Golden Crusty Bread Rolls Bolillos

Golden Crusty Bread Rolls Bolillos

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and vegetable oil.
• Mix until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time. If it’s too dry, add a little more water.

2. Knead the Dough:

• Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can test if the dough is ready by pressing it lightly with your finger – it should spring back.

3. First Rise:

• Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat all sides with oil. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

4. Shape the Rolls:

• Punch down the dough to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and divide it into 8-10 equal pieces.
• Shape each piece into an oval or football shape by rolling it between your palms and tapering the ends.
• Place the shaped rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking sheet. Leave enough space between them for expansion.

5. Second Rise:

• Cover the rolls with a damp cloth and let them rise again in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.

6. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a shallow pan of water on the bottom rack of the oven to create steam, which helps achieve a crispy crust.

7. Bake the Rolls:

• Just before baking, make a deep slash along the length of each roll using a sharp knife or a bread lame.
• Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
• For an extra crispy crust, you can spray the rolls with water a couple of times during the first 10 minutes of baking.

8. Cool and Serve:

• Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before serving.
• Enjoy your freshly baked, golden, and crusty bread rolls with butter, jam, or your favorite fillings.

Tips:

• For added flavor, you can mix in herbs, garlic, or cheese into the dough before the first rise.
• These rolls are perfect for sandwiches, or you can serve them as a side with soups and stews.
• Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze them for longer storage.

Enjoy your homemade golden crusty bread rolls!