Sheepherder Bread Rolls

I think I may have mentioned the base recipe before.

In fact, I do believe I’m mentioned it twice.

Mostly because this is in fact the best bread recipe ever.  (It comes from my grandma – how can it not be amazing?)

It’s not difficult, and obviously easily adaptable for many things.

(Like these.)

The Recipe:

Sheepherder Bread Rolls, adapted from my grandma’s recipe

1 1/2 c very hot water

1/4 c butter

1/4 c sugar

1 1/4 t salt

1 packages active dry yeast

approx. 4 c bread flour, unsifted

oil

In a large bowl, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt.  Stir until the butter melts and let cool to warm.  Stir in yeast, cover, and set in a warm place until bubbly, about 15 minutes.

Add 2 1/2 cups of flour and beat with a heavy-duty mixer or a wooden spoon to make a thick batter.  With a spoon, stir in enough flour, about 1 1/2+ cups, to make a thick dough.  Turn the dough onto a floured board and knead until smooth, about 10 minutes, adding flour as needed to prevent sticking.  Turn dough over in greased bowl, cover, and let rise until double in bulk, about 1 1/2 hours.

Divide dough into 12 to 15 equal pieces, depending on the size roll you wish.  Roll into balls, smooth side on top.  Place on a lightly greased cookie sheet and let rise another 45 minutes.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until tops are golden brown.

Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

{Printable Recipe}

The Results:

I love a recipe that I’ve mostly made before, with just a tweak to make it new again.  Mostly because I go into it completely confident in the results.

And I needed the confidence this time.

These rolls were not just for my immediate family… they were for the extended family and guests.  Yep, I was making them for a dinner party.

Thank goodness everything went smoothly, since I made them right before everyone arrived.

And you can’t beat the smell of fresh bread when you walk in the door.

Anyways, I’m pretty sure these were a hit – and some people even went back for seconds!

Who could blame them?  These are just as good as the original Sheepherder Bread recipe… sweet, yeasty, and perfect when served warm with a dab of butter.  They definitely take me to my happy place.

And they’ll take you to yours, too, I guarantee it!

Happy Wednesday!

(This is post 199… coming up next, a giveaway!)