Golden Brown Bliss: Easy to Make Bread Rolls With a Crispy Exterior & Soft Interior

Fresh, homemade bread is just irresistible! I don’t know about you, but we love fresh bread rolls. We often have bread rolls for lunch and dinner, especially with those delicious saucy meals where you need a bread roll to soak up that last bit of saucy goodness.

Living in Austria for the last year and a half, where bread is practically an art form, the hunt for that perfect, soft roll has been quite the adventure. But fear not, fellow bread enthusiasts! Thanks to a family recipe, I’ve managed to recreate that nostalgic taste of home right in my kitchen. These irresistible bread rolls have a crispy crust and soft, fluffy clouds of dough that practically melt in your mouth.

Homemade is Best When a Craving Hits

I was on a nostalgic mission to create something different for dinner yesterday. I needed a change from the same kinds of meals I alternate between every week. Even though I didn’t have all the ingredients required, I made do with what I had on hand and cooked up a hearty Beef Trinchado. I still aim to learn how to make Portuguese bread rolls, which pair best with beef trinchado. I couldn’t resist the call of the soft bread rolls we’re accustomed to from home—I was craving them. And these rolls did not disappoint. There were nothing but crumbs left over, although the recipe makes a dozen rolls.

Let’s talk about the magic of making the most irresistible homemade bread or bread rolls. There’s something special about kneading dough and watching it transform into golden-brown perfection in the oven. And let’s remember the aroma that fills the air, tantalising your taste buds and making your mouth water in anticipation.

These bread rolls aren’t just delicious; they’re also healthier than their store-bought counterparts. There are no mysterious additives or preservatives here—just wholesome ingredients and a whole lot of love.

So, grab your mixer (or your trusty hands) and let’s get started if you’re ready to embark on a baking adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or barely know how to fry an egg, this recipe is foolproof and guaranteed to impress.

Knead to Make Homemade Bread

If you plan on kneading the dough, knead for approximately 10 minutes. Five minutes should do the trick if you have a mixer. I only have a handheld mixer, as I didn’t have the space to bring my standing mixer with us when we moved—and I miss it—but the handheld worked just fine! This recipe takes little time to prepare physically. Most of the time is dedicated to allowing the dough to rise, so you can prepare this in advance and get on with other things.

The Most Irresistible Homemade Bread Rolls

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 15

Resting Time: 1 30

Course: bread

Keyword: Bread rolls, Fresh, Homemade

Servings: 12

Ingredients

1½ cups warm water
1 tbsp active dry yeast
2 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp olive oil
1½ tsp salt
4 cups flour

Instructions

In a large bowl or KitchenAid mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. NOTE: The water must be warm—not too hot or too cold.
Mix and wait a few minutes until the mixture is foamy.
Once the yeast is active – it's bubbly on the surface – add in the oil, salt and 2 cups of flour. Start kneading, or turn on the mixer and gradually add in the 3rd cup of flour.
Turn your mixer on low speed, let it combine, and work the dough for about 5 minutes. If you're kneading by hand, this will take a little longer, around 10 minutes.
See what your dough looks like. As soon as it starts pulling away from the sides and forming a ball shape, see if it requires more flour. The dough should be soft, silky, and tacky without being too sticky. Add a little more flour until you get the right consistency.
Line a clean bowl with a thin coating of olive oil and transfer the dough into it. Cover with a clean tea towel and place the bowl in a warm, sunny spot to allow the dough to rise. After an hour, the dough should be doubled in size. Then you're on the right path!
Punch down gently to release some air, divide into 12 equal portions and roll into balls.
In a clean, oil-lined oven dish, place the dough balls, cover them with a tea towel and let it all rise for another 20 – 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 180℃ / 350℉
Bake your bread rolls for approximately 15 – 20 minutes, until golden brown and crispy outside.
Smear the tops with melted butter and let them cool slightly before slicing them apart.
Serve warm with butter and jam—SO YUM! Once cooled completely, top with your favourite sandwich toppings and watch these rolls disappear!

I do not doubt that these bread rolls will be as much of a hit in your family as in mine. My boys are asking for more today, you know it’s got to be good! So, what are you waiting for? Let’s bake up some happiness and fill our homes with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread rolls. Rest assured, your taste buds are in for a treat!

Enjoy!