Print

Perfectly Soft Inside Recipe

Perfectly Soft Inside Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 22 reviews

Learn how to make crusty yet chewy French bread rolls with a perfectly soft interior. This artisan-style recipe combines simple ingredients like bread flour, yeast, and salt to create delicious homemade rolls with a golden, crisp crust and tender crumb. Ideal for dinner rolls, sandwich buns, or dipping in soups, these French rolls are effortless to prepare and bake to perfection at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Yeast Mixture

  • 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast or instant yeast (1 packet)
  • 1/2 tsp sugar (optional)

Dough

  • 3 1/2 cups bread flour
  • 2 tsp salt

Finishing

  • 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
  • Additional water (for creating steam in oven)
  • Herbs or seeds (optional, for variation)

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix warm water with yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together bread flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the Dough: Knead the dough either by hand or using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, which helps develop gluten for structure.
  4. First Rise: Cover the dough with a damp towel and place it in a warm spot. Let it rise undisturbed for 1.5 to 2 hours until it doubles in size.
  5. Prepare for Shaping: Gently punch down the risen dough to release air, then transfer it to a floured surface.
  6. Shape Rolls: Divide the dough equally into portions and shape each piece into a tight ball by folding the edges underneath to create surface tension.
  7. Second Rise: Arrange the shaped balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced apart. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
  8. Preheat Oven and Prepare Steam: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a pan of hot water on the bottom rack to generate steam, which helps create the crust.
  9. Score the Rolls: Using a sharp knife or bread lame, make shallow slashes on top of each roll to allow expansion during baking.
  10. Apply Finishing Touch: Lightly brush the rolls with egg wash for a shiny finish or spray them with water if you prefer a crustier texture.
  11. Bake: Place the baking sheet on the middle rack and bake for 15-20 minutes until the rolls turn golden brown and have a crisp crust.
  12. Cool and Serve: Remove the rolls from the oven and cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature as you like.
  13. Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze to extend shelf life.

Notes

  • Use bread flour for better gluten development and chewy texture.
  • Ensure water temperature is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
  • The egg wash adds shine but can be omitted for a more rustic look.
  • Scoring the dough allows controlled expansion and an appealing appearance.
  • Creating steam in the oven helps develop a crispy crust.
  • Herbs or seeds such as rosemary, sesame, or poppy seeds can be added on top before baking for extra flavor.
  • Allow rolls to cool slightly before slicing to prevent a gummy texture inside.

Nutrition

Keywords: French bread rolls, artisan rolls, homemade bread, crusty bread, chewy rolls, dinner rolls, baking bread

Find it online: https://yumwithmia.com/perfectly-soft-inside-recipe/