Indulge in the soft, pillowy delight of homemade bread rolls. This easy-to-follow recipe yields fluffy, golden-brown rolls perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them alongside a hearty soup or a light salad, these bread rolls are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (110°F to 115°F)
- 1 package (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg, beaten
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the activated yeast mixture and softened butter to the dry ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon or dough hook until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Rolls: Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place on a greased baking sheet.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped rolls with a damp cloth and let rise for 30-45 minutes, or until slightly puffy.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the rolls cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving warm.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough.
- To achieve a crispy crust, brush the rolls with a mixture of melted butter and milk before baking.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Enjoy these homemade bread rolls with your favorite meal or as a standalone snack!