Portuguese Bread Rolls Recipe!
Easy Portuguese Bread Rolls Recipe that will help you make the best crusty Bread rolls with light, airy, soft crumb in an easy No knead method with just 4 ingredients!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 350 g All purpose flour/Bread flour 2.5 cups loosely packed + 3 tbsp
- 260 ml Water 1 cup +1.5 tbsp (at room temperature)
- 6 g Salt 1 tsp
- 3 g Instant Yeast 1 tsp or 1.25 tsp active dry yeast
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, pour in the water. Add the salt and yeast and stir until both dissolve.
- Add the flour on top. Mix until the dough forms a shaggy mass.
- To make sure there are no dry patches, use your hands for the final mix. Just one minute of gentle mixing and a few “slap and folds” are enough. Our dough should be smooth and homogenous.
First Rise
- Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let it rest in a warm spot for 1.5 to 2 hours. The dough should roughly double in size and feel airy. It will take 90 minutes in a warm environment while 2 hours in a very cold environment.
Divide the Rolls
- Gently degas the dough by pressing it down and form into a large ball of dough.
- Divide it into 6 equal portions.
- Shape each portion into a small ball: tuck the edges into the center, flip, and roll until smooth and round.
- Cover with a damp towel and let the balls rest for 4-5 minutes. This short rest relaxes the gluten and makes shaping easier.
Shape the rolls
- Place the dough ball on a lightly floured surface, smooth side facing down.
- Flatten into a circle with your hand.
- Using the handle of a wooden spoon or using the side of your palm, press firmly along the center to make a deep crease.
- Pull each end of the crease outward, gently stretching into an oval.
- Fold the oval in half along the crease, then twist the ends to form two points.
- Now place them on a parchment lined baking sheet
Second Rise
- Cover the shaped rolls and let them rest in a warm spot for about 35-45 minutes. They will rise well in about 35 minutes in a warm spot and may take around 45 minutes in a colder environment.
Bake the Bread Rolls
- Preheat your oven to 250°C (480°F).
- Place the baking tray with rolls inside.
- Create steam inside the oven—this is key for that signature crust. You can:Spray water generously inside the oven while you place the baking tray inside the oven for baking Or Place a tray of boiling water on the bottom rack of the oven during the first 8 minutes of baking.
- Bake for 8 minutes at 250°C (480°F).
- After 8 minutes, Reduce the temperature to 220°C (420°F) and bake for another 10-12 minutes or until the rolls are deep golden in color.
- Transfer to a cooling rack and let them cool down a few minutes.
- Enjoy them while they are fresh and warm.
Video
Notes
Baking at high heat in the first 8 minutes in a steamy environment is crucial for good oven spring. That oven spring is what gives this Portuguese bread rolls its characteristic shape and texture. Rustic, Crispy crust and Light and Airy Crumb!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!