Imagine pulling apart a warm, soft roll that's infused with the aromatic essence of herbs, with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth and a golden, slightly crisp exterior. These Herbed Oatmeal Pan Rolls are not just a side dish—they're a culinary experience that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary feast. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a curious home cook, this recipe promises to elevate your bread-making skills and impress everyone at your table with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Bread
Serves: 12 rolls
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon dried herbs (thyme, rosemary)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons yeast
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats and boiling water. Let stand for 15 minutes, allowing oats to soften and absorb the water.
- Add honey, melted butter, salt, and dried herbs to the oatmeal mixture. Stir until well combined and cooled to lukewarm temperature.
- Sprinkle active dry yeast over the warm oatmeal mixture and let sit for 5 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy and activated.
- Gradually add all-purpose flour to the mixture, stirring until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Mix until ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should become less sticky and more cohesive.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the risen dough and divide into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a round roll.
- Arrange rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan, allowing them to touch each other for soft sides.
- Cover rolls and let rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Optionally brush rolls with egg wash or melted butter for golden shine.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until tops are golden brown and rolls sound hollow when tapped.
- Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before serving warm.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure your boiling water and oatmeal mixture cools to lukewarm before adding yeast to prevent killing the active cultures.
- Kneading Technique: Don't be afraid of a slightly sticky dough. Proper kneading will develop gluten and create a smooth, elastic texture.
- Rising Environment: Choose a warm, draft-free spot like near a preheated oven or inside a turned-off oven with the light on for optimal dough rising.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different dried herb combinations like oregano, sage, or a pre-mixed Italian herb blend to customize your rolls.
- Golden Finish: For a professional bakery look, brush rolls with an egg wash (beaten egg + 1 tablespoon water) or melted butter before baking.
- Storage Tip: These rolls freeze beautifully. Cool completely, then store in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven for fresh-baked taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 15mg
