Crusty Chewy French Bread Rolls Recipe
These Crusty Chewy French Bread Rolls feature a crisp golden crust with a soft, chewy interior, perfect for sandwiches or as a side to any meal. Made with simple ingredients and a slow rise for maximum flavor, these easy-to-make rolls offer the perfect balance of texture and taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
Scale
Basic Dough
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (optional for added richness)
Finish
- 1 tbsp cornmeal (optional for dusting)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir until dissolved and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: Add the all-purpose flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a rough dough forms. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Grease a clean bowl lightly with olive oil. Place the kneaded dough in the bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough is rising.
- Shape Rolls: Punch down the risen dough to release trapped air. Divide the dough into 8-10 equal portions. Shape each portion into a round ball and place them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they have space between them.
- Optional Cornmeal Dusting: Lightly dust the tops of the dough balls with cornmeal to add texture and a rustic finish.
- Second Rise: Cover the prepared rolls with a clean cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes so they puff up before baking.
- Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown, crisp on the outside, and sound hollow when tapped.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving, allowing the crumb to set.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, include the optional olive oil when kneading the dough.
- Using warm water at around 110°F is crucial for activating the yeast properly.
- Covering the dough during rising prevents it from drying out and helps maintain moisture.
- Dusting with cornmeal is optional but adds a lovely rustic texture and prevents sticking.
- To achieve extra crisp crust, place an oven-safe dish with water in the oven to generate steam while baking.
Keywords: French bread rolls, crusty bread, chewy bread, homemade bread rolls, easy bread recipe, rolls for sandwiches
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