Golden crust, soft interior — your new go-to homemade rolls.
Overview
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Bake Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: ~2.5 hours
Yield: 6 rolls
These crusty artisan-style dinner rolls are everything you want in a fresh-baked roll: crisp golden crust, light and chewy interior, and just enough rustic charm. They’re perfect alongside soup, served with butter, or used as mini sandwich buns.
Ingredients
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3 cups (375g) bread flour or all-purpose flour
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1 1/4 cups (300ml) warm water
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2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
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1 1/2 teaspoons salt
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1 teaspoon sugar
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1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for added softness)
Instructions
1. Make the Dough
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In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
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In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir until a sticky dough forms.
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Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
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Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
2. Shape the Rolls
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Punch down the dough and divide into 6 equal portions.
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Shape each into a smooth ball or oval, tucking the seams underneath.
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Place on a parchment-lined baking tray with space between each.
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Cover loosely and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
3. Score and Bake
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a small oven-safe pan of water on the bottom rack for steam (optional but helps with crust).
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Just before baking, dust rolls lightly with flour and score the tops with a sharp knife or blade.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes, until deep golden and crusty.
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Let cool on a wire rack before serving.
Tips for Best Results
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Steam equals crust. Adding water to the oven helps develop a bakery-style crust.
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Use a sharp blade or lame to score cleanly. This controls how the roll opens as it bakes.
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For extra chewiness, use bread flour instead of all-purpose.
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Let cool fully before storing to keep the crust from softening.
Serving Ideas
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Serve warm with butter, jam, or cheese
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Make mini sandwiches or sliders
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Pair with soups, stews, or salads
Final Thoughts
These crusty dinner rolls prove you don’t need a bakery to enjoy artisan-style bread at home. With a golden crust, fluffy inside, and just a few simple ingredients, they’re easy to make and hard to resist. Ideal for any meal — or just on their own fresh from the oven.