Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Big Fat Yeast Rolls. Soft, fluffy, and richly flavored with pork lard, these rolls are perfect for any meal, from a festive holiday dinner to a cozy weeknight soup. Follow this detailed guide to bake the perfect batch of homemade yeast rolls that are sure to impress.
Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
Mix the Dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the lukewarm milk, melted pork lard, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and 1 cup of flour, mixing until just combined. Gradually add the remaining flour and the egg, mixing to form a sticky dough.
Knead: On a floured surface (or in your mixer with the dough hook), knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First Proof: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Shape the Rolls: Punch down the dough and divide it into 15 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.
Second Proof: Cover the pan with a cloth and let the rolls rise for 30 minutes, or until puffy.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter and sprinkle with flake salt. Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown. Brush with additional melted butter upon removal from the oven.
Serve: Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, substitute pork lard with an equal amount of unsalted butter or vegetable shortening.
These rolls can be frozen after baking. Cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm.
Experiment with adding herbs or cheese to the dough for a flavorful twist.