Description
Golden and rustic, these crusty French bread rolls have a crispy crust and soft, fluffy interior—perfect for soups, sandwiches, or simply with butter. Easy to make with pantry staples and no special equipment required.
Ingredients
4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
1 ½ tsp salt
1 tbsp sugar
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
Cornmeal (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
- Whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until a rough dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 8–10 equal pieces. Shape each into a round roll.
- Place the rolls on a parchment-lined or cornmeal-dusted baking sheet. Cover loosely and let rise for 30–45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Place an empty metal baking pan on the lower rack.
- Slash tops of rolls with a sharp knife or bread lame. Place rolls in oven and pour 1 cup hot water into the pan to create steam.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped underneath.
- Cool rolls on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
For a richer dough, add 1–2 tbsp olive oil.
Mix in fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for added flavor.
Replace half the flour with whole wheat for a heartier roll.
Divide into 12 pieces for smaller dinner rolls.
Store at room temperature for 2 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for 5–10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
