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    Home » Recipes » Bread

    Published: Jul 12, 2022 by Danielle · This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, see our privacy policy.

    Easiest Rhodes Rolls (Frozen Dinner Rolls w/ Butter and Herbs)

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    Soft golden brown dinner roll with graphic overlay.
    Up close look of Rhodes frozen dinner rolls after being bakes with graphic overlay.

    These frozen Rhodes Rolls are the easiest dinner rolls ever! Once they rise, all you need is 5 minutes of prep time and a short bake in the oven. Out pops perfectly golden brown, buttery, soft pillows of dough sprinkled with salt and herbs. It's magic! With so many flavor variations these are irresistible.

    Golden brown Rhodes dinner rolls in a cast iron skillet.
    These rolls are an easy way to get all the smells of homemade rolls with only 5 minutes of hands-on time!
    Skip to:
    • 🥖 Ingredients
    • 🥣 How to make Rhodes frozen dinner rolls
    • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦  Dinner rolls for a crowd
    • 🌿 Flavor variations
    • 🙋 Questions & Answers
    • 📖  Main dishes to serve with rolls
    • 👨🏼‍🍳 Tips & Tricks
    • 👋🏻 Connect with us!
    • 📋 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Who doesn’t love the smell of fresh bread dough or homemade dinner rolls baking in the oven? It brings out all the feels. But sometimes I need a shortcut to get me there. Enter this easy dinner roll recipe.

    Since the first time that I saw the inspiration for these white dinner rolls on the Pioneer Woman, they have made a regular appearance at our dinner table. Homemade rolls without all the work.

    Not only have these Rhodes frozen dinner rolls been served on big holidays like Easter, Thanksgiving Dinner, and Christmas, but they have also been served to the extended family during our weekend Sunday dinners. Often though I serve these yeast rolls when I need more carbs to fill up bottomless pits a.k.a. teenage boys. With so many different flavor options they are a great addition to any main dish. 

    If you have any leftover frozen rolls to use up, we have a monkey bread recipe that uses frozen rolls baked in a bundt pan - Rhodes Monkey Bread (with butterscotch pudding and brown sugar) - for special occasion breakfasts. Family tradition mandates that it is served every holiday season! Isn't it amazing what frozen bread dough can do?

    🥖 Ingredients

    Ingredients for baking Rhodes frozen rolls on counter.

    Rhodes rolls: I use Rhodes frozen dinner rolls that are 57 grams each, but feel free to use the smaller ones (38 grams each). See FAQ section below.
    Butter: Adds that irresistible flavor and helps the dinner roll dough brown while baking.
    Herbs: Fresh herbs are the best. My favorites are thyme and rosemary, but feel free to mix a few together as well.
    Salt: Kosher is the best option.

    🥣 How to make Rhodes frozen dinner rolls

    For the best frozen dinner rolls, pull out a trusty 12-inch cast iron skillet (affiliate) for every dozen rolls, or use a 9x13 pan if that is what you have. Spray the pan with non-stick spray or wipe a thin layer of canola oil evenly across the surface. Place the Rhodes rolls throughout the pan.

    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.
    Place the frozen rolls in a cast iron skillet or 9x13 pan to thaw.

    Thawing instructions

    Thaw Rhodes dinner rolls in a warm location for 3-5 hours at room temperature, until they have doubled in size. The actual time varies depending on the temperature of your kitchen. They should be soft and fluffy.

    If the dough balls rise too much, usually from being left too long or in too warm of a location, they won’t turn out quite as well. For best results, watch them carefully after the 3 hour mark. Once they are looking ready, gently remove the plastic wrap and melt the butter. Then stir in the herbs and salt.

    Risen dinner rolls without herbs and butter.
    Let the rolls rise for 3-5 hours until doubled in size.

    Pour some the butter mixture over the tops of the Rhodes frozen dinner rolls making sure to include the outside edge of the pan but reserving a couple tablespoons for after baking. The butter should be evenly distributed all around the pan. I prefer not to brush the tops with the butter because if too much pressure is applied the rolls will deflate.

    Risen dinner rolls with butter and herbs before baking.
    Pour the melted butter mixture over the top of the rolls.

    Baking directions

    When it is time to bake, turn the oven to 350 degrees. Once the oven is at temperature, place the Rhodes rolls in the oven for 15-20 minutes. If you are using a different brand of rolls check the back of the bag for cooking time. I'm sure they are all pretty similar.

    There is no need to remove the rolls from the pan and place on a wire rack. They cool directly in the pan. For a final punch of flavor and the best appearance, brush tops of rolls softly with reserved butter mixture.

    Edge of pan of baked dinner rolls baked in pan.
    Bake until the rolls are beautifully golden brown.

    👨‍👩‍👧‍👦  Dinner rolls for a crowd

    These easy dinner rolls are great for Sunday Dinner, which around here is usually 20-25 people. When I serve these easy Rhodes rolls at a family gathering I can easily go through three skillets worth. 

    I'm telling you, they are delectable rolls. I don't want you to miss out so, please, do me a favor... make them as soon as you get a chance. It's the best experience watching other people taste these little pillows of carbs!

    When serving Rhodes rolls for large holidays like Easter, a Thanksgiving feast, and Christmas, the biggest consideration is oven space - I can barely fit three 12-inch skillets in my oven, so I only ever triple the recipe. Test how many skillets fit in your oven before deciding how many to make or be sure to bake in batches.

    🌿 Flavor variations

    Fresh herbs: Thyme, rosemary, sage, chives, or parsley.
    Dried herbs: Fresh are better but these can be used in a pinch.
    Salt: Kosher salt, garlic salt, or sea salt.
    Garlic: Minced garlic is best.

    🙋 Questions & Answers

    Where to buy Rhodes frozen dinner rolls?

    The a great option for the gourmet size rolls (57 grams) is Sam’s or Costco. Usually the smaller size roll (38 grams) can be found in the freezer section at a regular grocery store like Walmart or Smith’s (a Kroger brand store).

    What is the fastest way to thaw Rhodes rolls?

    Thawing frozen Rhodes rolls at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator is the best way to ensure that they turn out perfectly. However, if you don't have the extra time needed to follow the regular method there are two quick thaw methods.

    First, 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.

    Another speed method is to place the Rhodes frozen dinner rolls in the 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.

    Can I thaw them overnight or all day in the refrigerator?

    Yes, but the next day (or after 8-10 hours in the refrigerator) they need to be put in a warm place for at least an hour. Again, you are looking for the rolls to be soft, fluffy, and doubled in size.

    How to reheat dinner rolls?

    Wrap them in foil, then place rolls in a 350º oven for 3-5 minutes until warm. In a pinch the microwave on half power works as well.

    How long do frozen Rhodes rolls take to thaw and rise?

    That depends on the thawing method that is used. To thaw rolls in the refrigerator they take about 8-10 hours, but the next morning they need an additional hour on the counter to come to room temperature before baking. On the counter, they take anywhere between 3-5 hours depending on the temperature of the room.

    Using the quick thaw method listed earlier, they take a little over an hour. Remember that the quick thaw method carries the most risk of the rolls over rising and then falling during baking.

    A hand holding one soft and fluffy dinner roll made from frozen dough.
    These rolls are equally perfect for weeknight dinners and holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas.

    📖  Main dishes to serve with rolls

    • Crock Pot Chuck Roast: A tender, flavorful roast made in the slow cooker for the perfect comforting meal.
    • Chicken Breasts in Lemon Sauce: An easy one skillet dinner with fresh lemon, garlic, and white wine flavors.
    • 5 Ingredient Honey Butter Pork Tenderloin: An easy pork tenderloin made in a cast iron skillet or Instant Pot. Rave reviews every time!

    👨🏼‍🍳 Tips & Tricks

    • Spray plastic wrap with nonstick spray. If not the rolls will deflate when the plastic is removed which will cause them to lose their soft and fluffy interior.
    • The best way to ensure the perfect texture is to not let them over rise. They will still be worth eating but not quite as good. Wonder how I know? 😉
    • Pour the butter over the tops of the Rhodes rolls paying special attention not to miss the outside edge.

    👋🏻 Connect with us!

    If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and star rating to let us know how it is! We’d also love to connect with you on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest. Tag @borrowedbites or hashtag #borrowedbites to show us your food!

