Soft sandwich rolls are perfect for making hearty sandwiches, burgers, or simply enjoying with butter and jam. These homemade rolls are light, fluffy, and have a wonderful texture that makes them ideal for any meal. This recipe provides easy instructions for both manual and bread machine methods, ensuring delicious results every time.
Ingredients
To bake these delightful soft sandwich rolls, you will need:
- King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups
- Instant Yeast: 1 ½ teaspoons
- Sugar: 1 ½ teaspoons
- Salt: 1 ¼ teaspoons
- Egg: 1 large
- Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons
- Water: ¾ cup
Step-by-Step Guide
Manual Method:
- Mix Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, or the bowl of your electric mixer, combine all the ingredients. Stir until the dough forms a cohesive mass and begins to clear the sides of the bowl.
- Knead the Dough:
- Knead the dough for 5 minutes, then allow it to rest for 10 minutes. This rest period helps the dough absorb the liquid and allows the gluten in the flour to relax.
- Knead the dough for an additional 5 minutes, or until it’s smooth and supple. The dough should be quite stiff but not at all “gnarly.” Adjust its consistency with additional flour or water as necessary.
- First Rise:
- Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl or dough-rising bucket. Cover the bowl or bucket and allow the dough to rise until it’s noticeably puffy, about 1 hour.
Bread Machine Method:
- Load Ingredients:
- Place all the ingredients into the pan of your bread machine. Program the machine for the manual or dough cycle and press start.
- About 10 minutes before the end of the final kneading cycle, check the dough’s consistency. It should be quite stiff but not at all “gnarly.” Adjust its consistency with additional flour or water as necessary.
- Allow the machine to complete its cycle.
Shaping and Baking:
- Shape the Rolls:
- Transfer the dough to a lightly greased work surface and divide it into six equal pieces.
- Shape the pieces into round balls and place them on a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover the rolls and allow them to rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until they’ve almost doubled in volume.
- If desired, dip the tops in milk and coat with poppy or sesame seeds.
- Bake the Rolls:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Bake the rolls for 15 to 17 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. Remove them from the oven and cool on a wire rack.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: These rolls freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven if desired.
Add-On Suggestions
- Toppings: Experiment with different toppings such as sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or oats.
- Flavors: Add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for an aromatic twist.
FAQs
Q: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? A: Yes, you can substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Keep in mind that whole wheat flour may make the rolls denser, so you might need to adjust the water content slightly.
Q: How do I ensure my rolls are soft and fluffy? A: Make sure not to over-knead the dough and allow sufficient time for the dough to rise properly. The dough should be smooth and elastic before the first rise.
Q: Can I make these rolls vegan? A: Yes, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter or oil and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) instead of a regular egg.
Health Considerations
These soft sandwich rolls are made with wholesome ingredients and can be part of a balanced diet. Adjust the sugar and salt to fit your dietary needs, and enjoy these rolls in moderation.
Soft sandwich rolls are a versatile and delicious addition to any meal. Whether you’re making sandwiches, sliders, or enjoying them with your favorite spread, these rolls are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful homemade rolls!
