10 Easy Steps To Master Homemade Bread Rolls

Bread rolls are small, individual portions of bread that are typically soft and fluffy on the inside with a slightly crisp crust on the outside. They are often round or oval-shaped, though variations in shape and size can occur.

Bread rolls are cherished for their soft, comforting texture and the ease with which they can complement various meals and occasions. Here’s a simple recipe for homemade bread rolls:

1. Ingredients

For the Dough:

– 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
– 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
– ¼ cup granulated sugar
– ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt

For the Topping (Optional):

– 2 tablespoons melted butter
– Coarse sea salt or sesame seeds

2. Instructions

Step 1- Activate the Yeast:

– In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in the warm milk. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2- Prepare the Dough:

– In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 ½ cups of flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg.
– Mix until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it is soft but not overly sticky.

Step 3- Knead the Dough:

– Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this process.

Step 4- Let It Rise:

– Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 5- Shape the Rolls:

– Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into 12-16 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 6- Second Rise:

– Cover the shaped rolls with a cloth and let them rise for about 30-45 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.

Step 7- Preheat the Oven:

– While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 8- Bake the Rolls:

– Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped.

Step 9- Add Topping:

– If desired, brush the warm rolls with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse sea salt or sesame seeds right after baking.

Step 10- Cool and Serve:

– Allow the rolls to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.

These homemade bread rolls are perfect for dinner, sandwiches, or just as a snack with a bit of butter.