    📋 Recipe

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

    Easiest Rhodes Rolls (Frozen Dinner Rolls w/ Butter and Herbs)

    These Rhodes Rolls are the easiest rolls ever! Once they rise, all you need is 5 minutes of prep time and a short bake in the oven. Out pops perfectly golden brown, buttery, soft pillows of dough sprinkled with salt and herbs. It's magic! With so many flavor variations these are irresistible.
    4.84 from 12 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Bread
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Rising Time: 3 hours
    Servings: 12 rolls
    Calories: 159kcal
    Author: Borrowed Bites

    Ingredients

    • nonstick spray or oil for greasing
    • 12 Rhodes rolls, 57 gram or 15 of the 38 gram
    • 6 tablespoon butter melted
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley, chopped
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    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 3-5 hours until the rolls have doubled in size.
      12 Rhodes rolls, 57 gram, nonstick spray
    • When the rolls have are ready preheat oven to 350°. While the oven is heating, melt the butter and mix in the salt and herbs. Pour 4 tablespoons of melted butter mixture over tops of rolls, saving the rest for the end. Bake for 15-20 minutes.
      6 tablespoon butter, 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley,, ¼ teaspoon salt
    • When the rolls are finished baking remove them from the oven and gently brush or spoon over the remaining butter, herb, and salt mixture. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
    • We love comments! Please come back and leave us one after you’ve tried this recipe.

    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 for Rhodes Frozen Dinner Rolls
    • Spray plastic wrap with nonstick spray. If not the rolls will deflate when the plastic is removed.
    • For the perfect texture do not them them over rise. They will still be worth eating but not quite as good. Wonder how I know? 😉
    • Pour the buttery over the tops of the rolls paying special attention not to miss the outside edge.
    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

    Calories: 159kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 315mg | Potassium: 49mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 146IU | Calcium: 77mg | Iron: 2mg

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

    Tried this recipe?Leave a rating or pin it for later!

    More Bread Recipes

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    • Jiffy Jalapeno Cornbread
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      Recipe Rating




    1. Mary M. says

      January 25, 2023 at 9:22 am

      5 stars
      You are exactly right! These are the best and I will never be using any other rolls again. My husband and one of my sons loved them and couldn't stop saying how good they were. I will often forgo the bread, but I ate two!!! My oldest son was away at college, and so they didn't have to fight over them, but I will be making these again the next time he comes home. Growing up, I was never a fan of Monkey Bread, but I can't wait to try your recipe for my family! Your website is a favorite of mine to search for menu ideas. You and your daughter are beautiful and look like sisters, too!

      Reply
      • Danielle says

        January 28, 2023 at 6:49 am

        Mary,
        Thank you so much for taking the time to let us know how much your family loved these! It really makes our day! Please let us know how the monkey bread goes. It is a family favorite. Happy eating!

        Reply
    2. Lori Adkins says

      July 30, 2022 at 2:33 am

      5 stars
      I always volunteer to bring the rolls to family dinners. I discovered I could let the rolls rise in my car while I sat in church. I followed prep instructions. Upon arriving at my sister's house we placed the rolls in the oven. Fresh baked rolls with little fuss and the use of solar heat.

      Reply
      • Misty says

        July 30, 2022 at 3:00 pm

        So glad it's easy for you!

        Reply
    3. Sandy Hunter says

      April 17, 2022 at 12:46 pm

      I cooked them on convection bake today and they appeared to be crusty on top and bottoms didn’t brown well.
      Any ideas?

      Reply
      • Danielle says

        April 18, 2022 at 11:05 am

        We haven't cooked these in a convection oven, so I can't say for sure. The tops should get brown and a little crusty from the butter and the bottoms are soft and fluffy. These are not like a hard dinner roll, (Not an insult just the name of type of roll.) but more of a soft pull apart roll. HOpe that helps!

        Reply
    4. Kelsey says

      August 31, 2020 at 1:07 pm

      5 stars
      I was really surprised at how easy these were. I don’t know if I’ll ever make dough from scratch again 😂. We ate all 12 in one night.

      Reply
      • Misty says

        August 31, 2020 at 1:08 pm

        Aren't they so easy?! I love them. So glad you gave them a try.

        Reply
    5. Karen says

      February 17, 2020 at 7:47 am

      5 stars
      Like biting into a well seasoned buttery cloud.

      Reply

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