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Crusty French Bread Rolls Recipe

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4.3 from 45 reviews

These crusty French bread rolls are light, airy, and perfect for any meal, featuring a chewy texture and a golden brown crust achieved through a simple yeast dough and careful rising.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (Creates the perfect structure and chewiness.)
  • 2 teaspoons salt (Enhances flavor and strengthens dough structure.)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (Nourishes the yeast for a good rise.)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (Makes the rolls light and airy.)
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (Activates the yeast for the perfect rise.)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit until frothy, about 5-10 minutes.
  2. Mixing the Dough: Combine the flour and salt in a mixing bowl.
  3. Combining Ingredients: Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add it to the flour and salt mixture. Stir until a rough dough forms.
  4. Kneading: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
  5. Rising: Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
  6. Shaping: Punch down the dough gently to release some air. Divide it into equal portions and shape them into rolls.
  7. Second Rising: Arrange the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
  8. Preparing for Baking: Make slashes on the top of each roll to allow steam to escape.
  9. Baking: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Bake for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
  10. Cooling: Let them cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Letting the yeast mixture sit until frothy is essential to ensure the yeast is active.
  • Kneading for about 10 minutes develops gluten for the perfect texture.
  • Two rising periods help produce light and airy rolls with a crusty exterior.
  • Making slashes on the rolls allows steam to escape and prevents cracking.
  • Cool the rolls slightly before serving to enhance flavor and texture.