Crispy Crust, Soft Inside Bread Rolls

These bread rolls are a delightful blend of crispy, flaky crust and a soft, airy interior. Easy to prepare with minimal kneading, they offer a perfect texture thatโ€™s both chewy and tender. Ideal for sandwiches, dipping in soups, or enjoying with butter, these rolls are sure to become a family favorite.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes (active), plus rising time
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 bread rolls

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (220 ml) water, room temperature
  • ยพ tsp (3 g) fresh yeast or ยฝ tsp (2 g) dry yeast
  • 1 tsp (4 g) sugar (optional)
  • 2 ยฝ cups (320 g) bread flour
  • 1 tsp (6 g) salt

Directions:

  1. Prepare the Dough:
    • In a bowl, mix 1 cup (220 ml) of water with ยพ tsp (3 g) fresh yeast (or ยฝ tsp (2 g) dry yeast) and 1 tsp (4 g) of sugar (if using). Stir until the yeast is dissolved.
    • Add 2 ยฝ cups (320 g) of bread flour and 1 tsp (6 g) of salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until all the flour is incorporated, and there are no dry patches left. Thereโ€™s no need to knead the dough.
  2. Rest and Fold the Dough:
    • Cover the bowl with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rest for 30 minutes.
    • With a wet hand, stretch each of the four sides of the dough and fold it toward the center.
    • Lift the dough and โ€œslapโ€ it back into the bowl to help develop the gluten (this is the โ€œlift and slapโ€ technique).
    • Cover again and let rest for another 30 minutes.
  3. Repeat Folding and Let Rise:
    • Repeat the stretching, folding, and โ€œlift and slapโ€ process once more.
    • Cover and let the dough rise for about 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
  4. Shape the Bread Rolls:
    • Lightly flour your work surface and carefully transfer the dough onto it.
    • Gently fold the dough to make it easier to cut.
    • Cut the dough into 4 equal parts, maintaining the airy bubbles in the dough.
    • For each piece, shape it into a ball by rolling it on the floured surface and sealing the bottom.
  5. Rest and Prepare for Baking:
    • Let the dough balls rest for 10 minutes. Then, gently flatten them slightly.
    • Roll each piece into a ball again, press down with your fingers, and place them seam-side down on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
    • Cover with a towel and let rise for 30 minutes.
  6. Bake the Bread Rolls:
    • Preheat your oven to 450ยฐF (230ยฐC).
    • Lightly sprinkle flour over the bread rolls and smooth it out with your hand.
    • Score the top of each roll with a sharp blade or knife.
    • Sprinkle a little water around the breads to create steam, then cover with another tray.
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
  7. Finish Baking:
    • After 20 minutes, remove the top tray and reduce the oven temperature to 390ยฐF (200ยฐC).
    • Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the bread rolls are golden brown and the crust is crispy and flaky.
  8. Serve and Enjoy:
    • Let the bread rolls cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm with butter, or use them as the base for your favorite sandwiches!

Serving Suggestions:
These bread rolls are versatile and can be served with soups, salads, or spreads like hummus or butter. Theyโ€™re also perfect for sandwiches.

Cooking Tips:

  • For an extra crispy crust, add a small dish of water to the oven to create steam during the first part of the baking.
  • If you like a softer crust, skip the additional water spritzing.

Nutritional Benefits:
These bread rolls are a great source of carbohydrates, providing energy and a satisfying base for any meal.

Storage Tips:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread rolls and reheat them in the oven when needed.


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Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe:
With their crispy, flaky crust and soft interior, these bread rolls offer a perfect balance of textures. Easy to make with minimal kneading, they are ideal for both beginners and experienced bakers.

Conclusion:
These crispy crust, soft inside bread rolls are a treat thatโ€™s easy to make and hard to resist. The simplicity of the recipe combined with the delicious result makes it a perfect addition to any bakerโ€™s repertoire. Try them today, and enjoy the satisfying crunch and soft interior of these delightful rolls!