Homemade bread that’s crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside? Yes, please! These Crusty Chewy French Bread Rolls are the perfect addition to any meal or a delicious standalone treat slathered with butter. Whether you’re serving them with soup, salad, or a holiday feast, these rolls are versatile and irresistibly good.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The crusty exterior gives way to a delightfully chewy center, reminiscent of classic French bread.
- Easy to make with basic ingredients you likely already have on hand.
- Perfect for sandwiches, dipping, or simply enjoying warm with a pat of butter.
Ingredients
For the Rolls:
- All-purpose flour
- Warm water
- Active dry yeast
- Sugar
- Salt
- Olive oil
Find the full ingredient list and precise measurements in the recipe card below.
Directions
Activate the Yeast
- Mix the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This step ensures the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
Make the Dough
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes.
Let It Rise
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Rolls: Punch down the dough and divide it into 8-10 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball or oval, depending on your preference, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls lightly with a clean towel and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes.
Bake the Rolls
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). For an authentic crusty finish, place a pan of water on the lower rack to create steam.
- Bake: Bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use warm water: Ensure the water is around 110°F (43°C) for activating the yeast. Too hot will kill the yeast; too cold won’t activate it.
- Create steam: Adding a pan of water to the oven helps create a crispy crust.
- Don’t skip kneading: Proper kneading is essential for the chewy texture.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Herb-Infused Rolls: Add dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the dough for extra flavor.
- Whole Wheat Version: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier roll.
- Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle shredded Parmesan or Asiago cheese on top of the rolls before baking.
- Garlic Butter Topping: Brush the rolls with garlic butter as soon as they come out of the oven for a flavorful finish.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These French bread rolls pair wonderfully with soups, stews, or salads. Use them as the base for mini sandwiches or sliders, or serve alongside pasta dishes for an authentic bistro experience.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Room Temperature: Store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the baked rolls for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C) for a freshly baked taste.
- Reheating: For rolls stored at room temperature, warm them in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 5-7 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dough, let it rise once, then shape the rolls and refrigerate overnight. Allow them to come to room temperature and rise before baking.
2. Why is my bread not crusty?
To achieve a crusty finish, ensure your oven is hot enough and add a pan of water for steam. Avoid covering the rolls while cooling.
3. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely. Instant yeast doesn’t need to be activated in water first—just mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
4. How can I make these rolls gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend designed for bread-making. Note that the texture may vary.
Conclusion
Crusty Chewy French Bread Rolls are the perfect addition to any meal. Their satisfying texture and rich flavor make them a standout side or the star of the show. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for an easy homemade bread recipe, these rolls are a must-try. Bake a batch today and enjoy the simple joy of homemade bread!
Print
Crusty Chewy French Bread Rolls
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (including rising time)
- Yield: 8–10 rolls 1x
- Category: Bread, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crusty Chewy French Bread Rolls are golden on the outside, with a soft, airy interior. Perfect for dinner, sandwiches, or served alongside your favorite meal. With a few simple ingredients and patience, you can enjoy fresh homemade rolls right from the oven!
Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (optional for added richness)
- 1 tbsp cornmeal (optional for dusting)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir until dissolved and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until frothy.
- Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture, stirring until a dough forms. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, until it is smooth and elastic.
- Grease a clean bowl with a little olive oil, place the dough in the bowl, and cover with a damp cloth. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles, then divide it into 8-10 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball and place them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
- Optional: Dust the tops of the rolls with cornmeal for extra texture.
- Cover the rolls with a clean cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
- Remove from the oven and let the rolls cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For a more rustic look, score the tops of the rolls with a sharp knife before baking.
- If you prefer a softer crust, brush the rolls with butter immediately after baking.
- You can freeze these rolls after baking and reheat them in the oven when needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg