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How to Make Perfect Kaiser Roll at Home

Rustic-style Kaiser rolls with a perfect balance of crust and fluff, topped with sesame and poppy seeds,

Fluffy and crusty Kaiser rolls with a signature spiral design, perfect for sandwiches, breakfast, or as a side to soups and stews. These classic European rolls are easy to make at home, with simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions for bakery-quality results.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough:

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour or bread flour
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup lukewarm water

For the Topping:

  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • Sesame seeds or poppy seeds

Instructions

  1. Mix the Dough:
    Combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add the egg, butter, and lukewarm water. Mix until the dough forms, then knead for 5–7 minutes in a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment or by hand until smooth and elastic.

  2. First Rise:
    Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for about an hour in a warm spot until it doubles in size.

  3. Shape the Rolls:
    Divide the dough into six equal pieces (about 4 ounces each). Roll each piece into a ball. Use a Kaiser roll stamp to press the spiral design or hand-knot for a traditional look.

  4. Second Rise:
    Place rolls spiral-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let them rise for 45–60 minutes.

  5. Topping and Baking:
    Preheat the oven to 425°F. Flip the rolls spiral-side up, brush them lightly with milk, and sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds. Bake for 15–17 minutes until golden brown.

 


Notes

  • For extra crunch, bake with steam by placing a shallow pan of hot water in the oven.
  • Substitute ¼ cup of the flour with rye flour for an authentic crusty texture.
  • Overnight refrigeration of the dough enhances flavor and creates a better crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: Kaiser roll, homemade Kaiser rolls, sandwich buns, traditional German rolls, artisan bread