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Easy No Knead German Crusty Rolls Recipe

4.6 from 54 reviews

These Easy No Knead German Crusty Rolls deliver a delightfully airy interior with a crisp, golden crust. Perfect for breakfast or as sandwich buns, they require minimal effort and no kneading, relying on a long fermentation process to develop flavor and texture. Ideal for home bakers seeking authentic artisan-style rolls without complicated techniques.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 1000 grams bread flour
  • 0.2 grams instant yeast
  • 680 grams water
  • 22 grams salt

Instructions

  1. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the bread flour and instant yeast. In a separate bowl, dissolve the salt in the water. Pour the salted water into the flour mixture and stir with your hand or a wooden spoon until fully combined. The dough should look shaggy and wet.
  2. Let It Ferment: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rest at room temperature for 12 to 14 hours. During this time, the dough will double in size and become bubbly and airy.
  3. Divide and Shape: Lightly flour a surface and turn out the dough. Divide it into 18 equal portions (about 94 grams each). Gently shape each into a loose ball and let them rest for 25 minutes. Then, reshape each ball into a tight, oval shape resembling a mini batard.
  4. Proof the Rolls: Place the shaped rolls on a floured couche, parchment-lined baking sheet, or floured towel. Cover loosely and let rise for 1 hour until slightly puffy.
  5. Preheat and Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place a baking stone or heavy-duty baking sheet in the oven and a separate metal tray on the lower rack for steam.
  6. Score and Bake: Score the tops of the rolls with a sharp blade. Carefully transfer them to the hot baking surface. Immediately pour hot water into the steam tray and quickly close the oven door. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the rolls sound hollow when tapped.
  7. Cool and Serve: Let the rolls cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before serving. This helps set the crust and makes slicing easier.

Notes

  • Use a baking stone or thick baking sheet for a crispier crust.
  • Creating steam in the oven is essential to achieve a golden, crusty exterior.
  • Do not skip the long fermentation; it enhances flavor and texture.
  • Adjust proofing times slightly depending on room temperature.
  • These rolls freeze well – cool completely before freezing in an airtight container.

Keywords: no knead rolls, German crusty rolls, artisan bread, easy bread recipe, homemade rolls, crusty bread