Golden Egyptian Bread Rolls Recipe: Soft Treasures of the Nile

Warm, golden Egyptian bread rolls dance with tradition and flavor, bringing a touch of cairo’s culinary magic right to your kitchen.

Soft and pillowy, these rolls carry centuries of baking wisdom in every bite.

The aroma of freshly baked bread will fill your home with an irresistible warmth.

Egyptians have perfected this simple yet delectable bread over generations, creating a recipe that speaks to comfort and hospitality.

Each roll tells a story of ancient grains and modern techniques blending seamlessly.

Baking these rolls connects you to a rich cultural heritage that transcends mere sustenance.

Get ready to knead, bake, and savor a taste of egypt that will transport your senses.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 160 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients for Egyptian Bread Rolls

• Flour: Provides the foundational structure for the bread rolls, selecting unbleached all-purpose flour ensures a tender and consistent texture.
• Instant Yeast: Magical rising agent that helps dough develop airy and light characteristics, choose fresh yeast for optimal fermentation.
• Sugar: Activates yeast and adds subtle sweetness, helps with browning and enhancing bread's flavor profile.
• Salt: Balances flavors and strengthens gluten network, enhancing overall bread texture and taste.

• Butter: Adds rich, luxurious flavor and helps create soft, tender crumb, use unsalted butter for better control of saltiness.
• Milk: Contributes moisture and helps develop soft, delicate bread texture, warm milk activates yeast more effectively.

• Egg: Creates beautiful golden-brown shine and helps sesame seeds adhere to bread surface.
• Sesame Seeds: Provides delightful nutty crunch and visual appeal, toast lightly before sprinkling for enhanced flavor.

Egyptian Bread Rolls: Necessary Tools

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Baking sheet: Holds the bread rolls during rising and baking.
• Parchment paper: Prevents rolls from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Pastry brush: Great for applying egg wash evenly.
• Kitchen towel or damp cloth: Helps dough rise by maintaining moisture.
• Clean work surface: Needed for kneading and shaping dough.
• Whisk or fork: Useful for beating the egg wash.

Instructions to Make Egyptian Bread Rolls

• Flour Fusion

Start by gathering your dry ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, blending flour, yeast, sugar, and a pinch of salt into a harmonious mixture.

• Liquid Love

Introduce warm milk and melted butter to your dry ingredients, creating a tender dough that comes together like a soft embrace.

• Kneading Magic

Transfer your dough to a lightly dusted surface and work it with gentle, rhythmic motions until it becomes silky and resilient, about 10 minutes of therapeutic massage.

• Rising Respite

Nestle the dough in a greased bowl, drape it with a damp cloth, and let it rest in a cozy spot, allowing it to double in size and develop rich flavor.

• Shaping Artistry

Gently deflate the risen dough and divide it into 12 playful pieces. Transform each into a graceful rope, then twist into an elegant knot.

• Final Flourish

Arrange the knotted rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving them a final 30-minute rise to plump up with anticipation.

• Golden Transformation

Brush the rolls with a beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake in a 375°F oven until they turn a gorgeous, sun-kissed golden brown.

Baking Tips for Egyptian Bread Rolls

• Elevate the Classic Recipe
• Experiment with whole wheat or rye flour to add rich, nutty flavors and boost nutritional value.
• Replace sesame seeds with poppy seeds, za'atar, or everything bagel seasoning for unique texture and taste.
• Fold chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley into the dough for aromatic Mediterranean-inspired rolls.
• Incorporate grated parmesan or crumbled feta directly into the dough for a savory, tangy surprise in every bite.

Serving Suggestions for Egyptian Bread Rolls

• Serve Fresh and Warm: Pull these golden-brown Egyptian bread rolls straight from the oven and enjoy them while they're steaming hot for the most delightful taste experience.
• Pair with Dips: Complement these soft, knotted rolls with creamy hummus, baba ganoush, or a zesty olive tapenade for an authentic Middle Eastern appetizer spread.
• Create Sandwich Magic: Split these fluffy rolls in half and stuff them with grilled chicken, crisp vegetables, or sliced lamb for a delectable sandwich that celebrates Egyptian flavors.
• Breakfast Bliss: Top these rolls with soft scrambled eggs, crumbled feta cheese, and a sprinkle of za'atar for a hearty morning meal that transports you to the streets of Cairo.

How to Store Egyptian Bread Rolls

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store these Egyptian bread rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping them fresh and soft.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, allowing quick and easy bread access whenever hunger strikes.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated or thawed rolls in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their original crispy exterior and soft interior. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain texture.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Make the dough up to 24 hours in advance, cover it in the refrigerator, and let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking for maximum convenience and flavor development.

Pillowy Egyptian Bread Rolls Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Warm and pillowy Egyptian bread rolls showcase Middle Eastern baking traditions with delicate spices and perfect texture. Bread enthusiasts will savor these authentic companions to stews, salads, and mezze platters.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tbsp instant yeast
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 4 cups (480 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ¼ cups (296 ml) warm milk
• ¼ cup (56 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Dough Preparation: Combine flour, instant yeast, sugar, salt, butter, and milk in a large mixing bowl, blending dry ingredients comprehensively to create a uniform base.
2. Dough Development: Incorporate melted butter and warm milk (110°F/43°C), stirring until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Transfer to a floured surface and knead vigorously for 8-10 minutes, cultivating a smooth, elastic consistency.
3. First Fermentation: Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm, draft-free location for 60-75 minutes until volume doubles.
4. Shaping Technique: Deflate dough and divide into 12 equal portions. Roll each segment into a rope-like strand, then craft intricate knots by twisting and interlocking, creating elegant bread formations.
5. Secondary Proofing: Arrange knotted rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving slight spacing between pieces. Cover with a damp cloth and allow 25-35 minutes of additional rising.
6. Finishing and Baking: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush rolls with beaten egg, generously sprinkle sesame seeds, and bake for 18-22 minutes until achieving a rich, golden-brown coloration.
7. Serving Preparation: Transfer baked rolls to a wire rack for brief cooling before presenting these aromatic Egyptian bread delicacies.

Notes

• Check Dough Consistency: Ensure the dough feels soft and slightly tacky, not too dry or sticky, which impacts the final texture of the bread rolls.
• Precise Temperature Matters: Use a kitchen thermometer to verify milk warmth at exactly 110°F to activate yeast without killing it, guaranteeing perfect dough rise.
• Knead with Purpose: Apply consistent, firm pressure while kneading to develop gluten properly, creating a smooth and elastic dough that provides excellent bread structure.
• Proofing Environment: Place dough in a warm, draft-free area around 80-85°F to promote optimal yeast activity and ensure consistent, even rising of the bread rolls.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg