Baking bread rolls in the oven is a straightforward process. Here's a basic recipe and step-by-step guide to help you bake delicious bread rolls:
Ingredients:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (around 110°F or 45°C)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten (optional, for a richer texture and color)
Instructions:
Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and granulated sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step ensures that the yeast is active and ready to leaven the dough.
Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and beaten egg (if using). Mix everything together until a dough forms. You can do this by hand or use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for ease.
Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Kneading helps develop the gluten in the dough, giving it structure and elasticity.
First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size. This is the first proofing.
Shape the Rolls: Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Transfer it back to a floured surface. Divide the dough into equal-sized portions, depending on how big you want your rolls to be. Roll each portion into a smooth ball and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each roll for further expansion.
Second Rise: Cover the baking sheet with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let the rolls rise again for about 30-45 minutes until they slightly puff up.
Preheat the Oven: While the rolls are undergoing their second rise, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake the Rolls: Once the rolls have risen for the second time, remove the covering, and bake them in the preheated oven for approximately 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top.
Cool and Enjoy: Take the bread rolls out of the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. They are best enjoyed fresh and can be served with butter or your favorite spreads.
Now you have freshly baked bread rolls ready to be devoured! You can experiment with different shapes, toppings, and seasonings to customize your rolls to your liking. Enjoy!