Name: French Bread Dinner Rolls
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 25 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 cup Warm Water (Under 110 Degrees); 1 teaspoon Active Dry Yeast; 1/2 teaspoon Honey; 2 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour; 1 teaspoon Salt

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why make this recipe

French Bread Dinner Rolls are soft, tasty, and perfect for any meal. They add a warm and inviting touch to your dinner table. Plus, making your own rolls at home can be a fun and satisfying experience. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can impress family and friends with homemade rolls that are fresher and more delicious than store-bought.

how to make French Bread Dinner Rolls

Ingredients:

1 cup Warm Water (Under 110 Degrees)
1 teaspoon Active Dry Yeast
1/2 teaspoon Honey
2 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
1 teaspoon Salt

Directions:

Mix the warm water, yeast, and honey in a mixer fitted with a dough hook. Let it sit for about 8 minutes until the yeast gets foamy.
Add all of the flour and salt, then knead the mixture on medium speed for 8-10 minutes. The dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl and become smooth.
Place the dough in a well-greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 45 minutes.
After the first rise, fold each side of the dough over itself on all four sides to make a square, then cover it again.
Let the dough rise for another 45 minutes and repeat the folding process. This helps to realign the gluten in the rolls.
Cover the dough again and allow it to rise for 30-45 more minutes until it has doubled in size.
Grease two (8" or 9") round cake pans or a 9×13 pan with butter.
On a lightly floured surface, divide the dough in half. Then divide each half into 5 pieces for a total of 10 rolls.
To shape the rolls, tuck the edges under until they are smooth on top and rounded. Place them seam side down into the greased pan (5 in each pan if using cake pans), and cover them.
Place the shaped rolls in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or up to 2 days.
Preheat your oven to 500 degrees. Remove the rolls from the fridge while the oven preheats, allowing them to double in size.
Right before baking, mist the rolls with water.
Bake the rolls in the 500-degree oven for 10 minutes. Then reduce the heat to 400 degrees and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until they are brown on the outside and sound hollow when tapped on top.
Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes.

how to serve French Bread Dinner Rolls

Serve these rolls warm right out of the oven, or at room temperature. They are great on their own or with butter, olive oil, or any spread of your choice. You can also use them to soak up sauces and gravies from your main dishes.

how to store French Bread Dinner Rolls

To store the rolls, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Place the cooled rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

tips to make French Bread Dinner Rolls

Make sure the water is warm but not hot, as too much heat can ruin the yeast.
Kneading the dough properly is important for the rolls’ texture. Aim for smooth and elastic dough.
If you can, let the rolls rise longer. This can enhance the flavor and texture.
Misting the rolls before baking gives them a nice crust.

variation

You can add herbs, cheese, or garlic into the dough for extra flavor. Try mixing in 1-2 teaspoons of dried herbs like Italian seasoning or fresh minced garlic to change it up!

FAQs

Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
A: Yes, you can use instant yeast. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients without blooming it in water first.

Q: How can I tell when the rolls are done baking?
A: The rolls should be golden brown outside and sound hollow when tapped.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can let the dough rise in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before shaping and baking.