There’s just something *magical* about homemade bread, isn’t there? Especially when you’re gathering everyone around the table for Christmas or Thanksgiving. These French bread rolls are my absolute go-to. They’re incredibly soft, wonderfully fluffy, and have that perfect, slightly chewy texture that just screams comfort food. Baking them fills the whole house with the most amazing aroma, and trust me, they’ll be the first thing gone from your holiday spread!
Why You’ll Love These French Bread Rolls for Christmas and Thanksgiving
Honestly, these rolls are a lifesaver (and a flavor-saver!) for the holidays. Here’s why they’re a must-have:
- Ease of Preparation: Even if you’re new to bread baking, these are super straightforward. Simple ingredients, easy steps – you’ve got this!
- Perfect Holiday Accompaniment: These French Bread Rolls for Christmas and Thanksgiving are the ideal sidekick to all your festive dishes. They soak up gravy like a dream!
- Deliciously Soft and Fluffy Texture: Forget dry, crumbly rolls. These are melt-in-your-mouth soft and wonderfully fluffy. That’s the magic of a good homemade roll!
Gathering Your Ingredients for French Bread Rolls
Alright, let’s get down to business! To make these absolutely divine French bread rolls, you’ll want to have everything ready to go. It’s pretty simple, really – no fancy stuff required. Just good ol’ pantry staples that come together to make something spectacular for your Christmas or Thanksgiving table. Having everything measured out beforehand makes the whole process so much smoother, trust me!
Dry Ingredients for French Bread Rolls
First up, the dry guys! You’ll need 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast – make sure it’s fresh! Then, we’ve got 1 tablespoon of sugar, which gives the yeast a little nudge to get happy. For flavor and dough structure, we need 2 teaspoons of salt. And the star of the show, flour! You’ll want about 7 to 8 cups of all-purpose flour. I usually start with 7 cups and add more if the dough feels too sticky. No need to sift this flour, just measure it out!
Wet Ingredients for French Bread Rolls
Now for the wet ingredients that bring it all together. Grab 3 cups of warm water. It’s super important that this water is warm, but not hot – think around 105 to 115°F (that’s about lukewarm to the touch). Too hot and you’ll kill the yeast, too cold and it won’t wake up. Then, we’re adding 1/4 cup of good ol’ olive oil for richness and a nice tender crumb. That’s it for the liquids!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making French Bread Rolls
Okay, now for the fun part – actually making these beautiful French bread rolls! It’s like a little baking adventure, and I promise, it’s totally doable. Just follow along with me, and we’ll have warm, fluffy rolls ready before you know it. The key is just to be a little patient with the rising times; that’s where all the magic happens!
Activating the Yeast
First things first, let’s get that yeast ready to party! In your big mixing bowl, pour in that 3 cups of warm water. Sprinkle the tablespoon of yeast over the top, then add that tablespoon of sugar. Give it a gentle swirl, just enough to mix. Now, let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for it to get foamy and bubbly on top – that’s a good sign the yeast is alive and kicking! If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be old, so grab a new packet. You can learn more about how yeast works here.
Mixing the Dough
Once your yeast is foamy and happy, stir in the salt and that lovely 1/4 cup of olive oil. Now, it’s time for the flour! Start by adding about 7 cups of the all-purpose flour. Mix it all up with a spoon or your hands until it starts to come together into a shaggy, messy ball of dough. It’ll look a little rough at this stage, and that’s perfectly okay! If it feels way too sticky, you can add a little more flour, maybe another half cup or so, but don’t go overboard.
Kneading Your French Bread Rolls Dough
Turn that shaggy dough out onto a lightly floured surface. This is where you get to work it! You want to knead it for about 8 to 10 minutes. What you’re looking for is for the dough to become smooth and elastic. It should feel soft and springy, and when you poke it, the indentation should slowly bounce back. It takes a little effort, but it’s so satisfying! Imagine you’re giving it a good, firm massage – that’s the kind of energy you want.
First Rise for the French Bread Rolls
Now that your dough is beautifully kneaded, we need to let it rest and do its thing. Lightly grease a clean bowl with a little olive oil or cooking spray. Pop the dough ball into the greased bowl and turn it over a couple of times so the whole thing gets coated in oil. This stops it from drying out. Cover the bowl snugly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Find a nice, warm spot in your kitchen – maybe near a sunny window or even in a slightly warm (but turned off!) oven. Let it rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours. It should get nice and puffy, basically doubling in size.
Shaping the French Bread Rolls
Once your dough has doubled, it’s time to shape those rolls! Gently punch down the dough to release some of that bubbly air. Turn it out onto your lightly floured surface again. You want to divide this gorgeous dough into about 12 to 16 equal pieces. I usually just eyeball it, or you can use a scale if you want them perfectly uniform. Then, take each piece and gently shape it into a nice, round roll. Just tuck the edges underneath to create a smooth top surface.
Second Rise and Oven Preparation
Place your nicely shaped rolls onto a baking sheet that you’ve lined with parchment paper. Give them a little space between each one, as they’ll puff up more. Cover them again with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let them have another rest for about 30 to 45 minutes. While they’re doing their second rise, go ahead and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Getting the oven nice and hot is key for that perfect crust!
