Ingredients
For the dough
- 3½ cups (420g) bread flour
- 3 Tbsp (39g) granulated sugar
- 2½ tsp (1 packet; 7g) instant dry yeast or active dry yeast
- 1 cup (247ml) whole milk, warm
- 2 large eggs (100g), room temperature
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into small pieces
- 2 tsp olive oil
For the egg wash
- 1 large egg
- 1 Tbsp milk, heavy cream, or water
For the topping
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 Tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
- Flaky sea salt, to taste
Instructions
- Make the dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a hook attachment, combine sugar and yeast. Pour in warm milk and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. Add bread flour, eggs, and kosher salt. Mix on low speed for 1-2 minutes. Add softened butter and knead on medium-high speed until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
- Let the dough rise: Grease a large bowl with butter or oil. Transfer dough into the bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and cover with a kitchen towel. Let rise for 60-90 minutes or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the pan: Grease a 12-inch cast-iron skillet or a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Roll out the dough: Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and cut it into halves, then quarters. Each quarter yields four rolls, totaling 16 rolls. Fold edges toward the center and roll each piece into a smooth ball. Arrange the balls in the prepared pan. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise for 1 hour more. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) during the last 15 minutes of rising.
- Make the egg wash: Whisk together egg and milk (or cream/water) in a small bowl. Brush this mixture gently over the proofed rolls.
- Bake the rolls: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they have puffed up and turned golden brown.
- Add topping and serve: Immediately after baking, brush the rolls with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly with grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, and a generous pinch of flaky sea salt. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For softer rolls, use whole milk and room temperature eggs as specified.
- These rolls freeze well; cool completely before freezing and thaw before reheating.
- You can substitute the Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
- Use a stand mixer for easiest dough handling and best gluten development.
- Ensure yeast proofing milk is warm, not hot, to activate yeast without killing it.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian