Soft Sesame-Encrusted Dinner Rolls

These soft sesame-encrusted dinner rolls bring the warmth of freshly baked bread to your table. With a tender crumb, golden crust, and a final glossy egg wash studded with crunchy sesame seeds, this recipe turns simple ingredients into bakery-style delights. Perfect for family dinners, picnics, or casual gatherings, these rolls make every meal feel special.

Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes (including kneading and shaping)

• Proofing/Rising Time: 1 hour total

  • First rise: until dough doubles (approx. 45–60 minutes)

  • Second rise: after shaping, 15 + 30 minutes

• Baking Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: About 2 hours 30 minutes

• Yield: 8–9 dinner rolls

Ingredients

• 200 ml lukewarm milk

• 200 ml lukewarm water

• ⅓ tbsp (50 g) granulated sugar

• 1 tbsp (9 g) instant yeast

• 3 tbsp vegetable oil

• 1 large egg for dough

• 600 g all-purpose flour, plus extra 100–150 g for kneading

• 1 tsp salt

• 3 tbsp softened butter (for brushing)

• 1 large egg + 1 tbsp milk for egg wash

• 4 tbsp sesame seeds (white or mix)

• Butter or oil to grease bowl and baking pan

Step-by-Step Cooking Directions

1. Activate the Yeast:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine lukewarm milk, water, sugar, and instant yeast. Stir gently and let it rest for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.

2. Form the Dough:
   Add vegetable oil and one beaten egg. Gradually incorporate 600 g of flour and salt using a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.

3. First Knead:
   On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough, gradually adding 100–150 g more flour as needed until you get a soft, elastic dough that’s slightly tacky but not sticky.

4. Butter the Bowl and First Rise:
   Lightly grease a clean bowl with oil or butter. Place the dough inside, cover it with plastic or a damp towel, and leave it in a warm spot until doubled in size—about 45–60 minutes.

5. Divide and Shape:
   Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two halves. Then further divide into 9 equal pieces (about 70–80 g each). Gently shape each into a smooth ball.

6. Second Rise:
   Place rolls on a greased baking pan, leaving space between them. Cover and let them rest for 15 minutes, then brush each lightly with softened butter, cover again and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

7. Egg Wash and Sesame:
   Stir together 1 egg and 1 tbsp milk. Gently brush each roll and sprinkle sesame seeds evenly on top.

8. Bake:
   Preheat your oven to 170 °C (340 °F). Bake for 30 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

9. Final Brush and Cool:
   Remove from oven and brush once more with softened butter if you like. Let rolls cool slightly before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per roll, approximately)

• Calories: 210 kcal

• Protein: 5 g

• Total Fat: 6 g (Saturated Fat: 1.5 g)

• Carbohydrates: 33 g (of which sugars: 2 g)

• Fiber: 1 g

• Sodium: 230 mg

The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe

Soft yeast rolls like these are staples across many cultures. The method—hydrating water and milk, kneading, letting dough rise, shaping, second proof, egg wash, and bake—draws from classic European and North American home-bakery traditions. Topped with sesame seeds, these rolls echo Mediterranean flavors but fit beautifully at any dinner table.

Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe

• Fluffy, soft crumb perfect for sandwiches or alongside meals

• Slight sweetness balanced with savory notes

• Visual appeal from sesame topping and golden egg wash

• Great for make-ahead prep—dough freezes well

• Universal appeal across ages and tastes

Health Benefits

Using milk provides protein and calcium; moderate sugar keeps the roll tender without oversweetness. Make it healthier by swapping half the flour for whole wheat or adding seeds and oats. Homemade baking avoids preservatives and unnatural fats found in store-bought bread.

Serving Suggestions

• As dinner rolls served warm with butter

• Split open and fill with sliced meats, cheese, or salad to make sliders

• Served with soups or stews

• Paired with hummus, baba ghanoush, or olive tapenade for dips

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Adding too much flour early: can make rolls dense—add flour gradually.

• Skipping first rise: will result in flat, boring texture.

• Not shaping tightly: rolls will spread too much while baking.

• Uneven egg wash: causes uneven browning.

• Baking at too high heat: leads to crust that browns too fast before dough cooks through.

Pairing Recommendations

• Soups: creamy tomato, chicken noodle, lentil

• Proteins: roast chicken, grilled fish, smoked meats

• Salads: Greek salad, coleslaw, bean salad

• Beverages: light red wine (Pinot Noir), herbal tea, milk

Cooking Tips

• Use a kitchen thermometer—dough doubles most reliably at 26–28 °C.

• Fresh yeast yields superior rise; adjust dry yeast to 2 tsp if using fresh.

• Brush softened butter right before bake for a tender crust, then again after to boost flavor and sheen.

• Turn rolls halfway during bake if your oven browns unevenly.

Similar Recipes to Try

• Classic Brioche Dinner Rolls

• Herb and Cheese Pull-Apart Rolls

• Whole Wheat and Oat Rolls

• Garlic-Parmesan Knots

• Sweet Hawaiian Rolls

Variations to Try

• Herbed Version: add chopped rosemary, thyme, or parsley to dough

• Cheese Stuffed: press a cube of feta or cheddar inside each shaped ball

• Seed Mix: top with poppy, flax, chia, or pumpkin seeds mixed with sesame

• Sweet Twist: add 1 tbsp sugar to dough and brush with sugar-cinnamon butter after bake

• Garlic Butter Coating: swap softened butter with garlic butter for topping

Ingredient Spotlight: Instant Yeast

Instant yeast—also called “rapid-rise” or “quick-rise” yeast—does not need to be proofed and blends directly into dough, shortening rising time. It produces reliable, fluffy texture without extra steps, making it ideal for home bakers and busy schedules.

Conclusion

These Soft Sesame-Encrusted Dinner Rolls are more than just bread—they’re a warm, homemade staple that transforms any meal. With a golden crust, soft center, and subtle sesame aroma, they bring bakery-quality bread to your table with just pantry staples and basic baking steps. Share them with loved ones and watch them disappear fast!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, substitute up to 50% whole wheat, though the rolls may be denser.

2. Can this dough be frozen?
Absolutely—freeze shaped rolls for up to 3 months. Thaw, let rise, then bake.

3. Why are my rolls gummy inside?
Likely underbaked or dough was too wet. Bake fully and adjust flour amount.

4. Can I skip the egg wash and sesame?
Yes, but the crust won’t have the glossy sheen or sesame aroma.

5. How do I store leftover rolls?
Store in a sealed bag—lasts up to 3 days at room temperature or freeze.

6. Why didn’t my dough rise?
Check yeast expiration, water temperature (should be lukewarm, around 40 °C), and proofing environment.

7. Can I reheat in microwave?
For 10–15 seconds—it softens them but crust won’t be crispy.

8. Is it possible to bake at higher temperature?
Yes—190 °C for 20 minutes works, but watch closely to avoid burning.

9. Can I use oil instead of butter for brushing?
Yes—olive oil adds flavor; neutral oil keeps it simple.

10. Can I shape into buns or a braid?
Of course—roll lengthwise for hot dog buns or braid for a tear-apart loaf.