Crusty Rolls

Crusty rolls are a beautiful golden brown with a crisp crust and soft center, made from simple ingredients like yeast, flour and water for perfect homemade rolls.

You might also like to try cheddar chive dinner rolls, French bread rolls, homemade pita bread, air fryer garlic bread, and gluten-free naan bread.

Why You’ll Love It           

Simple process: Made with basic pantry staples and no special techniques. You don’t need a bread machine for these crusty rolls.
Crisp crust: Steam in the oven creates that perfect crispy crust texture.
Soft inside: A long rise gives the rolls a chewy, tender center.
Versatile use: Great for sandwiches, dipping oils or soups.
Freezer-friendly: Store extras to enjoy fresh bread anytime.

Crusty Dinner Rolls Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Warm water: Activates the yeast and helps the dough form.
Instant yeast: Makes the dough rise quickly and evenly.
Salt: Adds flavor and strengthens the gluten.
Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and enhances browning.
Bread flour: Provides the structure and chew that makes perfect rolls.

How to Make Crusty Golden Rolls

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Activate yeast: Combine warm water and yeast in a stand mixer bowl fitted with a dough hook. Let it bloom until foamy.
Add ingredients: Mix in salt and sugar on a low to medium speed, then gradually add flour one cup at a time until the dough forms.
Knead the dough: Continue mixing until smooth and elastic.
First rise: Shape the bread dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl covered with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm spot until puffy.
Prepare the oven: Place a baking dish of water on the lower oven rack (to create steam) and preheat it.
Shape rolls: Punch the puffy dough down. Divide the dough into 6 pieces and roll each into a ball.
Rest and score: Let the rolls rest on a greased baking sheet, then score the tops with a sharp knife.
Bake: Transfer the sheet to the oven and bake until the rolls are golden brown and crisp on the outside.

Substitutions and Variations

Whole wheat version: Replace half the flour with wheat flour for a heartier flavor.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour. The bread roll texture might not be the same though.
Seed topping: Add sesame or poppy seeds before baking. Everything but the Bagel Seasoning would be good too!
Garlic butter glaze: Brush rolls with melted garlic butter after baking.
French bread style: Shape dough into smaller baguettes instead of rolls.

Serving Suggestions

With soup: Enjoy dunking these crusty rolls in a bowl of ham and bean soup or cowboy soup.
As an appetizer: These are the best rolls to serve with honey butter or cinnamon butter like at Texas Roadhouse.
As a snack: Spread cream cheese over them and add smoked salmon or deli meat, or perhaps a slice of your favorite cheese and some homemade chow chow relish.
For sliders: Make cowboy sliders, pizza sliders or salmon sliders with them.

How to Store Crusty Dinner Rolls

Store: Keep rolls in a paper bag or airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Freeze: Store them in freezer bags for up to 2 months.
Thaw: Let them thaw at room temperature.
Reheat: Warm the rolls back up in a 350°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes to crisp up the crust.