Holiday Rolls (Panini delle Feste)
Category: Bread & Baked Goods | Serves: 8
These Holiday Rolls are an exquisite Italian-inspired treat, perfect for any festive gathering or family meal. With a delightful combination of crispy bacon, crunchy walnuts, fragrant rosemary, and tangy green olives, these rolls bring a festive touch to your holiday table. The dough itself is incredibly soft and light, while the savory ingredients create a delicious contrast in flavor and texture.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Manitoba flour | 750g |
| Water | 400ml |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 70g |
| Fine salt | 22g |
| Fresh brewer’s yeast | 25g |
| Malt (or sugar) | 1 teaspoon |
| Bacon | 100g |
| Walnuts | 60g |
| Green olives | 60g |
| Fresh rosemary | 3 sprigs |
| Poppy seeds | 20g |
| Sesame seeds | 20g |
| Whole milk (for brushing) | As needed |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 250 kcal |
| Protein | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 400mg |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dough:
Begin by dissolving the teaspoon of malt (or sugar) in a small bowl with a little warm water (about 50ml from the total). Add the crumbled fresh yeast to the mixture and stir until the yeast dissolves completely. This will activate the yeast and start the fermentation process. Set aside for a few minutes. -
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In the remaining water (350ml), dissolve the fine salt and then stir in the extra virgin olive oil. This mixture will bring a smooth texture to the dough. -
Combine Dry Ingredients:
Pour the Manitoba flour into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Turn on the mixer and slowly add the yeast-water mixture, followed by the oil-water mixture. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. -
First Rise:
Transfer the dough to a large, lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. -
Prepare Fillings:
While the dough is rising, chop the walnuts and rosemary finely, and slice the green olives into rounds. Set each ingredient aside in separate bowls for easy access when you’re ready to incorporate them into the dough. -
Shape the Rolls:
Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into six equal portions (approximately 200-210g each). Take each portion and knead in one of the fillings: one portion with bacon, another with walnuts, another with olives, and so on. Be sure to mix the fillings evenly into each dough ball. -
Form Small Rolls:
After incorporating the fillings, divide each dough portion into smaller pieces weighing about 40g each. Roll each piece into a smooth ball. Arrange the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each roll. -
Add Garnish:
For an extra festive touch, sprinkle some of the leftover fillings on top of the rolls. Brush each roll lightly with whole milk or heavy cream to give them a golden finish when baked. -
Second Rise:
Cover the tray with a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes. Place them in a warm oven with the light on (but the oven off), allowing them to double in size again. -
Bake the Rolls:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Once the rolls have doubled in size, transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through. -
Serve:
Allow the rolls to cool for a few minutes before serving. These festive rolls are best enjoyed warm, but they also store well for a few days and can be reheated to restore their freshness.
These Holiday Rolls are a perfect addition to your holiday feast or any special occasion. The rich flavors of bacon, walnuts, olives, and rosemary elevate the soft, pillowy texture of the rolls, making them an irresistible treat. Serve them with a variety of dips or enjoy them on their own as a savory snack.
