Sandwich Rolls

1. Activate the Yeast

Dissolve the yeast with 1 teaspoon of sugar in 4 tablespoons of lukewarm water and leave it to stand until foamy. It takes about 5-10 minutes. Meanwhile, weigh and measure the ingredients.

2. Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine 500 grams of plain flour with a pinch of salt. Create a well in the centre of the flour mixture and pour in 250 millilitres of the lukewarm milk, followed by the egg, 50 millilitres of vegetable oil, and the activated yeast.

Using a hand or stand mixer with a dough hook attachment, knead the ingredients until a smooth and elastic dough is formed. Make sure all the flour is well incorporated. This process should take about 5-7 minutes. If you prefer, you can knead the dough by hand, but this may take a little longer.

Once the dough is smooth and elastic, cover the bowl with a clean tea towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

3. Shape the Dough

After the dough has risen, place it on a lightly floured work surface. Gently knead it a few times with your hands to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into 10-12 equal pieces.

Take each piece of dough and knead it individually, shaping it into a roll about 15-20 cm (6″-8″) long.

Place each shaped roll on the baking tray lined with baking parchment, leaving some space between them to allow them further rise. Cover the rolls with a tea towel and let them rest for another 30 minutes.

4. Bake

While the rolls are resting, preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Once the oven is preheated, lightly brush each roll with milk using a pastry brush.

Place the baking tray on the middle shelf of the oven and bake the rolls for about 15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking, which can result in dry rolls.

5. Serve

Once the Sandwich Rolls are baked, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly. Serve the rolls warm with your favourite spreads, or use them to create delicious sandwiches, burgers, or hot dogs.

Tips for Perfect Sandwich Rolls

Temperature Control: Make sure the water and milk, used to activate the yeast and make the dough, are lukewarm. Too hot or too cold can affect the activity of the yeast.

Proper Kneading: Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes by hand, or 5-7 minutes with a dough hook on a stand mixer. Proper kneading develops the gluten and gives the rolls their soft and chewy texture.

Rising Time: Let the dough rise until it has doubled in volume. This may take approximately 1 hour, but the exact time may vary depending on room temperature. The dough should stand in a warm, draft-free place.

Even Sizing: Try cutting the dough into equal-sized pieces. This ensures that all rolls bake evenly.

Storage Suggestion

These Sandwich Rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place the rolls in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To warm up, defrost the rolls at room temperature and warm them in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for about 10 minutes.

Variations

Feel free to customize your sandwich rolls according to your wishes. Here are a few ideas:

Whole Wheat Rolls: Replace half of the plain flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier roll.

Sesame Seeds Topping: Sprinkle sesame seeds onto the buns before baking to add texture and flavour.

Garlic and Herb Rolls: Add chopped garlic and minced fresh herbs to the dough to give it a savoury touch.

Related Recipes

If you enjoyed these Sandwich Rolls, here are some other recipes that you might find interesting:

Yogurt Rolls

Delicious Rolls filled with Cream Cheese

Golden Pan Buns

Conclusion

Homemade Sandwich Rolls offer a fresh, flavourful alternative to store-bought options. Making your own rolls gives you control over the ingredients, ensuring a healthier and more delicious product. Plus, the smell of freshly baked bread is unbeatable!

By following these instructions, you can make rolls that are soft, fluffy, and full of flavour. Experiment with different variations and enjoy the pleasure of baking your own bread at home. Have fun baking!