Lion House Signature Rolls

Experience the magic of authentic Lion House Rolls! This beloved recipe, hailing from the historic Lion House Pantry in Salt Lake City, Utah, yields dinner rolls that are unparalleled in their softness, richness, and buttery perfection. Prepare to elevate your mealtime with these legendary rolls.

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If you adore homemade bread, these Lion House Rolls will quickly become your new favorite. Their delightful texture and rich flavor make them stand out. For more delicious roll ideas, be sure to explore our extensive collection of dinner rolls, including our popular Parker House Rolls, delightful Butterhorn Rolls, and our versatile Easy Dinner Roll Recipe, all designed to bring comfort and joy to your table.

Unveiling the Legend of Lion House Rolls: A Utah Classic Comes Home

Years ago, I had the privilege of attending a local cooking class where one of the guest chefs hailed from the renowned Lion House Pantry. While he shared a myriad of culinary secrets, it was the recipe for their legendary Lion House Rolls that truly captured my attention. These dinner rolls are more than just a side dish; they are an institution, a cherished staple across Utah, especially during major food holidays. Their reputation is such that you'll find them sold by the thousands during festive periods, embodying a tradition that brings families together around the dinner table.

The Lion House Pantry, nestled in the heart of Salt Lake City, boasts a rich history tied to Brigham Young and Utah's early pioneers. Originally built in 1856, the Lion House served as a residence and gathering place, and its kitchen quickly became famous for its wholesome, delicious food. Over the decades, the Lion House Pantry evolved into a beloved public eatery, with these rolls standing out as its most celebrated offering. Their reputation precedes them, making them a must-try for anyone visiting or residing in the state. The thought of being able to recreate this celebrated taste at home, bringing a piece of Utah's culinary heritage into my own kitchen, was absolutely irresistible and incredibly rewarding!

What truly sets these Lion House Rolls apart is not merely their distinctive folded shape, but the sublime combination of textures and flavors they offer. Each roll is a symphony of softness, a pillowy cloud that practically melts in your mouth, infused with a rich, inviting buttery essence. They transcend the ordinary, becoming the absolute perfect accompaniment for any holiday feast, a comforting staple for a Sunday night dinner, or simply a delightful treat any day of the week. Since first discovering this recipe in 2009, I've baked these rolls countless times, and they have unfailingly been my top choice for any special gathering. Indeed, for many, myself included, a holiday meal simply feels incomplete without the presence of these magnificent, homemade rolls.

Why These Rolls Are Unforgettable: The Secret to Their Softness and Flavor

The enduring popularity of Lion House Rolls stems from a few key factors that make them truly exceptional and highly sought after. Firstly, their texture is unparalleled – an airy, tender crumb that yields effortlessly with each bite. This delicate, almost cloud-like structure is achieved through a careful balance of ingredients, precise kneading, and two essential rising periods, which allow the yeast to develop and the gluten to relax, resulting in an incredibly light roll. Secondly, the flavor profile is wonderfully rich and utterly irresistible. The generous use of high-quality butter, both incorporated into the dough and brushed lavishly on top after baking, contributes to their signature taste and helps create that beautiful, inviting golden-brown crust. The subtle sweetness from the sugar perfectly complements the savory notes, making them incredibly addictive and perfectly balanced.

Moreover, the unique shaping method, which we'll detail shortly, not only gives them their signature, recognizable look but also contributes to their layered, pull-apart texture, making them even more delightful and fun to eat. This traditional folding technique ensures that each roll is moist and tender throughout. It's this harmonious combination of tradition, premium ingredients, and a tried-and-true method that has elevated these Lion House Rolls from a simple bread item to a culinary icon in Utah and beyond, earning them a permanent spot on countless dinner tables.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Homemade Dinner Rolls

Crafting these exquisite Lion House Rolls requires a handful of common pantry staples, each playing a crucial role in achieving their signature taste and texture. Here’s a breakdown of what you'll need and why each ingredient is important:

• Warm Water: This is the crucial liquid component, essential for hydrating and activating your yeast. It should be warm to the touch, ideally between 105-115°F (40-46°C). Water that is too cold won't activate the yeast, while water that is too hot will kill it, preventing the dough from rising.
• Nonfat Instant Dry Milk: Often considered a secret ingredient by professional bakers, this granulated milk powder (typically found in the baking aisle) works wonders. It significantly enhances the tenderness and softness of the rolls, contributes to a richer, more complex flavor profile, and aids in achieving that beautiful golden-brown crust without adding excess liquid that could alter dough consistency.
• Active Dry Yeast: The powerhouse leavening agent responsible for giving the rolls their light, airy structure and characteristic rise. Ensuring your yeast is fresh and properly activated is paramount to a successful, fluffy batch.
• Granulated Sugar: A small amount is used initially to "feed" the yeast, encouraging it to bloom and become active. The remaining sugar sweetens the dough, balances the savory flavors, and assists in the Maillard reaction, contributing to a desirable golden-brown exterior during baking.
• Salt: Essential for amplifying and balancing the overall flavor of the rolls. Beyond taste, salt also plays a vital role in controlling yeast activity, preventing the dough from over-proofing too quickly, and strengthening the gluten structure.
• Unsalted Butter (softened and melted): Butter is paramount to the Lion House Rolls. Using high-quality unsalted butter will yield the best results, providing unparalleled tenderness, rich moisture, and that irresistible, deep buttery flavor. I strongly recommend against substituting margarine; butter truly makes all the difference in achieving the authentic taste and texture. You'll need softened butter for incorporating into the dough and melted butter for brushing during shaping and after baking.
• Egg: Incorporating a single egg adds significant richness to the dough, contributes to a more tender and soft crumb, and helps create a beautiful golden hue on the finished rolls. It also adds a bit of structural integrity.
• All-Purpose or Bread Flour: Both types of flour will work beautifully for this recipe. All-purpose flour yields a slightly softer, more delicate roll, perfect for a tender crumb. Bread flour, with its higher protein content, can give a chewier texture and a more structured, robust crumb. Feel free to choose your preference, or experiment to see which you enjoy most.

Pro Tips for Ingredient Preparation

For the best results, always ensure your yeast is fresh. If you're unsure about its viability, it's wise to proof it separately first: combine about 1/2 cup warm water (taken from the recipe's total liquid), 1 teaspoon sugar, and the yeast in a small bowl. If the mixture foams and becomes bubbly within 5-10 minutes, your yeast is active and ready to use. If not, it's best to get a new packet of yeast. When measuring flour, use the spoon-and-level method to avoid adding too much, which can result in dense, heavy rolls. Gently spoon flour into your measuring cup until it's overflowing, then level off the top with a straight edge like the back of a knife. This prevents compacting the flour and ensures accuracy.

Mastering the Art of Shaping Lion House Rolls for Their Signature Look

The distinctive shape of Lion House Rolls is part of their charm and significantly contributes to their incredibly soft, layered, and pull-apart texture. It's a simple yet elegant method that anyone can master with a little practice. The precise folding creates pockets of butter within the layers, leading to that rich flavor and tender mouthfeel. Follow these detailed steps, guided by the images below, to achieve that classic and delicious look:

Step 1: Roll the Dough into an Even Rectangle. On a lightly floured work surface, take one half of your risen dough. Using a rolling pin, carefully roll it out evenly into an 11x14-inch rectangle. Strive for a consistent thickness across the entire surface; this uniformity ensures that all your rolls bake evenly and have a similar texture. Avoid overworking the dough, which can make it tough.

Step 2: Brush with Melted Butter. Using a pastry brush, generously apply half of your melted butter (about 1.5 tablespoons) over the entire surface of the rolled-out dough. This butter layer is absolutely critical; it not only adds an incredible depth of flavor but also creates distinct layers, preventing the dough from sticking to itself and contributing to the rolls' famously soft and flaky interior as they rise and bake.

Step 3: Cut the Dough in Half Horizontally. Using a pizza cutter or a sharp chef's knife, carefully cut the dough in half horizontally, right down the center of the 14-inch side. You will now have two long, buttered rectangles, each approximately 5.5x14 inches. This step makes the individual roll-cutting process more manageable.

