Easiest Rhodes Rolls

Name: Rhodes Frozen Rolls
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Ingredients: nonstick spray (or oil for greasing); 12 Rhodes rolls, 57 gram ( or 15 of the 38 gram); 6 tbsp butter (melted); ¼ tsp salt; 1 tbsp fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley, (chopped)

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These frozen Rhodes Dinner 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.

Love recipes like this? We got you! Check out our full collection of Homemade Bread Recipes for more options that are quick, easy, and totally satisfying.

Golden brown Rhodes dinner rolls in a cast iron skillet.

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 alongside our Easter recipes, Thanksgiving recipes, 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?

OUTSTANDING!!! And so easy!!!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Tara

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Ingredients for Rhodes dinner rolls

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.

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, if that is what you have, which will also hold 12 (57 gram) rolls. Both glass and ceramic will work, but neither will create the same golden, crispy outside as cast iron.

How to make Rhodes 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.

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 you expect starts to collapse and become airy.

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 Rhodes frozen dinner 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.

Once they are looking ready, gently remove the plastic wrap and melt the butter. Then stir in the herbs and salt.

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.

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.

Tips for baking multiple batches

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 and toppings

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.

FAQs

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).

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.

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.

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Recipe

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

Rhodes Frozen Rolls

These Rhodes Dinner 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.

4.80 from 20 votes

Print Pin Save Rate

Course: Bread

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 15

Rising Time: 3

Servings: rolls

Calories: 159kcal

Author: Danielle

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

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 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.

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

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