Mary Berry’s Soft Bread Rolls are a delightful addition to any meal, combining the simple pleasures of homemade bread with the elegance of Mary Berry’s baking. Perfect for special occasions, casual dinners, or as a luxurious treat for yourself, these rolls boast a tender, fluffy interior encased in a golden crust.
Designed to serve 6-8 people, this recipe can be completed in about 2 hours, including proofing times. In this article, I’ll guide you through the process of making Mary Berry’s Soft Bread Rolls, providing step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure your baking success.
What is Mary Berry Soft Bread Rolls Recipe?
Mary Berry’s Soft Bread Rolls are the epitome of classic homemade bread, known for their soft texture, golden exterior, and delightful aroma. They serve as a versatile accompaniment to meals or can be savored alone, offering a slice of comfort with every bite.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity: Despite their impressive outcome, these rolls are surprisingly easy to make, requiring basic ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Versatility: Perfect for sandwiches, as a side for soups and salads, or simply enjoyed with butter and jam.
- Homemade Goodness: Nothing beats the taste and aroma of freshly baked bread, providing a heartwarming experience for both the baker and those who get to enjoy the rolls.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Soft Bread Rolls
- 500g Strong White Bread Flour: The backbone of the rolls, providing structure and chewiness.
- 7g Fast-Action Yeast: For leavening, helping the dough rise and develop flavor.
- 1 tsp Salt: To enhance the flavor of the bread.
- 1 tbsp Sugar: Adds a slight sweetness and helps to brown the crust.
- 30g Softened Butter: For a tender crumb and rich flavor.
- 300ml Warm Water: Activates the yeast and brings the dough together.
- Optional: Sesame seeds or poppy seeds for topping.
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Soft Bread Rolls
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar, ensuring the yeast and salt are placed on opposite sides of the bowl.
- Add Butter and Water: Incorporate the softened butter and gradually add the warm water, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Kneading and First Rise
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- First Proofing: Place the dough in a greased bowl, covering it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Shaping and Second Rise
- Shape the Rolls: Knock back the dough, then divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place it on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Second Proofing: Cover the rolls with a clean cloth and let them rise for another hour until they have puffed up nicely.
Step 4: Baking
- Preheat and Bake: Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F). Bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Step 5: Cooling
- Cool Down: Transfer the rolls to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
What Do I Serve With Mary Berry Soft Bread Rolls?
- Soups and Stews: These rolls are perfect for dipping into rich, hearty soups and stews.
- Deli Sandwiches: Elevate your sandwich game by using these soft rolls as the base.
- Buttered Rolls: Sometimes, all you need is a bit of butter on a warm roll to experience bliss.
- Breakfast Sandwiches: Start your day right by using these rolls for bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches.
- Barbecue Sliders: Fill them with chicken for a mini treat that’s big on flavor.
- Garlic Bread Rolls: Brush with garlic butter before the final proofing for a fragrant, savory twist.
Expert Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Soft Bread Rolls
- Optimal Temperature for Proofing: Ensure your kitchen is warm enough to support the dough’s rise. Around 25°C (77°F) is ideal.
- Kneading is Key: Proper kneading develops the gluten, which is crucial for the texture. Don’t cut this step short.
- Check Your Yeast: Make sure your yeast is not expired to guarantee a good rise.
- Consistent Size: To ensure even baking, try to make the rolls uniform in size.
- Moisture is Crucial: Keep the dough covered during proofing to prevent it from drying out.
- Do Not Rush the Rise: Give the dough ample time to rise, as rushing can affect the flavor and texture.
- Preheat Your Oven: Ensure your oven is at the right temperature before baking for consistent results.
- Use a Dough Scraper: This tool can help handle the dough more easily and divide it into equal parts.
- Brush with Milk or Egg Wash: For a golden, shiny finish, brush the rolls before baking.
- Cool on a Wire Rack: Prevent the bottoms from becoming soggy by cooling the rolls on a rack.
Variations of Mary Berry Soft Bread Rolls
- Whole Wheat Rolls: Substitute half of the white flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
- Herb Rolls: Add your favorite dried herbs to the dough for an aromatic twist.
- Cheese-Topped Rolls: Sprinkle grated cheese on top before baking for a delicious cheesy crust.
How do I Store Mary Berry Soft Bread Rolls Leftovers?
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Wrap rolls individually and freeze for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature or in the oven.
How do I Reheat Mary Berry Soft Bread Rolls Leftovers?
- Oven: Wrap rolls in foil and heat in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Wrap a roll in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds until warm.
Nutritional Value per Roll: (Approximate values based on standard ingredients)
- Calories: 200-250 kcal
- Protein: 6-8 g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45 g
- Fat: 3-5 g
- Fiber: 1-2 g
- Sodium: 200-300 mg (primarily from the added salt)
FAQs
Can I Use Instant Yeast Instead of Fast Action Yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast in place of fast-action yeast for this recipe. The substitution ratio is 1:1, so you can use the same amount. Instant yeast can be added directly to the flour without needing to be dissolved in water first, making the process even simpler.
How Do I Know When the Bread Rolls Are Properly Proofed?
The dough is properly proofed when it has doubled in size. A simple test is to gently press the dough with your finger; if the indentation remains, the dough is ready for the next step. Over-proofed dough will have a very airy texture and may collapse, while under-proofed dough will not have doubled in size and will result in denser rolls.
Can I Make These Rolls in a Bread Machine?
While the initial mixing and kneading can be done in a bread machine set on the dough cycle, shaping and the final proof before baking should be done manually to achieve the characteristic soft roll shape. After the dough cycle completes, proceed with shaping the rolls as described in the recipe.
What Makes These Bread Rolls Soft and Fluffy?
The softness and fluffiness of these bread rolls come from the combination of strong white bread flour, which has a higher protein content for better gluten development, and the proper kneading and proofing processes. The addition of a small amount of fat (butter) in the dough also contributes to the tender crumb.
Final Words
Baking Mary Berry Soft Bread Rolls is more than just a culinary activity; it’s a delightful journey into the heart of home baking. These rolls are not just a treat to the taste buds but also a testament to the joy and satisfaction that come from baking from scratch. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice eager to learn, this recipe offers a rewarding experience that culminates in the simple pleasure of breaking bread with loved ones. Happy baking!
