Description
These Crusty Rolls are homemade bread rolls with a golden, crispy crust and a soft, airy interior. Made with simple ingredients like warm water, yeast, salt, sugar, and all-purpose flour, these rolls are perfect served warm with butter for breakfast, alongside soups, or as dinner rolls.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 ½ Cups warm water (between 105 and 110°F)
- 1 ¼ Teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 ½ Teaspoons salt
- 1 Teaspoon granulated sugar
- 4 Cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment, combine the warm water and instant yeast. Stir until the yeast dissolves completely and allow it to bloom for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add Salt and Sugar: Add the salt and granulated sugar to the yeast mixture.
- Combine Flour: Turn the mixer on low speed and gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until all flour is combined.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the dough using the stand mixer on low speed for 5 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Shape Into a Ball: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and form it into a smooth ball.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough ball into a lightly greased bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, dry place for 3 hours, until doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Grease a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray or olive oil. Place a baking dish filled with water on the bottom rack of the oven to create steam.
- Punch Down Dough: Punch the risen dough 3 to 4 times to release large air bubbles, then place it on a floured surface.
- Shape Rolls: Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces and shape each piece into a round ball.
- Rest Rolls: Place the shaped rolls on the greased baking sheet. Cover them and allow to rest for 15 minutes.
- Score Rolls: Using a sharp knife, score the top of each roll with a shallow cut to help with expansion and crust formation during baking.
- Bake: Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and golden brown.
- Serve: Serve the crusty rolls warm with salted butter or your favorite spread for a delicious treat.
Notes
- Use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for chewier rolls with better structure.
- Maintaining the water temperature between 105-110°F is important to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Placing a dish with water in the oven creates steam, which helps form a crispy crust.
- The long rise time (3 hours) allows for better flavor development and texture.
- Scores on top of rolls help them expand properly while baking.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container and reheat before serving to restore crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western