Handle the plastic wrap gently to avoid deflating the rolls after they have risen. Spraying it with non-stick spray helps a lot!
The first couple of times you make these, check the rolls often as they rise. You'll quickly get a feel for how fast they rise in your specific kitchen, and it will help you catch them before they over-rise.
When pouring the butter over the tops of the rolls, make sure not to miss the outside edge. This helps those edges get golden and buttery, and also prevents sticking.

More recipes

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Recipe

Baked Rhodes roll with butter and herbs being held in a hand.

Rhodes Frozen Dinner Rolls

You found our family-famous Rhodes Dinner Rolls! We've made these rolls again and again for over 15 years for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and even weeknight dinners. After making them so many times, we've really narrowed down what works! We're sharing all of our tips, including overnight vs. faster thawing methods, what pan to use, and how to make enough for big holiday crowds.

4.80 from 20 votes

Print Pin Save Rate

Course: Bread

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 15

Rising Time: 3

Servings: rolls

Calories: 53kcal

Author: Danielle

Ingredients

▢ Nonstick spray or neutral oil for greasing
▢ 12 (57 gram) frozen Rhodes rolls (or 15 of the 38 gram rolls)
▢ 6 tablespoons butter melted
▢ ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
▢ 1 tablespoon fresh herbs finely chopped (our favorites are rosemary and thyme)

Instructions

Regular Method

Spray a 12 inch skillet with nonstick spray or lightly grease with oil. Place 12 Rhodes frozen dinner rolls evenly around the pan leaving equal space in between them. Take a piece of plastic wrap and drape it over the rolls. Spray the top of the plastic warp with the nonstick spray. Turn over the plastic wrap so that the sprayed side is towards the rolls. Allow them to rise at room temperature 3-5 hours until the rolls have doubled in size.
12 (57 gram) frozen Rhodes rolls, Nonstick spray
When the rolls are ready, preheat the oven to 350°. While the oven is heating, melt the butter and mix in the salt and herbs. Pour 4 tablespoons of the melted butter mixture over the tops of the rolls, saving the rest for the end. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
6 tablespoons butter, 1 tablespoon fresh herbs , ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
When the rolls are finished baking remove them from the oven and gently brush or spoon over the remaining butter mixture. Allow to cool slightly in the pan before serving.

Quick Thaw Methods

Method 1: Preheat oven to 175° while you prepare rolls as stated in step 1 above. Before placing the rolls in the oven be sure to turn it off. After the first 1 hour begin checking the rolls every 30 minutes until they have doubled in size. Once thawed, remove pan from the oven and continue as directed in step 2 above.
Method 2: Place the pan of frozen rolls in the oven with the light on and a pour hot water into a shallow pan that's set on the lower rack. Place the rolls on the rack above the pan of water and close the door. Once thawed, remove pan from oven and follow the same instructions as in step 2 above.

Overnight Thawing Method

Place the prepared pan of Rhodes frozen dinner rolls into the refrigerator for 8-10 hours or overnight, but the next morning (or after 8-10 hours in the refrigerator) they need to be put in a warm place for about an hour. Again, you are looking for the rolls to be soft and fluffy. Follow the baking instructions as directed above starting at step 2.

Video

Notes

Tips & Tricks

Handle the plastic wrap gently to avoid deflating the rolls after they have risen. Spraying it with non-stick spray helps a lot!
The first couple of times you make these, check the rolls often as they rise. You'll quickly get a feel for how fast they rise in your specific kitchen, and it will help you catch them before they over-rise.
When pouring the butter over the tops of the rolls, make sure not to miss the outside edge. This helps those edges get golden and buttery, and also prevents sticking.

Notes:

If you use the smaller (38 gram size) rolls it will take 15 Rhodes rolls per pan. Also, they won't rise quite as tall as the ones in the picture, but they will have the same soft and fluffy "baby's bottom" look. They also might thaw and rise a bit more quickly, closer to the three hour mark than the five hour mark.

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Nutrition

All nutrition information is provided by a third party and is an estimate only. Use your own nutritional calculator for more specific measurements.

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Comments

4.80 from 20 votes (11 ratings without comment)

Easiest Rhodes Dinner Rolls