Imagine pulling apart a warm, fluffy yeast roll that's been slow-cooked to perfection, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that makes everyone's mouth water. These crock pot yeast rolls are not just a side dish - they're a culinary experience that transforms ordinary meals into extraordinary memories. Forget complicated baking techniques and temperamental ovens; this foolproof recipe will have you creating bakery-quality rolls right in your slow cooker, with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 3 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 rolls
Ingredients
- 2 cups warm milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C) and 1/2 cup of sugar. Stir gently until the sugar is dissolved.
- Add 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast to the milk mixture. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
- Once the yeast is frothy, add 1/2 cup of melted butter and 2 eggs to the mixture. Whisk together until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 5 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula until a soft dough forms. You may not need to use all the flour, so add it gradually until the dough is manageable.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and shape each portion into a ball.
- Grease the bottom and sides of your crock pot. Place the dough balls in the crock pot, arranging them in a single layer. If needed, you can stack them slightly, but ensure there is enough space for them to rise.
- Cover the crock pot with the lid and let the rolls rise for an additional 30 minutes.
- After the second rise, set your crock pot to low heat and cook the rolls for 2 to
- 5 hours, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a roll; it should come out clean.
- Once the rolls are done, carefully remove them from the crock pot and let them cool slightly before serving. Brush with additional melted butter, if desired, for extra flavor.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure your milk is warm (around 110°F) but not hot, which can kill the yeast. Use a kitchen thermometer for precision.
- Activate Your Yeast Properly: Let the yeast sit in warm milk for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates the yeast is alive and ready to make your rolls rise beautifully.
- Don't Overwork the Dough: Knead gently and just until smooth. Overworking can make rolls tough instead of tender.
- Create the Perfect Rising Environment: Choose a warm, draft-free spot for your dough to rise. A slightly warm oven (turned off) or near a sunny window works great.
- Prevent Sticking: Generously grease your crock pot to ensure easy roll removal and a perfect golden exterior.
- Avoid Lifting the Lid: Resist the temptation to peek too often while cooking, as this releases heat and can affect the cooking process.
- Butter Makes Better: Brush warm rolls with melted butter after cooking for an extra layer of flavor and shine.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 50mg
