Crusty French Bread Rolls (Printable View)
Golden, crispy exterior with tender inside. Perfect warm with butter or alongside soups and salads.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dough
01 - 4 cups bread flour
02 - 1 1/4 cups lukewarm water
03 - 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
04 - 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
05 - 1 teaspoon sugar
→ Topping
06 - 1 tablespoon flour for dusting
# How-To Steps:
01 - Combine lukewarm water, sugar, and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy and activated.
02 - Add bread flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until dough forms, then knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
03 - Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
04 - Punch down the dough. Divide into 8 equal pieces and shape each into a ball or oval form.
05 - Place rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover with a towel and let rise for 30-40 minutes until puffy.
06 - Preheat oven to 450°F. Place a tray of water on the bottom rack to create steam for a crustier exterior.
07 - Dust tops lightly with flour. Slash each roll with a sharp knife to control expansion during baking.
08 - Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crusty. Cool on a wire rack before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The crust creates the most satisfying crunch when you tear into a warm roll
- They require simple ingredients but deliver bakery quality results at home
02 -
- The water tray is crucial for that authentic bakery style crust, do not skip it
- Letting the rolls cool completely before storing keeps them from getting soggy
03 -
- Weighing ingredients instead of using cups gives more consistent results every time
- A hot oven from the start is essential, do not let the rolls sit while preheating