Imagine the irresistible aroma of freshly baked German bread rolls wafting through your kitchen, enticing everyone to gather around the table. These Crusty German Bread Rolls are not just a side dish; they are a delightful experience that will elevate any meal. With a golden-brown crust and a soft, airy interior, these rolls are perfect for soaking up sauces or enjoying with a pat of butter. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself to a homemade delight, this recipe will have you impressing your family and friends in no time. Ready to roll? Let’s dive into the magic of baking!
Prep Time: 2 hrs
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs 25 mins
Cuisine: German
Serves: 8 rolls
Ingredients
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of bread flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir the dry ingredients together until well mixed.
- Add 1 tablespoon of instant yeast to the dry mixture. Ensure that the yeast is evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.
- In a separate bowl, measure out 1 1/4 cups of warm water (about 110°F or 43°C) and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Stir to combine.
- Pour the warm water and olive oil mixture into the dry ingredients. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix until a shaggy dough begins to form.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
- Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Transfer the dough back to the floured surface and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
- Shape each piece of dough into a round roll by tucking the edges under and creating a smooth top. Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each roll.
- Cover the shaped rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes, until they have puffed up slightly.
- While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- After the second rise, use a sharp knife or a bread lame to make a few shallow slashes on the top of each roll. This will help them expand while baking.
- Optional: For a crustier texture, you can place a small pan of water at the bottom of the oven to create steam while the rolls bake.
- Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips
- Measure Accurately: For the best results, use a kitchen scale to measure your ingredients, especially the flour. This ensures consistency and perfect texture in your rolls.
- Warm Water is Key: When mixing your dough, make sure the water is warm (around 110°F or 43°C). This temperature activates the yeast, helping your rolls rise beautifully.
- Knead Well: Don’t rush the kneading process! Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This develops the gluten, giving your rolls that perfect chewy texture.
- Let it Rise: Be patient during the rising times. A warm environment is ideal for the dough to double in size. If your kitchen is cool, consider placing the bowl in a slightly warm oven (turned off) or near a sunny window.
- Create Steam for a Crusty Finish: For an extra crusty exterior, place a small pan of water in the oven while the rolls bake. The steam will help achieve that desirable crunchy crust.
- Cool Before Serving: Allow the rolls to cool on a wire rack after baking. This prevents them from becoming soggy and ensures they retain their delightful texture.Enjoy baking your Crusty German Bread Rolls and savor the delicious results!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
