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Crusty French Bread Rolls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 537 reviews

These Crusty French Bread Rolls boast a golden, chewy exterior with a soft, airy interior. Perfect for sandwiches or alongside soups, they combine the classic tangy flavor of French bread with an easy-to-make recipe that requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps. The process includes proofing yeast, kneading dough in a stand mixer, and finishing with a baking technique that involves spraying ice water to achieve the iconic crusty texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees F)
  • 3 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (up to 4 cups as needed)

Topping

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Spray bottle with ice water

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm water (110°F), active dry yeast, and sugar. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until it becomes cloudy, indicating the yeast is activated.
  2. Mix and Knead the Dough: Add vegetable oil, half of the kosher salt, and 2 cups of the flour to the yeast mixture using the dough hook attachment. Mix on medium speed, gradually adding the remaining flour in ¼ cup increments until the dough begins to come together and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Then increase the mixer speed and knead for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. First Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat with oil. Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 60 minutes until doubled in size.
  4. Shape the Rolls: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 16 equal balls. Place the rolls onto a greased baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.
  5. Second Rise: Cover the rolls with a damp towel and let them rise again for 30 minutes until puffy.
  6. Prepare for Baking: Gently brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter and sprinkle the remaining kosher salt evenly over them.
  7. Bake with Steam: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the rolls for 18 to 20 minutes. Halfway through baking, spray the rolls twice with ice water using a spray bottle to create steam, which helps develop a chewier crust.
  8. Cool and Serve: Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

  • Adjust flour quantity slightly to achieve a dough that’s tacky but not sticky.
  • Use a spray bottle with ice water to add steam in the oven for an authentic crust.
  • Ensure water temperature is around 110°F to properly activate yeast without killing it.
  • Let dough rise in a draft-free, warm spot for best results.
  • Brush rolls gently with melted butter after shaping to enhance browning and flavor.

Keywords: French bread rolls, crusty bread, homemade rolls, yeast bread, baked bread rolls

Find it online: https://todayfoodrecipe.com/crusty-french-bread-rolls-recipe/