These homemade Kaiser rolls are perfect for sandwiches or as a side with your meals. Using a bread machine simplifies the process, allowing you to enjoy freshly baked rolls with minimal effort.
The recipe combines basic ingredients and takes advantage of the bread machine’s kneading and rising functions, ensuring soft and flavorful rolls every time.
Creating the Perfect Kaiser Rolls
Making Kaiser rolls at home can be a rewarding experience, especially when you can enjoy the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen. The process is simplified with the use of a bread machine, which takes care of the kneading and rising stages, allowing you to focus on shaping and baking.
These rolls are characterized by their golden-brown crust and soft, fluffy interior. The signature cross pattern on top not only adds to their visual appeal but also enhances the texture. Whether you plan to use them for sandwiches or as a side for your meals, these rolls are sure to impress.
Ingredients for Success
The ingredients for Kaiser rolls are straightforward, making them accessible for any home baker. You will need warm water, sugar, vegetable oil, bread flour, salt, and bread machine yeast. An egg wash gives the rolls a beautiful sheen, while sesame or poppy seeds can be sprinkled on top for added flavor and decoration.
Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving the perfect texture and taste. The warm water activates the yeast, while the sugar provides nourishment for the yeast to thrive. The bread flour contributes to the structure, ensuring the rolls rise beautifully.
The Bread Machine Advantage
Using a bread machine streamlines the process significantly. Simply add the ingredients in the correct order, select the dough cycle, and let the machine do the work. This method eliminates the need for manual kneading and allows for consistent results every time.
Once the dough has risen, you can take it out and shape it into rolls. This is where you can get creative with the classic cross pattern, which not only looks appealing but also allows for even baking.
Shaping and Baking Your Rolls
After the dough has completed its cycle, turn it out onto a floured surface and divide it into equal pieces. Shaping the rolls is an enjoyable step; simply roll each piece into a ball and flatten it slightly. The cross pattern can be made using a sharp knife, adding a traditional touch to your rolls.
Let the shaped rolls rise again for about 30 minutes before baking. This second rise is crucial for achieving that light and airy texture. Preheat your oven to ensure the rolls bake evenly, and don’t forget to brush them with the egg wash for a golden finish.
Serving Suggestions
Once baked to perfection, allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed warm, with a pat of butter melting into the soft interior. These Kaiser rolls are versatile; they can be used for sandwiches, served alongside soups, or simply enjoyed on their own.
For a delightful breakfast, consider pairing them with jam or honey. Their fluffy texture and crusty exterior make them an excellent choice for any meal of the day.
Storing Your Rolls
If you happen to have leftovers, storing them properly will keep them fresh. Allow the rolls to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for a couple of days or frozen for longer storage.
To revive frozen rolls, simply reheat them in the oven for a few minutes. This will restore their crusty exterior and soft interior, making them taste freshly baked once again.
Easy Bread Machine Kaiser Rolls Recipe
This recipe yields soft and crusty Kaiser rolls that are ideal for burgers, sandwiches, or simply enjoying with butter. The preparation time is about 15 minutes, while the bread machine handles the rest, making it convenient for any home baker.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons bread machine yeast
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Add Ingredients: Pour the warm water into the bread machine pan. Add sugar and oil, followed by bread flour, salt, and yeast in that order.
- Select Cycle: Choose the dough cycle on your bread machine and start it. The machine will knead and rise the dough.
- Shape Rolls: Once the cycle is complete, turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball. Flatten each ball slightly and use a sharp knife to make a cross pattern on top.
- Second Rise: Place the shaped rolls on a greased baking sheet. Cover with a clean towel and let them rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and tablespoon of water. Brush the mixture over the rolls and sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds if desired.
- Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 8 rolls
- Calories: 150kcal
- Fat: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 24g