Arranging Hawaiian Rolls: Fitting Them In A 9X13 Pan

Hawaiian rolls are a versatile ingredient, perfect for sliders, sandwiches, or as a side. But how many of these sweet, soft, and fluffy rolls can fit into a 9x13 pan? This is a common question, as many recipes call for this specific pan size. The answer depends on how you arrange the rolls and whether they are sliced or left whole. For whole rolls, you can fit 12 in a 9x13 pan. If you are making sliders, you can slice the rolls in half and arrange them back-to-back, fitting 24 in the pan.

How to make Hawaiian rolls from scratch

Ingredients:

• All-purpose flour
• Fine sea salt
• Instant yeast
• Pineapple juice
• Milk
• Butter
• Honey
• Vinegar
• Vanilla extract
• Eggs

Method:

First, prepare a baking pan by lightly coating it with nonstick spray.

Next, make the dough by combining the pineapple juice, milk, honey, butter, flour, yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add in the egg, vanilla, and vinegar, and stir until a shaggy dough forms.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until it forms a soft, smooth ball. Place the dough back into the mixing bowl, cover, and let rest for 10-15 minutes.

After resting, divide the dough into equal portions and shape them into balls. Place the dough balls into the prepared baking pan and let them rise until doubled in size.

Once the dough has risen, brush the tops with an egg wash and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Tips:

• For a salty-sweet flavor, brush the baked rolls with honey butter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
• To make the honey butter, simply melt butter and honey together.
• These rolls are perfect for making sliders. Try filling them with ham, Swiss cheese, and your favorite condiments!
• For a variation, add slices of ham and Swiss cheese to each roll before shaping the dough.
• For a denser roll, use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour.

How to assemble Hawaiian roll sliders

Ingredients:

• Hawaiian sweet rolls
• Deli ham
• Swiss cheese
• Mayonnaise
• Butter
• Dijon mustard
• Onion powder
• Poppy seeds
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt

Method:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F/180°C.
• Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or pan.
• Using a large serrated bread knife, slice the rolls in half horizontally. You should have one large top half and one large bottom half. Keep the rolls connected.
• Place the bottom half of the rolls in the baking dish.
• Layer the bottom half of the rolls with ham and cheese.
• Spread mayonnaise on the cut side of the top half of the rolls and place over the ham and cheese.
• In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, Dijon mustard, onion powder, poppy seeds, and Worcestershire sauce.
• Brush the butter mixture over the tops of the rolls.
• Cover the baking dish with aluminium foil and let it rest for about 10 minutes.
• Bake the sliders for 10 minutes.
• Uncover the dish and bake for another 2-5 minutes until the tops are golden and crisp.
• Serve warm.

Tips:

• Don't separate the rolls until after baking.
• Try other variations such as roast beef, meatball sliders, Philly cheesesteak, or turkey.
• These sliders can be stored in the fridge and reheated in the oven wrapped in foil for about 10 minutes.

How to store Hawaiian rolls

Hawaiian rolls are irresistibly soft and fluffy, with a slightly sweet flavor that makes them a favorite for sandwiches, sliders, and as a side dish. To keep them tasting their best, follow these simple storage steps:

Step 1: Purchase fresh Hawaiian rolls

Start by buying fresh Hawaiian rolls from a reputable bakery or grocery store. Look for soft rolls with a slightly sweet aroma. Avoid any that seem dry or stale, as they won't stay fresh for long.

Step 2: Choose a suitable storage container

To effectively store Hawaiian rolls, use airtight containers made of plastic or glass. These containers prevent air exchange, which can cause staleness and moisture loss. Make sure the container is clean and dry before use. If you don't have an airtight container, use sealable freezer bags or ziplock bags, ensuring you press out any excess air before sealing.

Step 3: Wrap the rolls tightly in plastic wrap

This step adds an extra layer of protection to preserve moisture and prevent the rolls from drying out. Place the rolls in the center of a plastic wrap slightly longer than their length. Wrap the plastic tightly around them, using your hands to secure it in place. Make sure there are no gaps or exposed areas.

Step 4: Place the wrapped rolls in an airtight bag or container

Transfer the wrapped Hawaiian rolls into the airtight bag or container. This further seals in freshness and flavor, ensuring the rolls stay soft and tasty. For plastic bags, press out excess air before sealing tightly. If using a storage container, ensure it has a tight-fitting lid.

