Hawaiian rolls are a popular type of sweet, fluffy dinner roll that originally came from Hawaii. They have a light, slightly sweet taste and are often served at luaus and other Hawaiian-themed events. But some people wonder – are you supposed to bake Hawaiian rolls or not? Here’s a quick look at whether Hawaiian rolls need to be baked or not.
The Quick Answer
Yes, Hawaiian rolls do need to be baked before eating. Hawaiian rolls are a yeast-leavened bread product that requires baking to properly activate the yeast, set the dough, and achieve the proper lightly sweet taste and fluffy texture.
Do Hawaiian Rolls Contain Yeast?
Authentic Hawaiian rolls contain yeast, which requires heat to rise and achieve the desired fluffy texture. The yeast help the dough rise and fill with air pockets, creating a light, pillowy roll when baked. Hawaiian rolls rely on an active yeast to get their signature taste and texture.
What Happens If You Don’t Bake the Yeast?
If Hawaiian rolls are not baked, the yeast will not properly activate. This means the dough will remain dense and flat rather than rising and becoming fluffy and airy. Unbaked Hawaiian rolls will taste doughy and yeasty instead of sweet and soft. The yeast need to be activated through baking to create the desired texture.
Can You Eat Hawaiian Rolls Raw?
It is not recommended to eat raw Hawaiian rolls, as the uncooked yeast and dough will taste very unappealing. The dough will still be dense, sticky, and gluey instead of light and airy. Raw Hawaiian rolls may also carry a risk of foodborne illness from the uncooked yeast and eggs.
What is the Proper Way to Bake Hawaiian Rolls?
To properly bake Hawaiian rolls:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Prepare dough according to recipe instructions.
- Allow dough to rise until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
- Form dough into round rolls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 13-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and brush with butter for an extra touch of flavor.
Baking times may vary based on the specific type or brand of Hawaiian roll. Rolls are fully baked when they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Can You Microwave Hawaiian Rolls?
It is best not to microwave Hawaiian rolls, as the microwave will make the rolls rubbery and dense instead of light and fluffy. Microwaves do not properly activate the yeast and may create uneven cooking. For best results, always bake Hawaiian rolls in the oven.
How Long Do Baked Hawaiian Rolls Last?
Freshly baked Hawaiian rolls will last:
- At room temperature – Up to 4 days
- In the refrigerator – 5-7 days
- In the freezer – 2-3 months
To maximize freshness, store any leftover Hawaiian rolls in an airtight container or bag. Rolls will stay freshest when kept at room temperature the day of baking, then refrigerated to extend their shelf life. Freezing is best for long-term storage.
Can You Freeze Unbaked Hawaiian Rolls?
It is possible to freeze unbaked Hawaiian rolls for up to 1-2 months. To freeze:
- Prepare dough and shape into rolls, place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 2 hours.
- Transfer frozen rolls into a freezer bag or airtight container.
- When ready to bake, do not thaw. Instead, place frozen rolls directly into the preheated oven.
- Add a few extra minutes to the bake time, up to 20-25 minutes.
Can You Refrigerate Unbaked Hawaiian Roll Dough?
Yes, prepared but unbaked Hawaiian roll dough can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. This slows down the yeast activity to help prolong the dough’s shelf life. To refrigerate:
- Prepare the dough according to recipe up until the baking step.
- Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- When ready to bake, remove dough from fridge and allow to come to room temperature for 1-2 hours before baking.
The Best Fillings for Hawaiian Rolls
Hawaiian rolls make great little sandwiches or sliders. Here are some delicious fillings to try:
| Filling | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Ham and cheese | Sliced ham, Swiss cheese, mustard, mayo |
| Pulled pork | Shredded smoked pork shoulder, bbq sauce |
| Chicken salad | Shredded chicken, mayo, celery, onion, mustard |
| Tuna salad | Tuna, mayo, chopped celery and onion |
| Roast beef | Sliced roast beef, horseradish mayo, arugula |
| Caprese | Mozzarella, sliced tomato, basil, balsamic glaze |
Sweet Hawaiian Roll Fillings
The mild sweetness of Hawaiian rolls also pairs well with sweet fillings and toppings. Some options include:
- Cinnamon sugar
- Cream cheese frosting or whipped cream
- Berries and whipped cream
- Sliced bananas and nutella
- Pineapple preserves or jam
- Chocolate-hazelnut spread
Hawaiian Roll Recipe from Scratch
Make authentic Hawaiian rolls at home with this recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/4 cup warm water (110°F)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups bread flour
- 1 tsp salt
Steps
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk, water, sugar and yeast. Allow to sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Add the yeast mixture and 3 cups of the flour to the wet ingredients. Using a wooden spoon, mix until a shaggy dough starts to form.
- Add the salt and remaining 1/2 cup flour 1/4 cup at a time until the dough pulls away from the bowl.
- Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead dough for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough into a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
- On a floured surface, divide dough into 12 equal pieces. Shape each into a round roll.
- Place rolls onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise another 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°F.
- Bake rolls for 13-18 minutes until deep golden brown.
- Optional: Brush tops with melted butter after baking.
Conclusion
Hawaiian rolls need to be baked before eating to allow the yeast to rise and create their signature sweet, fluffy texture. Baking activates the yeast and transforms the dense dough into light, pillowy rolls with a slightly sweet flavor. While Hawaiian roll dough can be refrigerated or frozen before baking, the rolls must always be baked until golden brown for the best taste and texture. With a simple recipe, you can easily make authentic Hawaiian rolls at home.