Rhodes Rolls - How to Make Frozen Rolls Taste Better! (2024)

This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.

How to Make Frozen Rolls Better: a few simple ways to make your store-bought Rhodes Rolls taste homemade. They’re SO easy, pillowy soft, and ultra buttery.

Sooo I was going to make homemade rolls this year for the big holiday dinners, but after a few tries, I gave up, and decided to make Rhodes Rolls instead! With a few extra ingredients, you’ll have everybody at the dinner table raving over your “homemade” rolls! It can be our secret…nobody else has to know!

Ingredients

Just 5 simple ingredients (that you probably have on hand already) take these frozen dinner rolls to the next level!

• Rhodes Rolls – the MVP! Rhodes Rolls can be found in the freezer section at your grocery store. You’re looking for the “thaw, rise, and bake yeast dinner rolls”. These make a fantastic base for our semi-homemade rolls. I have not tried (nor seen) another brand of rolls like this, so I can’t vouch for the results if you try something other than Rhodes.
• Unsalted Butter – smothered over the top of the rolls before baking to promote a golden brown flavor and rich, buttery flavor. Feel free to use salted if that’s what you have on hand, but then go easy on the additional salt!
• Parmesan – adds a salty, cheesy flavor and beautiful brown, slightly crispy texture to the top of the rolls. I like using a finely grated cheese for the best results (yes, the kind in the green can is just fine).
• Garlic Powder and Pepper – our simple seasonings! Garlic powder adds a nutty flavor that really makes these shine while the pepper adds a hint of spice.
• Maldon Sea Salt – this flakey sea salt adds a subtle crunch while also enhancing the other flavors in the rolls. Bonus: sea salt makes anything look extra elegant and gorgeous! If you don’t have flakey sea salt on hand, sprinkle on a little table salt, so you can still enhance the flavors of the dish.

How to make

These semi-homemade rolls couldn’t be easier to make!

1. Thaw and rise the rolls according to package directions in your baking pan of choice.
2. Melt butter in a medium sized bowl, then stir in parmesan, garlic powder, and pepper.
3. Spoon the mixture evenly over the rolls, sprinkle with Maldon sea salt, then bake according to package directions.
4. Serve with additional butter, if desired, and enjoy!

How do you thaw rhodes rolls?

Rhodes rolls thaw as they rise and double in size at room temperature for 3-5 hours or in the fridge overnight.

How long do rhodes rolls take to rise?

Depending on the method used, frozen rolls can rise in as little as 3 hours or take as long as overnight.

The “Regular” Method

1. Spray pan of choice with cooking spray.
2. Place frozen rolls in pan, cover with plastic wrap that’s been sprayed with cooking spray, then allow to rise at room temperature for 3-5 hours, or until the rolls have doubled in size.
3. Remove plastic wrap and proceed with the recipe.

Refrigerator Method

1. Spray pan of choice with cooking spray.
2. Place frozen rolls in pan, cover with plastic wrap that’s been sprayed with cooking spray, then refrigerate overnight.
3. Optional: if the rolls haven’t doubled in size, allow them to continue rising at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours.
4. Remove plastic wrap and proceed with the recipe.

How do i cook rhodes rolls?

1. Allow rolls to thaw and rise according to package directions, then drizzle with the butter mixture listed in the recipe below.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F, then bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown.
3. Serve and enjoy!

Best pans for baking rolls

Depending on how many people you’re feeding, you can make 9, 20, or the entire bag!

• 8×8 Square Non-Sticking Baking Dish: if you only need 9 rolls.
• 9×13 Baking Dish: if you need 18 rolls.
• Baking Sheet: if you want to make the whole bag (36 rolls).

Flavor variations

• Make them herby. Make a half batch of the butter sauce from my Turkey Sliders or serve my homemade Herb Butter on the side of the cooked rolls.
• Make them sweet. Omit the parmesan, garlic, and pepper, then serve the rolls next to my homemade honey butter from my Instant Pot Cornbread recipe.
• Keep it simple. Use a homemade seasoning blend and sprinkle on your favorite Italian seasoning, Everything but the Bagel seasoning.

How to store

Leftovers will last in an airtight containerat room temperature for 1-2 days, in the fridge for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 1 month.

To reheat: wrap in tin foil, then bake at 350 degrees F until warmed through.

– Jennifer