Fluffy Ricotta Herb Bread Rolls Recipe: Homemade Joy

Soft, pillowy clouds of homemade ricotta herb bread rolls dance with aromatic freshness straight from your kitchen.

Mediterranean herbs weave their magic through each tender bite of this irresistible bread.

The delicate crumb melts on your tongue, releasing bursts of savory goodness with every mouthful.

Fragrant rosemary, thyme, and basil intermingle, creating a symphony of flavors that elevate simple bread to an extraordinary experience.

These rolls boast a golden-brown exterior that promises a delightful crunch when you break them open.

Light and airy, they complement any meal or shine beautifully as a standalone treat.

Bake these rolls and watch as they become the star of your dining table, drawing everyone closer with their incredible aroma.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including rise time)

Calories: 140 kcal

Servings: 13

Ricotta Herb Bread Rolls Ingredient Overview

• Warm Milk: Provides essential moisture and helps activate yeast for perfect bread texture.
• Ricotta Cheese: Adds creamy richness and soft tender crumb to the rolls.
• Olive Oil: Enhances flavor and helps create a soft, tender crust with beautiful sheen.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates sturdy structure and provides perfect bread consistency.
• Sugar: Feeds yeast and adds subtle sweetness to balance herb flavors.
• Salt: Balances flavors and strengthens gluten development.
• Flake Sea Salt: Provides finishing touch with delightful crunch and bright seasoning.

• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to rich, tender bread texture.
• Herbs: Infuse rolls with fresh, vibrant flavor and aromatic complexity.
• Active Dry Yeast: Crucial for bread rising, creating light and airy texture with signature fermented flavor.

Tools to Make Ricotta Herb Bread Rolls

• Stand mixer: Essential for kneading dough smoothly and efficiently.
• Dough hook: Crucial attachment for mixing and developing gluten in the bread rolls.
• Large clean bowl: Perfect for letting dough rise and develop flavor.
• Wooden spoon: Great for initial mixing of ingredients.
• Bench scraper or knife: Helpful for dividing dough into equal pieces.
• 13×9-inch baking pan: Ideal for baking and shaping the bread rolls.
• Plastic wrap: Necessary for covering dough during rising process.
• Pastry brush: Useful for applying olive oil to rolls.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise for accurate ingredient measurements.

How to Prepare Soft Ricotta Herb Rolls

• Herb and Cheese Mixture

Blend warm milk with creamy ricotta, olive oil, eggs, and aromatic herbs in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle in yeast and a touch of sugar to awaken the bread’s potential.

• Dough Formation

Slowly incorporate flour into the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft, slightly sticky dough emerges. Knead the mixture until it becomes smooth and elastic, developing a beautiful texture that promises delicious rolls.

• First Rise

Allow the dough to rest and expand in a cozy spot, growing puffy and nearly doubled in size. This resting period lets the flavors meld and the yeast work its magic.

• Shaping the Rolls

Gently divide the dough into individual portions, rolling each into a perfect round. Nestle these little pillows close together in a prepared baking pan, creating a rustic, communal look.

• Final Rise and Preparation

Let the rolls puff up one more time, brushing them with a light olive oil glaze and sprinkling with delicate sea salt. Preheat the oven to create the perfect golden-brown environment.

• Baking and Enjoying

Bake until the rolls transform into golden, crusty treasures with soft, herb-infused interiors. Serve immediately while warm, filling the kitchen with an irresistible aroma that draws everyone to the table.

Flavor Swaps for Ricotta Herb Bread Rolls

• Discover delightful ways to elevate and personalize these delectable bread rolls.
• Experiment with different fresh or dried herb blends like rosemary and thyme, basil and oregano, or dill and chives to create unique flavor profiles that match your meal or mood.
• Fold in grated parmesan, crumbled feta, or sharp cheddar directly into the dough for an extra cheesy dimension that adds depth and richness to each bite.
• Prepare the dough a day in advance and let it slowly rise overnight in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor development and more convenient baking preparation.
• Sprinkle different seeds like sesame, poppy, or everything bagel seasoning on top before baking to add crunch, visual appeal, and an extra layer of flavor complexity.

Serving Ricotta Rolls with Charm

• Herbal Picnic Companion: Pack these rolls alongside a fresh caprese salad, sliced meats, and soft cheeses for a delightful outdoor feast.
• Mediterranean Dipping Delight: Serve warm with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, or a zesty herb-infused hummus for a Mediterranean-inspired appetizer spread.
• Breakfast Sandwich Star: Split these rolls in half and create gourmet breakfast sandwiches with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or roasted vegetables for a hearty morning meal.
• Soup's Perfect Partner: Pair these herb-loaded rolls with creamy tomato soup, minestrone, or a rustic vegetable stew for a comforting and satisfying dinner combination.

Keeping Ricotta Bread Rolls Fresh

• Fridge Fresh Keeper: Store rolls in an airtight container to maintain softness and prevent moisture loss. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, bringing to room temperature before serving.
• Freezer Friendly Approach: Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm gently in the oven for best texture restoration.
• Moisture Magic Trick: Place a paper towel inside the storage container to absorb excess moisture and keep rolls tender. This simple step prevents soggy bread and maintains delightful texture.
• Reheat Revival Method: Refresh cold rolls by wrapping in foil and warming in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. A quick sprinkle of water before reheating helps recreate that just-baked softness and prevents dryness.

Rustic Ricotta Herb Bread Rolls

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including rise time)
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Homemade ricotta herb bread rolls deliver a delightful Mediterranean-inspired experience with fresh rosemary and thyme. Light, aromatic rolls complement any meal and offer simple rustic comfort for eager bakers who seek authentic flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 ½ to 4 cups (445 to 508 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ tsps (1 packet) instant yeast
• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• 1 ½ tsps fine salt
• 1 cup (246 grams) part-skim ricotta cheese, at room temperature
• ¼ cup warm whole milk (100 to 110°F)
• 2 whole eggs, at room temperature
• 2 tbsps olive oil, divided, plus more for coating
• 1 tbsp minced fresh rosemary
• 1 tbsp minced fresh thyme
• Flake sea salt, for sprinkling

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Instructions

1. Fusion Blend: Whisk warm milk, ricotta, olive oil, eggs, sugar, salt, herbs, and yeast in a stand mixer bowl until thoroughly combined and aromatic.
2. Flour Integration: Gradually add flour using a wooden spoon, mixing until a cohesive dough forms. Attach dough hook and knead at medium-low speed until smooth and elastic.
3. Fermentation Stage: Transfer dough to an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm, undisturbed location until volume doubles, approximately 1.5 hours.
4. Shaping Technique: Gently deflate dough and divide into 15 uniform portions. Roll each into a taut ball and arrange in a prepared 13×9-inch baking pan with slight separation.
5. Pre-Bake Preparation: Brush rolls with olive oil, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, and allow a second rise for 45 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) with rack centered.
6. Baking Finale: Bake rolls for 25 minutes until achieving a rich, golden-brown crust. Cool briefly before serving and store in an airtight container for optimal freshness.

Notes

• Activate Yeast Carefully: Ensure milk is warm (not hot) to prevent killing yeast, which is crucial for proper bread rising and texture.
• Handle Dough Gently: Soft kneading develops gluten without toughening the bread, creating tender, airy rolls with delicate herb flavor.
• Watch Rising Time: Temperature and humidity affect dough rising, so monitor closely to prevent over or under-proofing, which impacts final texture.
• Salt Sparingly: Flaky sea salt adds flavor burst but use light hand to balance herb-ricotta complexity without overwhelming delicate roll profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 140
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg