Description
These Crusty Chewy French Bread Rolls are the perfect homemade bread with a golden crust and a soft, chewy interior. Ideal for sandwiches or as a side, these rolls combine simple ingredients to create a classic French bakery experience at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Add Oil and Salt: Mix the olive oil and salt into the yeast mixture thoroughly.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the flour one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or dough scraper until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it turns smooth and elastic. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for approximately 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Divide and Shape: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Divide it into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into a round roll.
- Second Rise: Arrange the rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet with space between them. Cover with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven and Score: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Just before baking, lightly score the tops of each roll with a sharp knife to allow expansion.
- Bake the Rolls: Bake the rolls for about 25 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the rolls from the oven and cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before enjoying.
Notes
- For a crustier exterior, place a pan of water in the oven during baking to create steam.
- You can substitute all-purpose flour with bread flour for a chewier texture.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- These rolls freeze well; thaw at room temperature and refresh in the oven.
- Use lukewarm water (around 110°F or 43°C) to activate yeast properly without killing it.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1.5 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 3.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: French bread rolls, crusty bread, homemade bread, chewy bread, yeast rolls
