Crusty French Bread Rolls (Printable)
Golden crispy rolls with tender interior, 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 tsp active dry yeast
04 - 1 1/2 tsp salt
05 - 1 tsp sugar
→ Topping
06 - 1 tbsp flour for dusting
# Directions:
01 - Combine lukewarm water, sugar, and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until mixture becomes foamy.
02 - Add bread flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until dough forms, then knead on a floured surface 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 area for 1 hour until doubled in size.
04 - Punch down dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball or oval form.
05 - Arrange 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 crispier crust.
07 - Lightly dust tops with flour and slash each roll with a sharp knife. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crusty.
08 - Transfer rolls to a wire rack and let cool completely. Serve warm with butter or use for sandwiches.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The contrast between that shattering crust and the pillowy inside is something store bought bread just cannot replicate
- These rolls transform any ordinary dinner into something that feels like a special occasion
02 -
- The steam step is not optional if you want that authentic bakery crust, so do not skip the water tray
- Letting the dough rise fully the second time makes the difference between dense hockey pucks and airy clouds
03 -
- Weigh your flour instead of using cup measurements for consistent results every single time
- The slashing before baking is not just for looks, it actually directs where the bread expands