Crusty Rolls Recipe
🕒 Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
🥖 Yield: 20 rolls
🍽 Servings: 20
🥣 Category: Breads
Description:
Discover the secret to achieving rolls with a delightful crunch on the outside and pillowy softness on the inside! This recipe, perfect for any occasion from potlucks to Christmas gatherings, promises an easy-to-follow method resulting in heavenly bread rolls that will disappear faster than you can bake them.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
- 3 egg whites
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Cornmeal (for dusting)
Instructions:
-
In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, salt, and active dry yeast. Allow the mixture to stand until the yeast is soft, approximately 5 minutes.
-
Stir in the egg whites, 1 cup of flour, and olive oil until well combined.
-
Gradually add 2 1/2 cups more flour to the mixture, stirring until fully incorporated.
-
Transfer the dough onto a well-floured board and sprinkle with additional flour. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, approximately 10 minutes. Add more flour as needed to prevent sticking.
-
Place the kneaded dough into an oiled bowl, turning it over to coat it entirely. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
-
Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and knead briefly on a lightly floured surface to release any air bubbles.
-
Divide the dough into 20 equal pieces and shape each into a smooth ball. Dip the bottoms of the balls into cornmeal.
-
Arrange the shaped dough balls about 1 1/2 inches apart on an oiled 12×15-inch baking sheet.
-
Lightly rub the tops of the rolls with oil, then cover them with plastic wrap and let them rise until they appear puffy, approximately 30 minutes.
-
In a small bowl, beat 1 egg yolk with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Lightly brush the tops of the rolls with the egg wash.
-
Adjust the oven racks to the lowest positions and preheat the oven to 400°F. Place another large pan on the lowest rack and fill it with at least 1/4 inch of boiling water.
-
Bake the rolls on the second rack (above the rack containing the pan of water) until they are richly browned, typically 25 to 30 minutes.
-
Once baked, transfer the rolls to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving. These rolls are delicious served warm or at room temperature.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 90.5
- Fat: 0.7g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2g
- Cholesterol: 21.1mg
- Sodium: 65.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 17.5g
- Fiber: 0.7g
- Sugar: 0.7g
- Protein: 3g
Tips for Success:
- Ensure the water temperature is around 110°F for activating the yeast properly.
- Don’t rush the rising process; allow the dough to double in size during both rising periods.
- For a golden brown crust, use the egg wash generously before baking.
- To keep the rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container once they have completely cooled. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
With these easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll master the art of making crusty rolls that will impress even the most discerning bread lovers. Enjoy the satisfaction of baking homemade bread, and savor the delicious results with family and friends!