Baking Your French Bread Rolls to Golden Perfection
Okay, the moment of truth! Pop that baking sheet full of rolls into your preheated oven. Bake them for about 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re beautifully golden brown on top and sound a little hollow when you tap the bottom. The aroma filling your kitchen right now is just heavenly, right?
Cooling and Serving the French Bread Rolls
Once they’re baked to perfection, carefully take them out of the oven. It’s tempting to dive right in, but let them cool on the baking sheet or a wire rack for at least 5-10 minutes. This little bit of cooling time really helps them set up and makes them even more delicious. Serve them warm with plenty of butter, and watch them disappear!
Tips for Perfect French Bread Rolls
Want to take your French bread rolls from good to absolutely spectacular? It’s all in a few little tricks! These simple tips can really elevate your homemade rolls, making them even more special for your holiday table.
Achieving a Crispier Crust
If you love that slightly crispier crust on your rolls, here’s a super easy secret: an egg wash! Just whisk up one large egg with about a tablespoon of water or milk. Then, right before you pop the rolls into the oven, give them a nice, even brush with this mixture. It gives them a beautiful golden sheen and that lovely crackly crust that’s just divine.
Flavor Enhancements for French Bread Rolls
Want to add a little something extra to these already amazing rolls? Get creative with herbs! Finely chopped fresh rosemary or thyme are fantastic additions. Just mix about a tablespoon or two into the dry ingredients before you start mixing the dough. The herbs infuse a wonderful aroma and a subtle, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with holiday meals. It’s a simple way to make them uniquely yours! For other savory additions, check out our savory cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions About French Bread Rolls
Got questions about making these gorgeous French bread rolls? I’ve got you covered! It’s totally normal to have a few as you’re baking, especially for special occasions like Christmas and Thanksgiving. Here are some common things people ask:
How long do French Bread Rolls need to rise?
For the first rise, let the dough sit in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it’s doubled in size. Then, after you shape them, give them another 30 to 45 minutes to rise again before baking. It’s all about letting that yeast do its wonderful work!
Can I make these French Bread Rolls ahead of time?
Oh, absolutely! You can totally prepare the dough the day before. After the first rise, punch it down, cover it tightly, and pop it in the fridge overnight. The cold slows down the yeast, giving the dough a deeper flavor. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping and proceeding with the second rise and baking.
What is the best way to store leftover French Bread Rolls?
Once they’ve cooled completely, store any leftover rolls in an airtight container or a zip-top bag at room temperature. They’re usually best eaten within 2-3 days. This keeps them from getting stale too quickly, which is important when you’ve got a whole batch!
Can I freeze these French Bread Rolls?
Yes, you can definitely freeze them! Bake them as usual, let them cool completely, and then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then again in foil or a freezer bag. They’ll keep well in the freezer for about a month. To reheat, just unwrap them and pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. They’ll taste almost as good as fresh!
Serving Suggestions for Your French Bread Rolls
These aren’t just any rolls; they’re your holiday table’s new best friend! They’re perfect for soaking up all those delicious holiday gravies and sauces. Seriously, they make a roast turkey or a savory stuffing even better.
Complementing Holiday Meals
Imagine these warm, fluffy rolls alongside your Christmas ham or Thanksgiving turkey. They’re also fantastic with mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and all those rich, comforting holiday dishes. They really round out the whole meal! For other holiday favorites, consider our Christmas prime rib.
Casual Dining Pairings
But they aren’t just for the big holidays! These French bread rolls are also amazing with a hearty bowl of soup, a fresh salad, or even just slathered with some garlic butter. They’re simple, versatile, and always a hit! Try them with a bowl of our broccoli cheddar soup.
Storing and Reheating Your French Bread Rolls
Don’t let any of these beautiful rolls go to waste! Once they’ve cooled down completely, storing them properly is key to keeping them soft and delicious for your guests (or just for you!). And if you have leftovers, reheating them is super simple and makes them taste almost as good as when they first came out of the oven.
Proper Storage Techniques
After your French bread rolls have cooled completely, pop them into an airtight container or a good quality zip-top bag. Just make sure to press out as much air as you can before sealing it up. This little step is crucial for preventing them from drying out and getting stale. They’ll stay lovely at room temperature for a couple of days this way.
Reheating for Freshness
Got leftovers? No problem! The best way to reheat these rolls is in the oven. Just pop them onto a baking sheet and warm them up in a preheated oven at around 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 10 minutes. You just want to gently warm them through until they’re soft again. A toaster oven works great too! Avoid the microwave if you can, as it can sometimes make them a bit tough.
Nutritional Information for French Bread Rolls
Just a little heads-up about the nutrition info you see here! Since we’re all using slightly different ingredients or brands, the exact nutritional values can vary a bit from batch to batch. Think of these numbers as a helpful guide rather than a strict rulebook!
Magic French Bread Rolls: 12 Holidays
- Total Time: 40 minutes plus rising time
- Yield: 12-16 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and fluffy French bread rolls, perfect for holiday gatherings like Christmas and Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 3 cups warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 7–8 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Stir in salt and olive oil.
- Gradually add flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down dough and divide into 12-16 equal portions. Shape each portion into a round roll.
- Place rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, brush rolls with egg wash before baking.
- You can add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for extra flavor.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: French bread rolls, holiday bread, Christmas rolls, Thanksgiving rolls, dinner rolls, homemade bread