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 that’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
- ¾ tsp (3 g) fresh yeast or ½ tsp (2 g) dry yeast
- 1 tsp (4 g) sugar (optional)
- 2 ½ cups (320 g) bread flour
- 1 tsp (6 g) salt
Directions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a bowl, mix 1 cup (220 ml) of water with ¾ tsp (3 g) fresh yeast (or ½ tsp (2 g) dry yeast) and 1 tsp (4 g) of sugar (if using). Stir until the yeast is dissolved.
- Add 2 ½ 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. There’s no need to knead the dough.
- 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 “slap” it back into the bowl to help develop the gluten (this is the “lift and slap” technique).
- Cover again and let rest for another 30 minutes.
- Repeat Folding and Let Rise:
- Repeat the stretching, folding, and “lift and slap” process once more.
- Cover and let the dough rise for about 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- 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.
- 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.
- Bake the Bread Rolls:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- 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.
- Finish Baking:
- After 20 minutes, remove the top tray and reduce the oven temperature to 390°F (200°C).
- Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the bread rolls are golden brown and the crust is crispy and flaky.
- 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. They’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.
Why You’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 that’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 baker’s repertoire. Try them today, and enjoy the satisfying crunch and soft interior of these delightful rolls!