Description
These crusty French bread rolls are perfect for any meal, boasting a golden, crispy exterior and a soft, airy interior. Made with simple ingredients like flour, yeast, and salt, they are easy to prepare and ideal for sandwiches or as a side to soups and salads.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dough: Add the all-purpose flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir together using a wooden spoon or a dough hook until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Shape Rolls: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into a round roll. Place the rolls on the prepared baking sheet.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise again for 30 minutes to develop a light texture.
- Score Rolls: Using a sharp knife, make a few shallow slashes on the tops of the rolls. This not only decorates the bread but allows them to expand properly during baking.
- Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Remove the rolls from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Make sure the water is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- You can sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on top of the rolls before baking for extra flavor and texture.
- For a softer crust, brush the rolls with melted butter right after baking.
- These rolls freeze well; store in an airtight container and reheat in the oven before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (about 80g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: French bread rolls, crusty rolls, homemade bread, yeast rolls, bread baking