Step 4: Create Individual Rectangles for Each Roll. Now, slice each of these longer strips into individual rectangles, approximately 2x4 inches in size. A handy trick for sizing is to use your hand: if you hold your hand out in an "L" shape, the width from your thumb to your pinky can often serve as a good guide for the 4-inch length. Aim for consistency here; uniform sizes will lead to uniformly baked rolls. You should be able to get about 15 rectangles from each half of the dough, totaling 30 rolls.

Step 5: Fold and Place on Baking Sheet. Gently take each 2x4-inch rectangle and fold it. The goal is to bring one of the 2-inch ends over to meet the other 2-inch end, effectively folding the rectangle in half. This ensures the buttered side is mostly on the inside, creating those lovely layers. Place these folded rectangles onto a greased baking sheet, ensuring the "tail" or open end of the fold is resting securely on the sheet. This simple positioning helps maintain their shape during the crucial second rise and baking. Arrange them relatively close but not touching, as they will expand significantly during their final rise and in the oven.

Repeat this entire shaping process (Steps 1-5) with the second half of your dough. Once all rolls are shaped and neatly placed on baking sheets, cover them with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Allow them to rise in a warm spot, free from drafts, until they have visibly doubled in size. This second rise is absolutely crucial for achieving their signature light, airy, and fluffy texture, so be patient and let the yeast do its work.

Visual Guide: How to Make Lion House Rolls from Start to Finish

For those who are visual learners or prefer to see the techniques in action, this comprehensive video will walk you through each step of making these incredible rolls. From the initial mixing of the dough to the crucial first rise, the detailed shaping process, and the final baking, you'll gain confidence and clarity at every stage.

Baking and Serving Your Perfect Lion House Rolls

Once your beautifully shaped rolls have completed their second rise and are looking wonderfully puffy, it's time to bake them to golden perfection. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Carefully uncover the rolls and gently place the baking sheets in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until they are a beautiful golden brown on top and thoroughly cooked through. To accurately check for doneness, you can gently tap a roll; it should sound hollow. For an even more precise check, an internal thermometer inserted into the center of a roll should read around 200-210°F (93-99°C).

The moment these fragrant rolls emerge from the oven, still hot and filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma, is crucial for their signature finish. Immediately and generously brush the tops with extra softened or melted butter. This final step adds another indulgent layer of rich flavor, imparts a beautiful, glossy sheen, and helps to keep the crust incredibly soft and tender. The warm rolls will eagerly soak up the butter, becoming even more tender and undeniably delicious. Allow them to cool slightly before serving warm.

Perfect Pairings and Creative Variations for Your Rolls

Lion House Rolls are incredibly versatile and perfectly complement a wide array of dishes. They are the quintessential accompaniment to grand holiday dinners like Thanksgiving or Christmas, perfect for soaking up rich gravies or serving alongside a succulent roasted turkey or honey-glazed ham. But don't limit these delightful rolls to just special occasions! They are equally wonderful with everyday meals: think a comforting bowl of chili, a hearty stew, a flavorful soup, or a simple weeknight roast chicken. Serve them warm with extra butter, a drizzle of honey, or your favorite homemade jam for a truly comforting experience.

Want to get creative and customize your batch? Here are a few exciting ideas for variations:

• Herb-Infused Rolls: Elevate the savory profile by mixing finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives into the dough during the last stages of kneading. The fresh herbs add a wonderful aromatic quality.
• Garlic Parmesan Delight: For a savory and aromatic twist, after brushing with butter post-bake, generously sprinkle the warm rolls with garlic powder and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This creates an irresistible crispy, cheesy topping.
• Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Swirls: For a delightful breakfast or dessert roll, instead of a savory focus, sprinkle the melted buttered dough (before folding) with a generous mixture of cinnamon and sugar. You can even add a touch of brown sugar for deeper flavor.
• Cheesy Indulgence: Add a cup of shredded sharp cheddar, Gruyere, or a blend of your favorite cheeses to the dough along with the last addition of flour. This creates rich, savory, and incredibly comforting cheesy rolls, perfect with any meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips to Keep Your Rolls Fresh

While these rolls are undoubtedly best enjoyed fresh from the oven, any leftovers (a rare occurrence, we know!) can be stored effectively to maintain their deliciousness. Place them in an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap the rolls loosely in aluminum foil and warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave for a few seconds (about 10-20 seconds per roll, depending on your microwave) until they are warm and soft. Brushing with a little extra butter after reheating can work wonders to help revive their original tender texture and fresh-baked taste.

