Crusty French Bread Rolls (Printable version)

Golden, crispy French rolls perfect warm with butter or alongside soups and salads.

# What You'll 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

# Directions:

01 - Combine lukewarm water, sugar, and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Let sit 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 the dough. Divide into 8 equal pieces and shape each 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. 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 exterior creates that satisfying shatter when you bite into it
  • Inside stays pillowy soft for hours after baking
  • They transform humble soup into something restaurant worthy
02 -
  • The water tray in the oven is non negotiable for that authentic crispy crust
  • Let them cool for at least 15 minutes or the inside will steam and become gummy
  • Room temperature water should feel neither cold nor hot against your inner wrist
03 -
  • Weigh your flour if possible cup measurements vary wildly and affect hydration
  • Use a pizza stone if you have one for even better bottom crust

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