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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Fusion Blend: Whisk warm milk, ricotta, olive oil, eggs, sugar, salt, herbs, and yeast in a stand mixer bowl until thoroughly combined and aromatic.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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