Traditional Homemade Bread Rolls
There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread rolls straight from the oven. Soft, fluffy, and golden on the outside, homemade bread rolls are the perfect accompaniment to any meal.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a batch of rolls that will impress your family and friends.
Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or simply want to enjoy a homemade treat, these bread rolls are easy to make and incredibly delicious.
Ingredients
-500g bread flour (plus extra for dusting)
-300ml warm water
-7g dried yeast or 15g fresh yeast
-10g salt
-1 tablespoon sugar
-2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
To begin, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water and allow it to sit for about 10 minutes. This helps activate the yeast, ensuring your dough will rise.
You should notice a frothy foam developing on the surface, which indicates that the yeast is working.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and salt. It’s important to mix the salt and flour before adding the wet ingredients.
as salt can sometimes inhibit yeast activity. Once mixed, make a well in the center of the flour mixture.
Pour the activated yeast mixture and olive oil into the well. Stir the mixture using a wooden spoon until it forms a rough dough.
If the dough feels too sticky, you can add a little more flour. Be sure not to add too much, as this could affect the texture of the rolls.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and begin kneading. To knead, fold the dough in half, press down with your palms, then turn and repeat.
Continue kneading for about 10 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough sticks to your hands, sprinkle a little flour, but avoid adding too much.
Once kneaded, shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm.
place for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size. This is the first rise, which allows the dough to develop its flavor and texture.
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Then, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into equal portions.
shaping each portion into a small roll. Place the rolls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each one.
Cover the tray with a cloth and allow the rolls to rise again for about 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 220°C (200°C for fan ovens) while the rolls are rising.
Once the second rise is complete, bake the rolls for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
How to Make
Start by activating the yeast. It’s essential that the water is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast. The sugar in the warm water acts as food for the yeast.
helping it become bubbly and active. Always use the correct amount of water for the yeast to ensure it works effectively.
The flour you use plays a significant role in the texture of your bread rolls. Bread flour is ideal due to its high protein content, which helps form gluten and results in a chewy, soft texture.
However, if you only have all-purpose flour, that will work as well, though the rolls may not be as airy.
Kneading is a crucial step in developing the dough’s structure. Don’t rush it! Kneading properly ensures that the dough is smooth and elastic.
which will help the rolls rise properly. If you’re not sure when the dough is ready, try the “windowpane.
test”—stretch a small piece of dough with your fingers. If it forms a thin, translucent membrane without tearing, it’s ready.
During the first rise, cover the dough with a cloth or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. The dough should.
roughly double in size during this time. If you’re in a cold environment, you can place the dough in an oven with the light on to keep it warm.
When shaping the rolls, be gentle with the dough. Overworking it can lead to dense rolls. Roll each piece lightly into a ball.
creating tension on the surface to help it rise evenly in the oven. The rolls don’t need to be perfect in shape, but keeping them uniform will help them cook evenly.
For a crispier crust, you can add a small bowl of water to the oven while baking. The steam will help the rolls.
develop a beautiful golden color and texture. If you prefer a softer crust, skip this step, and the rolls will come out soft and pillowy.
Finally, always tap the bottom of the rolls to check for doneness. If they sound hollow, they are ready.
If you prefer an even softer roll, you can brush the tops with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven.
Tips
If you’re in a rush, you can speed up the rising process by placing the dough in a warm, slightly heated oven (around 30°C) for both rises.
However, be sure to check the dough often to prevent it from getting too hot, which could harm the yeast.
You can freeze leftover dough or unbaked rolls for later use. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze.
When you’re ready to bake, allow them to thaw and rise before placing them in the oven.
If you don’t have olive oil, you can substitute it with any other vegetable oil. The oil adds moisture to the dough, keeping the rolls soft, but any mild-flavored oil will do.
For added flavor, you can experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat flour, or even add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough.
Just remember that adding too many ingredients may affect the texture of the rolls, so keep it simple for the best results.
A warm, freshly baked roll is at its best right out of the oven. However, you can store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
If they lose their softness, simply reheat them for a few minutes in the oven or microwave.
If you want to make these rolls extra special, consider brushing the tops with butter, garlic, or a sprinkle of sea salt before baking.
These little touches will elevate the flavor and make them even more irresistible.
To make these rolls dairy-free, simply replace the olive oil with a dairy-free alternative, like coconut oil. The rest of the recipe remains the same, and you’ll still have a delicious batch of rolls.
Conclusion
Homemade bread rolls are a delightful treat that brings a comforting, rustic touch to any meal. With a few basic ingredients and some patience.
you can create rolls that are soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavor. The process may take some time, but the results are well worth the effort.
These traditional homemade bread rolls will become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether you serve.
them as an appetizer, side dish, or just a snack, they are sure to impress anyone who tries them. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome!