Name: Crusty Chewy French Bread Rolls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-482660H11M40S
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F/43°C); 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet); 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 1 tablespoon olive oil

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Crusty Chewy French Bread Rolls are the perfect combination of a crispy, golden exterior and a soft, chewy interior. These rolls are a classic addition to any meal, whether it’s for a holiday feast, a weeknight dinner, or as a delicious side to soups and stews. With just a handful of ingredients and a simple method, you can bake up these bakery-style rolls in your own kitchen, impressing your family and guests with their irresistible aroma and texture.

These rolls are versatile and can be served as a side dish, used for sandwiches, or simply enjoyed with a pat of butter. The crust adds a satisfying crunch while the inside remains delightfully soft, making each bite a perfect blend of textures. If you’re craving a rustic, homemade bread experience, these French bread rolls are sure to satisfy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect Texture

The combination of a crusty exterior and a soft, chewy interior makes these rolls irresistible and satisfying.

2. Simple Ingredients

Made with pantry staples like flour, yeast, and olive oil, this recipe requires just a few basic ingredients to achieve bakery-quality rolls.

3. Freshly Baked Aroma

Baking these rolls fills your home with the most wonderful, mouthwatering aroma of fresh bread.

4. Versatile

These rolls are perfect on their own or used for sandwiches, and they pair beautifully with a wide range of meals like soups, salads, or roasted meats.

5. Homemade with Love

Making these rolls from scratch allows you to enjoy the satisfaction of homemade bread, and it’s easier than you think!

Ingredients

For the Rolls:

All-purpose flour
Warm water
Active dry yeast
Sugar
Salt
Olive oil

Variations

Garlic Herb Rolls: Add minced garlic and dried herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for an aromatic twist.
Whole Wheat Rolls: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version of these rolls.
Cheese Rolls: Mix shredded cheese like cheddar or Parmesan into the dough or sprinkle it on top before baking for a cheesy, savory option.
Sweet Rolls: Add a touch of honey or cinnamon to the dough for a slightly sweeter version that pairs perfectly with breakfast.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt together. Create a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough begins to form.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. You may need to add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, covering it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

Punch down the dough and divide it into 8-10 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until puffed up and slightly doubled in size.

Step 7: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the rolls are rising.

Step 8: Bake the Rolls

Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown on top and hollow when tapped on the bottom. The rolls should have a crisp crust and a soft interior.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Allow the rolls to cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy while still warm with butter, olive oil, or as a side to your favorite meal.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Water Temperature: Ensure the water is warm (about 110°F or 45°C) to activate the yeast. If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast; if it’s too cold, the yeast won’t activate properly.
Don’t Skip the Kneading: Kneading the dough helps develop the gluten, which gives the rolls their chewy texture. Be sure to knead for at least 8 minutes.
Perfect Rise: If your kitchen is cold, you can create a warm environment for the dough by placing it in the oven with the light on or near a sunny window.
Test for Doneness: Tap the bottom of the rolls to check for doneness. If it sounds hollow, they’re ready to come out of the oven.

How to Serve

Serve Crusty Chewy French Bread Rolls with your favorite soup, salad, or roasted dish. They’re also perfect for making sandwiches, dipping in olive oil, or simply enjoying with a spread of butter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They may lose their crispness over time, but they will remain soft on the inside.

Freezing

You can freeze the rolls once they have cooled. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.

Reheating

To refresh leftover rolls, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 10-15 seconds, or reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can use active dry yeast as the recipe calls for, just make sure to activate it in warm water first.

2. Can I make these rolls without olive oil?

You can substitute olive oil with vegetable oil or melted butter if you prefer, but olive oil adds a nice richness and flavor.

3. How can I make the crust even crispier?

For an extra-crispy crust, place a pan of water in the oven while baking to create steam, or brush the rolls with water before baking.

4. Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, bread flour will give the rolls a slightly chewier texture and is a great alternative to all-purpose flour.

5. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! You can double the recipe to make more rolls. Just be sure to adjust the rising times accordingly if you’re making a larger batch.

6. How do I know when the rolls are fully baked?

The rolls should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also check the internal temperature, which should be around 200°F (93°C).

7. Can I make these rolls without sugar?

Yes, you can omit the sugar, though it helps activate the yeast. The rolls will still turn out fine without it.

8. Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the dough after the first rise. Simply shape the rolls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

9. Can I add herbs to the dough?

Yes, feel free to add dried herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano for added flavor.

10. Can I use this dough to make one large loaf instead of rolls?

Yes, you can shape the dough into a loaf and bake it in a greased loaf pan for a traditional French bread loaf.

Conclusion

Crusty Chewy French Bread Rolls are a delightful homemade bread that brings comfort and joy to any meal. With their perfect balance of crunchy edges and soft, chewy interiors, these rolls are sure to become a favorite in your household. Easy to make and highly versatile, they pair perfectly with almost any dish. Enjoy the satisfying process of baking these rolls from scratch, and relish the delicious result!