Kaiser Rolls

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Soft, golden Kaiser rolls with a crispy crust and chewy interior, perfect for sandwiches or breakfast. Ideal for bread lovers seeking a classic, versatile roll.

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Ingredients

  • 1 envelope active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water
  • 3 1/3 cups bread flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • oil for baking sheet
  • cornmeal for baking sheet

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, sprinkle the yeast and sugar over the warm water.
  2. Stir to mix, then let stand until foamy, 5 to 10 minutes.
  3. In a large bowl, combine bread flour and salt.
  4. Add the foamy yeast mixture to the flour mixture and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.
  5. Shape the dough into a ball, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  6. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  7. Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal pieces.
  8. Shape each piece into a ball, then form into a roll with a characteristic Kaiser shape by pinching the top and pressing down slightly.
  9. Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with oil and sprinkled with cornmeal.
  10. Brush the tops with water and sprinkle with poppy seeds.
  11. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
  12. Cool on a wire rack before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of malt syrup to the dough. If you don’t have bread flour, all-purpose flour can be used, but the rolls may not be as chewy. To achieve a more pronounced Kaiser shape, use a sharp knife to score the tops before baking. Ensure your baking sheet is well oiled to prevent sticking.

Serving Suggestions

Kaiser rolls are perfect for sandwiches, especially with deli meats and cheeses. Serve them alongside a hearty soup or salad for a satisfying meal. For a delightful twist, use them to make sliders or pair them with 1956 Bangor Club Barbecue Sauce for a flavorful barbecue experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Kaiser Rolls contains roughly 254 calories, with 28g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (69% of the Daily Value) and protein (56% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. At about 254 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.

254 kcal 13% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 27.8g 56% DV
Total Fat 5.9g 8% DV
Carbs 35.2g 13% DV
Fiber 19.4g 69% DV
Sugar 0g

Electrolytes

Sodium 198.4mg 9% DV
Potassium 715.9mg 15% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 11.1mg 12% DV
Calcium 36.4mg 3% DV
Iron 1.7mg 10% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my rolls not rise properly?

If your rolls didn't rise, it could be due to expired yeast or water that was too hot or too cold. Always check your yeast's expiration date, and ensure the water temperature is lukewarm, around 110°F (43°C), to activate the yeast effectively.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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