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American Soft Rolls

Serves 4 to 6 Bread vegetarian, Breads & Pastry

American Soft Rolls

American Soft Rolls are a beloved staple in many homes across the country, appearing at family dinners, holiday gatherings, and casual Sunday brunches alike. Rooted in the tradition of American home cooking, these rolls are crafted with a sense of intuition—salt sprinkled by feel and butter used with generosity. Passed down through generations, this recipe captures the spirit of sharing and community that defines the American dining table.

These rolls are tender and pillowy, with a golden crust that gives way to a soft, buttery interior. They embody comfort and warmth, inviting you to tear them apart and enjoy them fresh from the oven. When served, they’re a canvas for butter or jam, but they’re just as delightful on their own, offering a simple yet satisfying bite that complements any meal.

Ingredients

  • 500 gflour
  • 7 gyeast
  • 250 mlmilk
  • 50 gbutter
  • 1 tspfine sea salt

Method

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 500 g flour and 7 g yeast. Stir these dry ingredients together to evenly distribute the yeast throughout the flour. This ensures that the yeast is well-mixed and will activate uniformly when the wet ingredients are added.
  2. In a small saucepan, gently heat 250 ml milk and 50 g butter over low heat until the butter is just melted. The milk should be warm but not hot to the touch, about body temperature, which helps activate the yeast without killing it. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients.
  3. Add 1 tsp fine sea salt to the bowl, then mix everything together using a wooden spoon until a rough dough forms. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it by hand for about 8-10 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic, which indicates that the gluten has developed properly.
  4. Place the kneaded dough back into the mixing bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free area until it has doubled in size. This typically takes about an hour, but the dough should feel airy and spring back slowly when gently pressed with a finger.
  5. Once risen, punch down the dough to release any air bubbles, then transfer it to a floured surface. Divide the dough into equal portions, about the size of a small lemon, and shape each piece into a smooth ball by tucking the edges underneath.
  6. Arrange the shaped rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each for expansion. Cover them with the kitchen towel again and let them rise for another 30-40 minutes until they have puffed up noticeably.
  7. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. This indicates they are fully baked and have a soft interior.
  8. Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately transfer them to a wire rack. Cooling them on a rack prevents the bottoms from becoming soggy and allows the crumb to set properly. Let them cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.
  9. Serve the warm rolls alongside your meal. They are perfect for sharing and pair wonderfully with butter or as a side to any main dish. Enjoy the soft, fluffy texture that is characteristic of these classic American Soft Rolls.
Cover of Authentic American Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic American Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic American Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the American volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

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