Crusty Chewy French Bread Rolls
These crusty, chewy French bread rolls are the perfect accompaniment to any meal or can be enjoyed on their own with a pat of butter. With a crispy exterior and a soft, airy interior, they are sure to impress anyone who enjoys freshly baked bread.
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 digital kitchen scale optional
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 wooden spoon or spatula
- 1 clean kitchen towel
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 parchment paper optional
- 1 oven
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 wire rack
Ingredients
- 500 grams all-purpose flour
- 350 ml warm water
- 10 grams active dry yeast
- 10 grams salt
- 15 grams sugar
- 20 grams olive oil optional
- 100 ml additional water for steam in the oven
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. If using olive oil, add it now. Mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can knead the dough in a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for about 7-8 minutes.
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Once risen, punch down the dough to release the air. Transfer it to a floured surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
- Shape each piece into a tight ball and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spaced apart.
- Cover the rolls with the kitchen towel and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Place an empty shallow baking pan on the bottom rack of the oven to create steam.
- Just before baking, use a sharp knife to make a small slash in the top of each roll. Pour the additional water into the shallow baking pan to create steam.
- Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crusty. They should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough during mixing. These rolls can be frozen after baking. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in a warm oven before serving. Serve warm with butter, or use them for sandwiches. Enjoy!