Crusty French Bread Rolls (Printable Version)

Golden, crispy French rolls with tender interior. Perfect warm with butter or alongside soups and salads.

# What You Need:

→ Dough

01 - 4 cups bread flour
02 - 1 1/4 cups lukewarm water
03 - 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
04 - 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
05 - 1 teaspoon sugar

→ Topping

06 - 1 tablespoon flour for dusting

# How to Make It:

01 - Combine lukewarm water, sugar, and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
02 - Add bread flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until dough forms, then knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
03 - Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
04 - Punch down dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball or oval.
05 - Place rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover with a towel and let rise for 30-40 minutes.
06 - Preheat oven to 450°F. Place a tray of water on the bottom rack to create steam for a crustier roll.
07 - Dust tops lightly with flour and slash each roll with a sharp knife. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crusty.
08 - Transfer rolls to a wire rack to cool completely.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The crust develops this incredible shatter when you bite into it, revealing the softest interior you have ever tasted.
  • These rolls transform any meal from ordinary into restaurant quality without requiring fancy equipment.
02 -
  • The steam tray is not optional if you want that authentic French bakery crust, it creates the perfect environment for crispy exteriors.
  • I learned the hard way that cutting into the rolls too soon makes the interior gummy, so patience really pays off here.
03 -
  • Use a pizza stone if you have one, it creates an even better bottom crust than a regular baking sheet.
  • The slash on top is not just decorative, it allows the roll to expand properly while baking.

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