Alabama has a unique obsession with orange rolls, which are pastry painted in the citrus tint of their gridiron rival, the Tennessee Volunteers. These orange rolls, similar in appearance to cinnamon rolls, are made with yeast dough and have variations in their recipes. One particular sweet roll, the Alabama orange roll, has become extremely popular in the state. The birthplace of this orange roll is considered to be the venerable steakhouse, All Steak, located in Cullman, Alabama. This steakhouse sweet is said to have a delicious sweet and tart tang from a glaze made with sugar, butter, and a hint of orange peel.
The travel group has named the orange pastry from All Steak as one of the 100 best things to eat in Alabama multiple times in recent years. Millie Ray, a homemaker and mother from Birmingham, became an icon for Alabama orange rolls when she began baking them for her garden-club potluck parties in 1979. Her orange rolls are now distributed throughout the Southeast and even as far as San Antonio, Texas, and Wichita, Kansas. While Alabama has a strong tradition of orange rolls, they are also popular in the Midwest, particularly as a Sunday brunch staple.
The origins of orange rolls in the Midwest are not as clear as those in Alabama, but they have been a popular item for decades. The citrusy sweets are believed to have been popularized by Sunkist soon after the orange growers cooperative was founded in 1893. They have a similar appearance to the Alabama orange rolls, indicating that there may not be a significant difference between the two variations. The Midwest orange roll tradition dates back to the 1920s when Florida oranges rose in popularity. The popularity of these pastries in the Midwest has been long-standing, but they are often overshadowed by the focus on Alabama orange rolls.
Despite the Alabama orange roll obsession, orange rolls have a long history and are popular in various regions across the country. The variations in recipes and flavors make orange rolls a versatile pastry that can be enjoyed for breakfast or brunch. The orange rolls from All Steak in Cullman have gained a reputation for their unique flavor and deliciousness, making them a must-try when visiting Alabama. The tradition of orange rolls in the Midwest has been carried on for generations, serving as a comforting and delicious addition to any Sunday brunch spread. Ultimately, orange rolls have become a beloved pastry in numerous regions, each with its own twist on the classic recipe.
