There's nothing quite like starting your day with a warm, freshly - baked roll. But who has the time to knead dough and wait for it to rise in the morning rush? The solution lies in preparing and shaping these rolls the night before. This way, you can wake up to the aroma of freshly baked bread and enjoy a delicious treat for breakfast or brunch.
Let's first talk about the benefits of pre - making your rolls. One of the most significant advantages is time - saving. In the morning, you're often in a hurry to get ready for work, school, or other activities. By having the rolls already shaped and ready to bake, you can simply pop them in the oven and go about your morning routine while they cook. This allows you to have a home - made breakfast without sacrificing precious time.
Another benefit is the quality of the rolls. When you make them at night, the dough has time to develop more complex flavors. The yeast has a longer period to work its magic, breaking down the starches in the flour and creating a more flavorful and tender crumb. You'll notice a difference in taste compared to rolls that are made and baked in a hurry.
Now, let's get into the recipe. You'll need the following ingredients:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup of warm water
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of milk, warmed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 4 to 4 1/2 cups of all - purpose flour
Start by dissolving the yeast in the warm water in a small bowl. Add the sugar and let it sit for about 5 - 10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warmed milk, eggs, melted butter, and salt. Add the yeast mixture to the bowl. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, and stir until a dough forms. Once the dough is too thick to stir, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8 - 10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size. After the first rise, punch the dough down to release the air bubbles. Then, divide the dough into equal pieces. You can shape the rolls into various forms, such as round balls, knots, or twists.
Arrange the shaped rolls in a greased baking pan. Cover the pan with a plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight. When you wake up in the morning, take the pan out of the refrigerator and let the rolls sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour to allow them to rise again. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 15 - 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
You can serve these rolls plain, or you can add some toppings. For a sweet touch, you can brush the warm rolls with a honey - butter glaze. Simply melt some butter in a small saucepan, add honey, and stir until well - combined. Drizzle the glaze over the rolls. If you prefer a savory option, you can sprinkle some garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, or herbs on top before baking.
These pre - made rolls are not only great for breakfast but also for brunch. You can pair them with a variety of dishes. For example, serve them with scrambled eggs, bacon, and a side of fresh fruit for a classic breakfast. Or, for a more elaborate brunch, you can make an egg and cheese sandwich using the rolls. You can also serve them with a bowl of soup or a salad.
In conclusion, preparing and shaping rolls the night before is a wonderful way to enjoy a warm and delicious breakfast or brunch. It saves you time in the morning, enhances the flavor of the rolls, and gives you the flexibility to customize them according to your taste. So, why not give it a try and start your day with a homemade treat?