More Recipes to Complete Your Perfect Holiday Spread

No holiday meal is truly complete without a variety of delectable dishes that complement each other perfectly. Here are some of our other cherished recipes that will surely impress your guests and pair beautifully with these homemade Lion House Rolls:

• Our Irresistible Honey Glazed Ham: A sweet and savory centerpiece for any festive table.
• Classic Hot Cross Buns: Though traditionally associated with Easter, these spiced, fruit-filled buns are delightful and comforting year-round.
• Flavorful Honey Herb Glazed Turkey: A moist and aromatic turkey recipe that promises to be the star of your holiday feast.
• Simple yet Delicious Oven Roasted Carrots: Sweet, tender carrots with a hint of caramelization, a perfect vibrant side.
• Perfectly Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, these sprouts will convert even the skeptics.

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Lion House Rolls

Average Rating: 5 stars from 11 votes

Author:
Deborah Harroun

Prep Time:
30 minutes

Cook Time:
20 minutes

Rising Time:
2 hours 15 minutes

Total Time:
3 hours 5 minutes

Servings:
30 rolls

Course:
Bread

Cuisine:
American

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These Lion House Rolls are the perfect dinner rolls! The recipe is a favorite from the Lion House Pantry in Salt Lake City, Utah for a reason – they are soft and buttery and perfect.

Ingredients

• 2 cups warm water
• 2/3 cup nonfat instant dry milk
• 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/3 cup butter, softened
• 1 egg
• 5-5 1/2 cups flour (all-purpose or bread flour)
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted (plus extra softened butter for brushing on top after the rolls are baked)

Instructions

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm water and the milk powder and stir to dissolve the milk. Add in the yeast and a tablespoon or so of the sugar and allow the yeast to bloom for 5-10 minutes. Add in the remaining sugar, salt, softened butter, egg and 2 cups of the flour.
2. Mix on low speed until all of the ingredients are wet, then mix on medium for 2 minutes. Stop the mixer and add 2 more cups of flour, mix on low until combined, then on medium for 2 minutes. The dough will be getting stiffer at this point. Continue adding flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough is soft and tacky, but not sticky.
3. Place the dough in a greased bowl and turn to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel and allow to rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (approximately 1.5 - 2 hours).
4. Sprinkle a work surface lightly with flour. Divide the dough in half. Roll out one half of the dough into an 11x14-inch rectangle. Brush the top of the dough with half of the melted butter (1.5 tablespoons). Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the dough in half horizontally right down the center. Slice the dough into rectangles about 2x4 inches big. If you hold your hand out so that your hand forms an “L” shape, it can help to be your guide for sizing.
5. Gently fold or flip the rectangles, buttered side in, and place them on a greased baking pan with the tail ends resting on the sheet. Repeat with the second half of the dough.
6. Cover the shaped rolls with a towel or plastic wrap and allow to rise until doubled in size (approximately 45-60 minutes).
7. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Uncover the rolls and bake until they are browned and cooked through, 15-20 minutes. Brush generously with softened or melted butter while they are still hot, immediately after removing them from the oven. Serve warm.

Video

Recipe Notes:

Source: Adapted from a cooking class with a chef from The Lion House Pantry.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1 roll,
Calories: 125kcal (6%),
Carbohydrates: 18g (6%),
Protein: 3g (6%),
Fat: 4g (6%),
Saturated Fat: 3g (19%),
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g,
Trans Fat: 0g,
Cholesterol: 17mg (6%),
Sodium: 48mg (2%),
Fiber: 1g (4%),
Sugar: 2g (2%)

Keywords:
dinner rolls, lion house rolls, roll recipe, homemade bread, Utah recipe, soft rolls, buttery bread, yeast rolls, holiday rolls