Golden Corral's Yeast Rolls feature soft, fluffy bread made from enriched dough, baked to a golden brown with a slightly sweet, buttery crust, offering a warm and tender bite perfect for pairing with meals.
Equipments
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Stand mixer (or hand mixer with dough hook, optional)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Pastry brush
- Kitchen towel or plastic wrap
- Oven
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm whole milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 3½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
Warm whole milk should be maintained around 110degF (43degC) to activate the yeast properly without killing it. Using active dry yeast requires it to be dissolved in the warm milk and sugar to ensure the dough rises correctly. Melted unsalted butter added to the dough provides the soft texture and slightly sweet flavor characteristic of Golden Corral's yeast rolls. Gradually add 3 1/2 to 4 cups of all-purpose flour until the dough is soft but not sticky, adjusting as needed for your environment. Your Golden Corral Yeast Rolls will offer a soft, fluffy texture with a buttery golden crust, perfect for pairing with any meal.
Instructions
- Warm milk to about 110°F/43°C.
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the sugar.
- Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add remaining sugar, melted butter, salt, and egg.
- Mix until combined.
- Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead dough (stand mixer with dough hook or by hand) for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough into a greased bowl, cover with kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Let rise in warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Punch down dough and turn onto lightly floured surface.
- Divide dough into 15–18 equal pieces.
- Shape each piece into a ball.
- Place dough balls onto parchment-lined or greased baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.
- Cover with towel or plastic wrap, let rise until nearly doubled, about 30–45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake rolls for 15–18 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and immediately brush tops with melted butter.
- Transfer to cooling rack.
Substitution
Golden Corral's Yeast Rolls are celebrated for their soft texture and slightly sweet, buttery flavor that complements a variety of dishes. If active dry yeast is unavailable, instant yeast can be used as a substitute by adjusting the activation step to mix directly with flour. Whole milk can be replaced with any milk of your choice, such as almond or soy milk, but warming it to 110degF ensures proper yeast activation. When brushing the baked rolls, melted butter provides a rich finish, yet you can experiment with olive oil for a different taste. Your dough might require slight flour adjustments based on humidity and flour type, so add gradually until the dough is soft but not sticky.
Tips
Ensure the milk is warmed to the precise 110degF (43degC) to activate the yeast effectively without killing it, which is crucial for the dough rise. You should knead the dough until smooth and elastic for 5-7 minutes to develop gluten, ensuring soft and fluffy yeast rolls. When shaping the dough balls, space them slightly apart to allow proper expansion during the second rise and baking. Brushing the rolls immediately after baking with melted butter gives your bread that signature golden, slightly sweet, and buttery crust.
Nutritions
Golden Corral's Yeast Rolls provide a source of carbohydrates primarily from enriched all-purpose flour, offering energy to fuel your day. They also contain moderate amounts of fat from unsalted butter and egg, contributing to a slightly rich flavor and tender texture. The inclusion of yeast not only aids in leavening but may enhance digestibility, while the milk adds a small amount of protein and calcium. You can enjoy these rolls as a comforting, balanced addition to your meal that satisfies both taste and nutrition.
Storage
Store your Golden Corral's Yeast Rolls in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap to maintain their softness and freshness for up to 2 days at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze the rolls individually wrapped in plastic and placed in a resealable freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat frozen rolls in a warm oven or microwave to restore their tender, buttery texture before serving.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute whole milk with buttermilk to add a tangy flavor and make the yeast rolls even more tender. For a richer crust, try brushing the tops with melted honey butter instead of plain butter right after baking. Incorporating a tablespoon of instant mashed potato flakes into the dough enhances softness and moisture retention in your rolls. Experiment with kneading times by slightly increasing to 8-10 minutes for a chewier texture, but avoid over-kneading to maintain fluffiness.
Allergies
Golden Corral's Yeast Rolls contain ingredients such as wheat flour, milk, butter, and eggs which are common allergens. If you have allergies to dairy, gluten, or eggs, these rolls could trigger a reaction. It's important to check ingredient lists carefully if your diet requires avoiding these allergens.
Why this recipe?
Golden Corral's Yeast Rolls stand out for their soft, pillowy texture and slightly sweet flavor that perfectly complement savory meals. Many customers appreciate the rolls' fresh-baked aroma and golden-brown crust, enhancing the overall dining experience. Trying to make the copycat version allows you to recreate the restaurant's signature comfort food at home, ensuring you enjoy that same warmth and taste anytime. Mastering these yeast rolls can elevate your homemade meals and delight your family with restaurant-quality bread.