French Bread Rolls Recipe π₯
Overview:
French Bread Rolls are a delightful addition to any meal, offering a crispy crust and a soft, chewy center. With a total preparation time of 5 hours and 25 minutes, including both prep and cooking time, these rolls are worth the effort. Derived from the “Fine Cooking” recipe, this version has been enhanced with the addition of wheat gluten for superior bread quality.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 1/4 teaspoons dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 cups water
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 6 tablespoons wheat gluten
- 5 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Coarse salt (for sprinkling)
Instructions:
- Prepare Yeast Mixture:
- Dissolve the dry yeast in the mixer with water.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add melted butter, sugar, dry milk, salt, and pepper to the yeast mixture.
- Whisk the ingredients together until well incorporated.
- Mix Dough:
- Add 4 cups of flour to the mixture and mix using the dough hook attachment.
- Gradually add additional flour until the dough begins to leave the sides of the bowl.
- Knead and Rise:
- Knead the dough by hand with a little flour until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for about 2 hours or until it doubles in size.
- Refrigerate (Optional):
- The dough can be refrigerated overnight or for up to 2 days at this stage. Ensure to bring it to room temperature before shaping.
- Shape the Rolls:
- After the first rise, punch down the dough and let it rise again until doubled, approximately 2 hours.
- Shape the dough into 3 oz rolls and allow them to rise, covered, for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Preheat and Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 450Β°F.
- Sprinkle the rolls with rye or all-purpose flour and slash them with a lame (a tool for scoring bread).
- Sprinkle the tops with coarse salt for added flavor.
- Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes. For added crustiness, throw 1/4 cup of ice water onto the bottom of the oven or spray the sides of the oven with cold water.
- After 20-25 minutes, reduce the oven heat to 400Β°F and bake for another 5 minutes.
- Crisping and Cooling:
- Turn off the oven and let the rolls sit inside for another 5 minutes to crisp up.
- Afterward, cool the rolls for at least 20 minutes.
- Storage and Recrisping:
- Store the rolls in a plastic bag to maintain freshness.
- To recrisp, place the rolls in a 400Β°F oven for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 290.2
- Fat Content: 2.7g
- Saturated Fat Content: 1.4g
- Cholesterol Content: 5.7mg
- Sodium Content: 600.2mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 56.8g
- Fiber Content: 3.1g
- Sugar Content: 2.5g
- Protein Content: 8.6g
Tips:
- Incorporate wheat gluten for superior bread quality.
- Ensure the dough doubles in size during each rise for optimal texture.
- For a crispy crust, slash the rolls and sprinkle them with coarse salt before baking.
- Use a lame or sharp knife for scoring the rolls.
- Store the rolls in a plastic bag to retain moisture.
- Recrisp the rolls in a preheated oven before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.
French Bread Rolls are a versatile addition to any table, perfect for sandwiches, soup accompaniments, or simply enjoyed on their own. Try this recipe for a taste of homemade goodness! π
