Making a simple homemade bread roll is a rewarding experience, and the result is warm, soft, and delicious! Here’s an easy recipe for classic bread rolls:
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
Instructions:
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Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Stir to dissolve.
- Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy and bubbly. If it doesn’t bubble, your yeast may be expired, and you’ll need to start again with fresh yeast.
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Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Add the activated yeast mixture, melted butter, and milk to the flour. Mix until the dough starts to come together.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. You can also do this with a stand mixer using the dough hook attachment for 5-6 minutes.
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Let the Dough Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
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Shape the Rolls:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
- Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Leave a little space between the rolls to allow for rising.
- Cover the rolls with a clean towel and let them rise for about 30 minutes, or until they puff up and are touching each other.
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Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- (Optional) Brush the tops of the rolls with a beaten egg for a glossy finish.
- Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
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Serve:
- Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. You can brush them with a little more melted butter on top if you like!
These rolls are perfect on their own, or you can use them to make sandwiches, sliders, or serve them with soups and stews. Enjoy the freshly baked goodness!