Wonderful Homemade Kaiser Rolls

Elevate your bread-baking game with these Wonderful Homemade Kaiser Rolls—light, fluffy, and irresistibly golden. Perfect for sandwiches, burgers, or as standalone dinner rolls, these classic, hand-shaped buns feature a signature star pattern and a soft, tender crumb. Made with simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, melted butter, and active dry yeast, this recipe combines tradition with ease. The egg wash gives the rolls their beautifully glossy finish, while a sprinkle of sesame or poppy seeds adds a touch of crunch and flavor. With just 30 minutes of prep time and straightforward instructions, these artisanal rolls are surprisingly easy to make, yet they look and taste bakery-fresh. Whether you're serving them at a holiday dinner or packing them for lunch, these versatile Kaiser rolls are sure to impress.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1.25 cups warm water
• 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 2 tablespoons sesame or poppy seeds (optional)

Directions

Step 1

In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and melted butter. Stir until the dough begins to come together.

Step 3

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with the dough hook attachment and knead for about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

Step 5

Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Shape each piece into a smooth ball. To achieve the signature Kaiser roll pattern, flatten each ball slightly and cut five equally spaced slits around the center with a sharp knife or use a Kaiser roll stamp.

Step 6

Place the rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced at least 2 inches apart. Cover loosely with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 7

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). In a small bowl, beat the egg with the milk to create an egg wash. Brush the top of each roll with the egg wash, and if desired, sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds.

Step 8

Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped on the bottom.

Step 9

Transfer the rolls to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(957.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2356.8

Total Fat 54.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 25.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.8g
Cholesterol 291.7mg	0%
Sodium 3665.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 399.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.1g	0%
Total Sugars 27.8g
Protein 62.0g	0%

Vitamin D 61.0IU	0%
Calcium 269.1mg	0%
Iron 25.4mg	0%
Potassium 839.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 20.9%

Protein: 10.6%

Carbs: 68.5%