Ah, bread rolls—soft, fluffy, and perfect alongside any meal 🥖 Here’s a classic homemade bread roll recipe that’s simple but produces bakery-style results.
Soft Homemade Bread Rolls
Ingredients (makes 12 rolls)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
Optional for topping
- Melted butter
- Sesame seeds or poppy seeds
Instructions
1. Activate the yeast
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast.
- Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the dough
- In a large bowl, mix flour and salt.
- Add melted butter, egg, and yeast mixture.
- Stir until a dough forms.
3. Knead
- Knead dough on a floured surface 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5–6 minutes.
4. First rise
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise 1–1½ hours until doubled in size.
5. Shape rolls
- Punch down the dough.
- Divide into 12 equal pieces and shape into balls.
- Place on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Second rise
- Cover and let rise 30–45 minutes until puffy.
7. Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush rolls with melted butter and sprinkle seeds if desired.
- Bake 15–20 minutes until golden brown.
8. Finish
- Brush with extra butter after baking for soft, shiny tops.
Tips
- Warm milk = helps yeast activate
- Don’t over-flour the dough—soft rolls need moisture
- Optional add-ins: herbs, garlic powder, cheese for flavored rolls
- Storage: Keep in a sealed bag at room temperature 2–3 days; freeze for longer storage
I can also give a super-fluffy dinner roll version or a chewy crusty roll version if you want to try different textures.
Do you want me to do that?
