Mini Bread Rolls

Soft, Fluffy & Easy to Make at Home

81 3 minutes read

Mini bread rolls are perfect for any occasion! These small, soft, and fluffy rolls are great as a side dish, for making mini sandwiches, or even as a snack with butter and jam. They have a light texture with a slightly golden crust, making them delicious and versatile.

You can serve them warm with soup, use them for sliders, or enjoy them fresh from the oven with a little butter. Plus, they’re easy to make at home with simple ingredients like flour, yeast, milk, and butter. Warm the milk to about 100-110°F (38-43°C). It should be warm but not too hot. (If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast.) Pour the warm milk into a small bowl and add the sugar and yeast.

Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This means the yeast is active and ready to use. If your yeast doesn’t bubble up, it might be expired. Use fresh yeast for the best results. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.

Make a well in the centre and pour the activated yeast mixture and melted butter. If using an egg, add it now. Stir everything together using a wooden spoon or a spatula until the mixture forms a rough dough. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and start kneading. Use the heel of your hand to push the dough away from you, then fold it back over itself. Repeat this motion for 8-10 minutes.

The dough should become smooth, soft, and slightly elastic. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour (1 tbsp at a time). If using a stand mixer, knead the dough for 5-6 minutes on medium speed with a dough hook. Lightly grease a clean bowl with 1 tbsp vegetable oil.

Place the dough inside, turning it so it’s coated with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size. Punch down the dough gently to release excess air. Transfer it to a floured surface and divide it into 12-15 equal pieces using a knife or dough scraper.

Alternatively, you can measure the dough and divide it into three parts and just roll the dough in a rectangular shape and place it in the baking dish. You can also take each dough and cut it into three equal parts then braid them into one. Once done, place them into the baking pan.

Roll each piece into a smooth ball by tucking the edges underneath and rolling it in your hands. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or grease it lightly. Arrange the dough balls on the tray, leaving a little space between each one. Cover again with a towel and let them rise for 30 minutes. They should puff up slightly.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly brush the tops of the rolls with milk—this helps give them a golden color then top them with sesame seeds. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until they turn a light golden brown. If you like a shinier crust, you can brush the rolls with an egg wash (1 beaten egg + 1 tbsp milk) instead of plain milk.

Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush them with melted butter—this keeps them soft. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Expert Tips for Perfect Rolls;

Measure ingredients accurately – Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements.
Knead until smooth – This ensures your rolls are soft and not dense.
Don’t rush proofing – Give the dough time to rise properly for the best texture.
Brush with butter – This keeps them soft and flavorful.

Customization Ideas & Variations;

Garlic Butter Rolls: Mix 1 tsp garlic powder into the dough and brush with garlic butter after baking.
Cheesy Rolls: Stuff each dough ball with a cube of cheese before baking.
Sweet Honey Rolls: Add 2 tbsp honey to the dough for a sweeter flavour.
Whole Wheat Rolls: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.

Serving Suggestions;

Serve warm with butter and jam for breakfast.
Pair with soups, stews, or salads for a comforting meal.
Use them for mini sandwiches or sliders.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days (warm them before eating).
Freezing: Freeze in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds.

These mini bread rolls are light, fluffy, and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, a gathering, or just as a treat, they are guaranteed to be a hit.