These Cheese and Bacon Bread Rolls are a delightful treat, perfect for breakfast or as a savory snack. Packed with the rich flavors of cheese and bacon, these rolls are sure to please your taste buds. Follow this simple recipe to create delicious homemade bread rolls that your family and friends will love.
Ingredients:
Dough:
- 70 gm butter, softened at room temperature
- 300 ml full cream milk
- 3 tsp dried yeast
- 500 gm bakers flour
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup white sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp milk powder
- 2 tbsp oil
Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tsp milk
Topping:
- 200 gm chopped bacon (or to your preference)
- 220 gm grated mozzarella cheese (or to your preference)
Directions:
- Begin by cutting the butter into cubes and allowing it to soften at room temperature. Warm the milk in the microwave for about 50 seconds. Stir the milk to ensure even warmth, then add the dried yeast. Set the mixture aside to allow the yeast to foam.
- In an electric mixer with the dough hook attachment, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and milk powder. Mix well. Add the milk-yeast mixture and 1 egg to the mixer, and combine on setting 3 until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the cubes of softened butter to the mixer while running on setting 3. Once the butter is fully incorporated, let the dough mix for 5 minutes on setting 3 or 4. Allow the dough to rest for 3 minutes, then continue mixing for another 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, check the dough’s elasticity by gently pulling it with your fingers. If the dough stretches approximately 2 cm without tearing, it is ready. If not, continue mixing until the desired elasticity is achieved.
- Line a large mixing bowl with oil. Coat your hands with oil, then remove the dough from the mixer. Pat some oil on the outside of the dough to prevent sticking, then shape it into a ball with your hands. Place the dough into the oiled mixing bowl and cover it with a tea towel or cling film. Allow it to proof in a warm place for 1 hour.
- After 1 hour, remove the dough from the bowl and divide it into 50 gm portions. Shape each portion into a ball, ensuring they are evenly sized. Place the dough balls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1.5 – 2 cm of space between each roll.
- In a small bowl, prepare the egg wash by beating 1 egg with 1 tsp of milk. Brush the tops of the dough balls with the egg wash.
- Sprinkle chopped bacon and grated mozzarella cheese generously over the top of each dough ball.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Tips:
- Ensure the butter is softened at room temperature for easier incorporation into the dough.
- Allow the dough to proof in a warm, draft-free environment to facilitate proper rising.
- Customize the topping by adding your favorite herbs or spices for extra flavor.
Conclusion:
These Cheese and Bacon Bread Rolls are a delightful combination of flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed as a savory breakfast option or a tasty snack, these homemade rolls are sure to impress. Follow the simple steps outlined in this recipe to create delicious bread rolls that will delight your family and friends.
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time and freeze it for later use?
- Yes, you can prepare the dough for these Cheese and Bacon Bread Rolls ahead of time and freeze it for future use. After the dough has gone through its initial rise and you have shaped it into individual rolls, you can place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Instead of letting them rise again, transfer the tray to the freezer until the rolls are frozen solid. Once frozen, you can transfer the rolls to a resealable plastic bag or airtight container for long-term storage. When you’re ready to bake them, allow the frozen rolls to thaw and rise at room temperature for about 2-3 hours before baking as usual.
2. Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?
- Absolutely! While this recipe calls for grated mozzarella cheese, you can experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences. Cheddar, Gouda, Swiss, or even blue cheese can be excellent alternatives or additions to the mozzarella. Feel free to mix and match cheeses to create your own unique flavor combinations. Just make sure to adjust the quantity of cheese based on your preference and the cheese’s melting characteristics.
3. How long do the Cheese and Bacon Bread Rolls stay fresh, and how should I store them?
- These bread rolls are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are baked. However, if you have leftovers or want to prepare them in advance, you can store them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. To maintain their freshness, you can also store them in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. When ready to enjoy, you can warm them up in the oven or microwave for a few seconds to regain their freshness and warmth.
4. Can I make these Cheese and Bacon Bread Rolls without using bacon or with a vegetarian alternative?
- Yes, you can certainly customize this recipe to suit dietary preferences or restrictions. If you prefer not to use bacon or are looking for a vegetarian option, you can omit the bacon altogether or substitute it with vegetarian bacon bits, sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or roasted vegetables. These alternatives will add flavor and texture to the rolls while keeping them meat-free. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different ingredients to make these rolls your own.