A holiday meal or large gathering often results in a surplus of dinner rolls. These soft, versatile rolls offer a foundation for numerous dishes beyond simply being reheated and served with butter. Instead of letting them dry out, simple techniques can transform them into entirely new meals, side dishes, or ingredients, ensuring none go to waste. This guide explores practical solutions for maximizing the utility of every last roll.
Reviving Stale Rolls and Storage
When rolls are exposed to air, they lose moisture, causing staling. To restore a soft texture, lightly spritz the rolls with water. Wrap them tightly in aluminum foil and heat them in a 350°F oven for five to seven minutes; the heat temporarily reverses the staling process. A quick 15-second burst in the microwave can also soften a single roll, but this method often results in the roll hardening quickly once cooled.
For fresh rolls, short-term storage requires placing them in an airtight container at room temperature to minimize moisture loss. For long-term preservation, freezing is effective if the rolls will not be used within two to three days. Place the rolls in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible, where they maintain quality for up to three months. Thawing them overnight in the refrigerator or reheating them in the oven brings them back to a near-fresh state.
Savory Meal and Side Dish Ideas
Leftover rolls are perfectly sized to become the base for quick, savory meals, especially as miniature buns. Slicing them horizontally creates ideal slider rolls for leftover pulled pork, shredded chicken, or deli meats, offering a convenient way to serve small portions. Brushing the cut sides with melted butter and toasting them lightly adds structural integrity and a pleasant crunch to the sandwich.
Rolls can be transformed into a flavorful side dish, such as cheesy pull-apart bread. Slice the rolls almost all the way through, then brush them with a mixture of melted butter, minced garlic, and Italian herbs. Stuff the crevices with shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese. Baking the rolls until the cheese is melted and bubbly creates a warm, shareable appetizer that pairs well with pasta or soup.
The slightly dried texture of day-old rolls makes them suitable for use in a traditional stuffing or dressing recipe. Cubing the rolls and allowing them to dry further overnight concentrates their flavor. This ensures they absorb the stock and seasonings without becoming mushy, preventing a dense, heavy consistency in the final dish.
Rolls can also be converted into homemade croutons for salads or soup toppings. Toss the cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of dried oregano before baking them at 375°F. The small size of the dinner roll cubes ensures a quick, even bake, resulting in a consistently crisp texture.
Sweet Dessert Transformations
The soft, absorbent nature of dinner rolls makes them an excellent substitute for sliced bread in sweet applications. Slicing the rolls and dipping them into a custard mixture of eggs, milk, sugar, and cinnamon creates a quick French toast breakfast. For a more substantial dish, the rolls can be arranged in a baking dish and covered with the custard to create a baked French toast casserole.
Cubing the rolls and soaking them in a rich, sweet custard is the foundation for bread pudding. The rolls readily absorb the liquid, which typically includes heavy cream, vanilla, and brown sugar, before being baked until set. Adding mix-ins like raisins, chocolate chips, or a splash of bourbon elevates the dessert.
Rolls can be transformed into a version of monkey bread. Tearing the rolls into small pieces and tossing them in a mixture of melted butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar creates a sticky, sweet coating. Arranging the coated pieces in a bundt pan and baking them results in a pull-apart dessert that is caramelized on the outside and soft on the inside.
Zero-Waste Kitchen Uses
Rolls that have become hard and dry can be repurposed into useful kitchen ingredients. The most common use is processing them into breadcrumbs by pulsing the dried rolls in a food processor until a fine texture is achieved. These fresh breadcrumbs are ideal for coating chicken or fish, or for using as a binder in meatballs or meatloaf.
For long-term storage, spread the breadcrumbs on a baking sheet and toast them lightly in a low oven to remove residual moisture. This drying process prevents mold growth and extends their shelf life significantly. The resulting dried crumbs can be used as a crunchy topping for baked pasta dishes or casseroles.
Pulverized dried rolls can also serve as a thickening agent for soups, stews, or sauces, adding body without altering the flavor profile. Stale rolls can also be torn into pieces and used in panzanella, a Tuscan bread salad. This application utilizes the roll’s ability to absorb moisture, transforming a stale item into a flavorful component of a fresh salad.