Step 5: Store the rolls at room temperature or in the refrigerator

You can store Hawaiian rolls at room temperature or in the refrigerator, depending on how long you want to keep them fresh. Room temperature storage is best if you plan to consume the rolls within a day or two. Find a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight and heat sources. For extended freshness, store the rolls in the refrigerator, where they can stay fresh for up to 5-7 days. They will become slightly firmer due to the colder temperature.

Step 6: Use within the recommended storage time

Consume Hawaiian rolls within the recommended storage time for optimal taste and texture. Rolls stored at room temperature should be used within 2 to 3 days, while refrigerated rolls last for 5 to 7 days. For longer storage, freezing is an option. Wrap the rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen Hawaiian rolls can last for several months, but their texture may change slightly upon thawing.

How to freeze Hawaiian rolls

Hawaiian rolls are a soft and sweet type of roll that can be used to make sliders and sandwiches or as a side. They are made with milk, sugar, and butter and can be purchased from the store or made at home.

If you want to freeze Hawaiian rolls, there are some simple steps to follow to ensure they retain their soft and fluffy texture.

Firstly, ensure your rolls are completely cooled to room temperature. Then, wrap the rolls in aluminum foil, either individually or in certain numbers, depending on your preference and how you plan to use them. For example, if you plan to take out a few at a time, it might be best to wrap them in smaller groups.

Once wrapped, place the rolls in a freezer-safe storage container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Seal the packaging to ensure it is airtight, as the freezer air can cause adverse effects on the rolls. Label and date the packaging, then store in the freezer for up to 3 months for the best quality.

Using Hawaiian Rolls After Freezing

When you are ready to use your frozen Hawaiian rolls, take them out of the freezer and let them thaw. You can pull them out a day or two in advance and let them thaw in the fridge, or you can place them directly in the oven to reheat. If you plan to cook them further, there is no need to heat them first.

To reheat the rolls, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Wrap the rolls in foil and bake for 10 minutes, then remove them from the oven, turn them over, wrap them again, and return them to the oven for another 5 minutes or until they are hot throughout.

Storing Hawaiian Rolls

If you do not want to freeze your Hawaiian rolls, they can be stored for up to 2 weeks without freezing. Ensure they are stored in airtight packaging, such as the store-bought packaging, a storage bag, or an airtight container. Keep them in a cool, dry location, such as a bread box or pantry, and avoid heat, direct sunlight, and areas with moisture.

Signs of Spoilage

Hawaiian rolls can go bad, especially when stored at room temperature. To check if your rolls have spoiled, look for changes in smell, colour, or the presence of mould. If you notice any of these signs, it is best to discard the rolls.

How to reheat Hawaiian rolls

There are several ways to reheat Hawaiian rolls, depending on whether they are frozen or freshly baked, and whether you are looking to reheat a large batch or just a few rolls.

Reheating Freshly Baked Hawaiian Rolls

If you are looking to reheat freshly baked Hawaiian rolls, the oven is the best method. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the rolls in a baking dish, leaving them snugly together to avoid a crispy outside crust. Brush with melted butter and bake for 7 to 10 minutes.

Reheating Frozen Hawaiian Rolls

If you are short on time, the microwave is a good option for defrosting and reheating frozen rolls. Start by placing the rolls in a large microwave-safe bowl. Wet a few paper towels and wring them out so that they are damp, but not soaked. Cover the rolls with the paper towels, ensuring the tops are completely covered. Microwave for a minute at a time, checking after each minute to ensure the rolls are defrosting and not cooking. Once the rolls are defrosted, wrap them in aluminium foil and place in the oven to warm for a few minutes.

Alternatively, you can reheat frozen rolls in the oven. Preheat the oven to 325°F and place the frozen rolls directly on the oven rack (no baking pan) for 10 to 12 minutes. They will come out crispy on the outside and soft and moist on the inside.

Keeping Hawaiian Rolls Warm

If you are looking to keep Hawaiian rolls warm for an extended period, a slow cooker or crockpot is a good option. Dampen a dish towel and place it in the bottom and up the sides of the slow cooker. Place the rolls inside and cover with another dampened towel. Cover with the lid and turn the slow cooker to "low". Heat for 30 minutes, then turn to the "warm" setting. The rolls will stay warm for about 2 hours.

Frequently asked questions