Easy Homemade Egyptian Bread Rolls Recipe: Fluffy Bites of Joy

Egyptian bread rolls whisper tales of ancient culinary traditions that have survived millennia.

Soft, pillowy, and deeply aromatic, these delightful rounds connect modern kitchens with generations of skilled bakers.

Rich wheat landscapes and time-honored techniques contribute to their distinctive texture and remarkable flavor profile.

Fragrant spices and traditional preparation methods elevate these rolls beyond simple sustenance into a cultural experience.

Crafted with precision and passion, each roll represents a delicate balance between technique and intuition.

Warm ovens upgrade simple ingredients into golden, tender circles that complement multiple dishes beautifully.

The magic of these bread rolls lies in their ability to transport you through flavor and tradition.

Egyptian Bread Rolls You’ll Want to Bake Again

• Experience Soft and Fluffy Texture: These Egyptian bread rolls offer an incredibly tender and pillowy interior that melts in your mouth, creating a delightful eating sensation with every bite.
• Master Quick and Simple Kneading Technique: The straightforward method allows both novice and experienced bakers to create professional-looking knotted rolls without complicated skills, making bread-making accessible and enjoyable.
• Enjoy Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for breakfast, dinner accompaniment, or as a standalone snack, these rolls complement multiple meals and can be served warm with butter, jam, or alongside savory dishes for added deliciousness.
• Create Restaurant-Quality Presentation: The elegant knotted shape and golden-brown exterior with sprinkled sesame seeds transform ordinary bread rolls into an impressive, visually appealing dish that looks like it came from a professional bakery.

What Goes Into Traditional Egyptian Bread Rolls

• Flour: Provides the base structure for the bread rolls, choose all-purpose or bread flour for best results.
• Instant Yeast: Essential for bread rising, ensures soft and fluffy texture.
• Sugar: Helps activate yeast and adds a subtle sweetness to the rolls.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and controls yeast activity.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb, use unsalted for better flavor control.
• Milk: Provides moisture and helps develop a soft bread texture, warm milk activates yeast.

• Egg: Creates a golden, shiny crust when brushed on top of rolls.
• Sesame Seeds: Adds a nutty flavor and decorative crunch to the bread surface, optional but traditional.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making These Rolls

Step 1: Gather Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Instant yeast
• Sugar
• Salt
• Melted butter
• Warm milk

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Step 2: Create Dough Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix dry ingredients thoroughly to distribute evenly.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Add melted butter and warm milk to the dry ingredients. Blend until a soft, cohesive dough forms. The mixture should feel slightly sticky but not too wet.

Step 4: Knead to Perfection

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead vigorously for 10 minutes, stretching and folding to develop gluten. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and spring back when touched.

Step 5: First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, covering it with a damp cloth. Let it rest in a warm, draft-free spot for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

Step 6: Shape Bread Rolls

Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles. Divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then stretch into a rope. Create a knot by looping and tucking the ends.

Step 7: Second Rise

Arrange knotted rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise for 30 minutes. They should look puffy and slightly larger.

Step 8: Prepare for Baking

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Gently brush each roll with beaten egg for a golden shine.

Step 9: Sprinkle and Decorate

Scatter sesame seeds over the egg-washed rolls for added texture and flavor.

Step 10: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until rolls turn a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 11: Cool and Serve

Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Serve warm for the most delightful experience.

Roll-Making Tips Passed Down Through Generations

• Activate Yeast Perfectly: Ensure warm milk is between 100-110°F to activate instant yeast without killing it, creating a soft, fluffy texture.
• Knead with Confidence: Use the heel of your hand to push and fold dough, developing gluten for a stretchy, smooth consistency that results in tender rolls.
• Control Rising Environment: Place dough in a draft-free, warm spot like a turned-off oven with the light on, helping it rise evenly and consistently.
• Shape with Precision: Roll dough ropes gently but firmly, creating uniform knots that will bake into beautifully consistent Egyptian bread rolls.
• Enhance Golden Crust: Brush egg wash generously and sprinkle sesame seeds generously for a shiny, professional-looking exterior with delightful nutty flavor.

How to Keep Egyptian Bread Rolls Fresh

• Refrigeration: Store leftover Egyptian bread rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness.
• Freezing: Freeze rolls for long-term storage by placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn and label with the date. Frozen rolls will stay delicious for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm refrigerated or thawed rolls in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. For a crispy exterior, lightly brush with olive oil before reheating. Microwave works in a pinch, but may slightly soften the bread's texture.

What to Serve with These Savory Rolls

• Pair with Hearty Hummus: Dive into creamy, spiced hummus that complements the warm, soft texture of these Egyptian bread rolls. The nutty tahini and smooth chickpea base create a perfect dipping companion.
• Match with Zesty Mediterranean Salad: Toss a refreshing salad with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese. The bright, light flavors balance the rich, buttery bread rolls beautifully.
• Serve with Spiced Mint Tea: Brew a traditional Egyptian mint tea with hints of cardamom and sugar. Its aromatic warmth enhances the bread's delicate flavor and provides a soothing beverage to enjoy alongside the rolls.

Regional Variations on Egyptian Bread Rolls

• Herbed Egyptian Rolls: Incorporate fresh chopped parsley, dill, and mint into the dough for an aromatic and flavorful bread variation that brings a fresh Mediterranean touch.
• Whole Wheat Egyptian Rolls: Replace half the white flour with whole wheat flour to create a heartier, more nutritious version with a slightly nutty flavor and added fiber.
• Spiced Seed Egyptian Rolls: Mix za'atar spice blend and add a combination of pumpkin, sunflower, and nigella seeds on top for a Middle Eastern-inspired crunchy exterior with complex flavor profiles.
• Cheese-Stuffed Egyptian Rolls: Knead crumbled feta or soft white cheese into the center of each roll before shaping, creating a delicious molten cheese center when baked.

Egyptian Bread Rolls Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Warm, pillowy Egyptian bread rolls bring Middle Eastern comfort to your table. Fragrant with herbs and spices, these authentic rolls offer a delightful journey through Egyptian culinary traditions you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Ingredients:

• 4 cups (480 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 ¼ cups (296 milliliters) warm milk
• ¼ cup (56 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon instant yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

Garnish:

• Sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Gather flour, instant yeast, sugar, salt, butter, and milk in a spacious mixing vessel to prepare the foundational dough mixture.
2. Merge dry ingredients thoroughly, creating a uniform base for the Egyptian bread rolls.
3. Gently introduce melted butter and warm milk (110°F/43°C) into the dry components, stirring until a cohesive, soft dough emerges.
4. Transfer the nascent dough onto a lightly floured surface and engage in methodical kneading for approximately 8-10 minutes, developing gluten and achieving a smooth, resilient texture.
5. Place the worked dough into a generously oiled bowl, envelop with a moistened kitchen towel, and allow fermentation in a draft-free, warm environment for 60-75 minutes until volume doubles.
6. Deflate the risen dough by pressing down, then partition into 12 equivalent segments using a precise cutting technique.
7. Manipulate each segment into a compact spherical shape, then elongate into slender rope-like strands approximately 6 inches (15 centimeters) long.
8. Construct elegant knots by twisting and interlocking each rope, ensuring secure and aesthetic formation.
9. Arrange the knotted rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, maintaining slight separation between each piece.
10. Drape a damp cloth over the rolls, permitting a secondary proofing phase for 25-35 minutes.
11. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), creating an ideal baking environment.
12. Delicately brush each roll’s surface with beaten egg, enhancing potential for golden coloration.
13. Sprinkle sesame seeds generously across the egg-washed surfaces for textural complexity and visual appeal.
14. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, monitoring until rolls achieve a rich, uniform golden-brown hue.
15. Remove from oven and allow momentary cooling on a wire rack before serving these aromatic Egyptian bread rolls.

Notes

• Prepare ingredients at room temperature for optimal dough development and consistent texture.
• Kneading develops gluten, creating soft and stretchy bread rolls with excellent structure.
• Allow sufficient rising time to ensure light, airy rolls with delicate, tender crumb.
• Sesame seeds add nutty flavor and attractive visual appeal to the golden-brown exterior.
• Storing rolls in an airtight container maintains freshness for 2-3 days at room temperature.
• Freeze unbaked rolls after shaping to enjoy fresh bread anytime by thawing and baking directly.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Egyptian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg