There’s something irresistible about freshly baked bread rolls—soft, pillowy, and golden brown on the outside, yet light and fluffy on the inside. These homemade bread rolls are an easy-to-make treat that require only a few simple ingredients, yet deliver on flavor and texture. With just wheat flour and two eggs, you can create bread rolls that are perfect for any meal, from family dinners to a casual brunch or a holiday feast. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, these rolls will quickly become a favorite in your household.
Let’s walk you through the steps to make these perfect homemade bread rolls, with tips, tricks, and everything you need to ensure they come out just right every time.
Why This Recipe Works
This bread roll recipe works so well because of its simplicity and balance of ingredients. The yeast is activated by the warm water, causing the dough to rise beautifully, while the vegetable oil ensures the rolls have a soft texture. The sugar helps feed the yeast, giving the rolls the right amount of sweetness and promoting a lovely golden crust. Using both egg yolk and egg white in the dough ensures that the rolls are rich but light. The sesame seeds add the perfect finishing touch, giving each roll a bit of crunch and flavor.
This bread recipe is straightforward but yields rolls that are impressively soft and fluffy—perfect for a side dish or even for making sandwiches.
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
To make these delicious homemade bread rolls, you’ll need:
For the Dough:
- 570g wheat flour: The main ingredient that provides the structure and texture for the rolls. You can use all-purpose flour or bread flour.
- 1 tbsp sugar: Sweetens the dough slightly and helps activate the yeast.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances the flavor and controls the yeast activity.
- 8g dry yeast: The key ingredient to help the dough rise and give the rolls their light texture.
- 360ml warm water: Helps activate the yeast and forms the dough. The warmth of the water is crucial—aim for about 110°F (43°C).
- 1 egg + 1 egg white: The egg yolk adds richness and color, while the egg white contributes to the dough’s structure.
- 20ml vegetable oil: Helps the dough stay soft and moist, ensuring the rolls remain fluffy and tender.
For the Topping:
- Sesame seeds: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the rolls.
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg yolk + 2 tsp milk: This mixture is brushed on top of the rolls before baking, giving them a beautiful golden finish.
How to Make This Recipe
Making homemade bread rolls doesn’t have to be difficult! Follow these simple steps to bake perfect rolls that will impress everyone:
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the wheat flour, sugar, salt, and dry yeast. Mix them together so that all of the dry ingredients are well distributed. The sugar will help activate the yeast, and the salt will control the fermentation process, ensuring the dough rises at the right pace.
Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the warm water to the dry ingredients while mixing continuously to form a dough. Make sure the water is warm (not too hot, as that can kill the yeast). The warm water activates the yeast, making it bubbly and active. Once the dough starts coming together, add the egg and vegetable oil, mixing until everything is fully incorporated.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much as it can make the rolls dense. Kneading develops the gluten, which gives the rolls their light, fluffy texture. You can also knead the dough in a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment if you prefer.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rest and Rise
Once kneaded, shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size. This is the first rise, where the yeast ferments and causes the dough to expand.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a smooth ball, tucking the edges underneath to form a neat round shape. Place the dough balls onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper, spacing them apart slightly.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the rolls with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let them rise for about 30 minutes in a warm place. The rolls should nearly triple in size, becoming soft and fluffy.
Step 7: Brush with Egg Wash
In a small bowl, mix the egg yolk and milk together to create the egg wash. Gently brush the egg wash onto the tops of the rolls. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color as they bake.
Step 8: Add Sesame Seeds
Sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the rolls, pressing them gently into the dough. The seeds will add both flavor and texture to the finished rolls.
Step 9: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Place the baking tray with the rolls in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The rolls should turn golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them in the final minutes.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Once the rolls are baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. The rolls will be soft and fluffy on the inside with a delicious golden crust on the outside.
Tips + Tricks & More for Recipe Success
- Water Temperature: Be sure that your water is warm, not hot. Water that is too hot can kill the yeast, preventing the dough from rising. Aim for around 110°F (43°C), or about the temperature of a warm bath.
- Kneading: Kneading helps develop the gluten in the dough, giving the rolls their chewy texture. If the dough is too sticky, dust your hands and work surface with a little flour, but avoid adding too much, as this can make the rolls too dense.
- Use a Warm Environment for Rising: Yeast loves warmth! If your kitchen is cool, you can create a warm rising environment by placing the dough in an oven with the light on or near a warm window.
- Even Portions: Make sure to divide the dough into even portions to ensure uniform baking. You can use a kitchen scale to weigh the dough portions if you want to be precise.
- Adding Flavor Variations: You can experiment with flavor by adding herbs like rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder to the dough. Cheese can also be incorporated into the dough or sprinkled on top before baking for a cheesy twist.
- Golden Brown Crust: For an even more golden crust, you can brush the rolls with butter right after baking. This adds a little extra flavor and keeps the tops of the rolls soft.
How to Serve These Homemade Bread Rolls
These soft and fluffy bread rolls are incredibly versatile. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- As a Side: Serve these rolls with your favorite soups, stews, or salads. They’re perfect for soaking up delicious broths or pairing with a hearty meal.
- For Sandwiches: These rolls are perfect for making sandwiches. Slice them in half and fill them with your favorite meats, cheeses, or vegetables for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
- For Breakfast: Warm these rolls and serve them with butter, jam, or honey for a simple yet delicious breakfast.
- For a Party or Celebration: These rolls make an excellent addition to any party, holiday meal, or barbecue. Serve them with an array of spreads, such as whipped butter, garlic butter, or a savory cheese dip.
Time Breakdown
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Rising Time (First Rise): 1 hour
- Shaping and Second Rise: 30 minutes
- Baking Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Roll)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
This homemade bread roll recipe is simple to follow and yields rolls that are light, fluffy, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at dinner, enjoying them as a snack, or using them for sandwiches, these rolls will always be a crowd-pleaser. Give them a try, and you’ll be baking perfect rolls in no time!