Crusty Chewy French Bread Rolls

Crusty Chewy French Bread Rolls

There’s nothing quite like the scent of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen, is there? The mere thought of Crusty Chewy French Bread Rolls conjures images of warm, golden rolls with a crisp exterior and a delightfully soft center. Imagine biting into one, the crust crackling under your teeth, followed by that wonderful chewy texture that keeps you reaching for more. It’s pure bread bliss!

These rolls are not only a treat for the taste buds but are also surprisingly easy to make at home. In just a couple of hours, you can whip up a batch that will impress your family at dinner or elevate any meal to extraordinary levels. And trust me, the moment you serve these rolls, you’ll hear your loved ones echo that classic saying, "The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach!" So why not surprise them with these delightful rolls?

If you’ve tried the popular no-knead bread recipe on our blog, you’re going to love these French bread rolls just as much—if not more! With their inviting aroma and irresistible flavor, these rolls are sure to become your new go-to recipe. So, grab your apron and prepare to fill your kitchen with the warm, comforting scent of freshly baked bread!

What are Crusty Chewy French Bread Rolls?

You might be wondering, what exactly are Crusty Chewy French Bread Rolls? Well, let me tell you! These delightful rolls originate from France, where bread is a staple food and an art form all its own. These rolls are characterized by their thick crust and chewy interior, a contrast that makes them simply irresistible.

But where does the name come from? Sounds fancy, right? The secret lies in the traditional French baking methods that create that perfect texture! And let’s be real, doesn’t calling them “French” instantly make any dish sound more appealing? It’s kind of like how putting "authentic" in front of any dish makes it taste ten times better. So why not bring a little bit of that French flair to your home? Give these rolls a try, and you might just find that the way to your heart may also be through a batch of homemade French bread!

Why You’ll Love These Crusty Chewy French Bread Rolls

There are three main reasons why these Crusty Chewy French Bread Rolls are destined to become a favorite in your kitchen. First, let’s talk about that incredible crust! It’s crunchy and golden, an absolute bliss when paired with a slather of butter or your favorite jam. Second, making these rolls is not only fun but downright cost-effective. Why pay a premium at the bakery when you can bake a dozen at home for a fraction of the cost? Finally, they are incredibly versatile! You can serve them fresh with a meal, use them for sandwiches, or even create delicious sliders. Compare them to our fluffy dinner rolls recipe, and you might find yourself bouncing between the two favorites again and again! So, let’s get rolling and make some magic happen in your own kitchen!

How to Make Crusty Chewy French Bread Rolls

Quick Overview

Making Crusty Chewy French Bread Rolls is surprisingly simple and very rewarding! You’ll need a few basic ingredients, some patience for the dough to rise, and about 90 minutes of your time. In return, you’ll have beautifully baked rolls that are perfect for any occasion.

Key Ingredients for Crusty Chewy French Bread Rolls

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 ¾ cups warm water (not hot)
• A sprinkle of cornmeal (for dusting)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and instant yeast. Stir until evenly mixed.
2. Add Water: Gradually mix in the warm water. Stir it until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead: Turn the mixture onto a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size—about 1 hour.
5. Shape the Rolls: Once risen, punch down the dough gently and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide it into 12 equal pieces and shape them into rolls.
6. Second Rise: Place the rolls on a baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal. Cover and allow them to rise for another 30 minutes.
7. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
8. Bake: Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
9. Cool and Enjoy: Let them cool slightly before serving, and enjoy the heavenly aroma that fills your kitchen!

What to Serve Crusty Chewy French Bread Rolls With

These rolls are a fantastic side for so many dishes! Serve them alongside a hearty soup like tomato basil or a creamy chowder. They also pair beautifully with a fresh garden salad or a classic beef stew. And why not turn them into mini sliders with your favorite filling? The options are endless, and each pairing enhances their magical flavor and texture!

Top Tips for Perfecting Crusty Chewy French Bread Rolls

To ensure your rolls turn out perfect every time, here are some expert tips:

• Don’t Skip the Rise: Letting the dough rise fully develops flavor and texture—not to mention that beautiful puffiness!
• Experiment with Steam: For an even crustier exterior, add a small pan of water to the bottom of your oven while baking to create steam.
• Brush with Butter: For a richer flavor, brush the tops of your rolls with melted butter right after you take them out of the oven.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (which is rare, I know!), store your rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh for longer, freeze them in a resealable bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. They’ll taste like they just came out of the oven!

Now, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and start conjuring the delightful charm of Crusty Chewy French Bread Rolls right in your kitchen! You and your family are in for a scrumptious treat!

Crusty Chewy French Bread Rolls

Delight in the warm, golden crust and soft center of these irresistible French bread rolls, perfect for any meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Servings: 12 rolls

Course: Bread, Side Dish

Cuisine: French

Calories: 150

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Dough

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 1.5 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1.75 cups warm water not hot
• to taste cornmeal for dusting

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and instant yeast. Stir until evenly mixed.
2. Gradually mix in the warm water until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Turn the mixture onto a lightly floured surface and knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
5. Once risen, punch down the dough gently and turn it out onto a floured surface, divide it into 12 equal pieces and shape them into rolls.
6. Place the rolls on a baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal, cover, and allow them to rise for another 30 minutes.
7. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
8. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
9. Let them cool slightly before serving.

Notes

To ensure your rolls turn out perfect every time, do not skip the rise for full flavor and texture. Consider adding steam in the oven for a crustier exterior and brush with melted butter right after baking for richer flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months.