Homemade Kaisersemmel

Ingredients

• 500g (4 cups) bread flour 500g (4 cups) bread flour
• 10g (2 tsp) active dry yeast 10g (2 tsp) active dry yeast
• 10g (2 tsp) sugar 10g (2 tsp) sugar
• 10g (2 tsp) salt 10g (2 tsp) salt
• 30g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted 30g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted
• 300ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water 300ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water
• 1 egg, beaten 1 egg, beaten
• Poppy seeds or sesame seeds (for topping) Poppy seeds or sesame seeds (for topping)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 4g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 2g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and melted butter.
3. 3.
   Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into a round ball.
6. 6.
   Take one ball of dough and flatten it slightly. With a sharp knife, make 5 diagonal cuts on the top, creating a star pattern.
7. 7.
   Repeat the process with the remaining dough balls. Place the shaped rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. 8.
   Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
9. 9.
   Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
10. 10.
    Brush the rolls with beaten egg and sprinkle them with poppy seeds or sesame seeds.
11. 11.
    Bake the Kaisersemmel for 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
12. 12.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bread flour — Bread flour is recommended for this recipe as it has a higher protein content, which helps in achieving a light and airy texture. If you don't have bread flour, you can use all-purpose flour, but the texture may be slightly different.
• Poppy seeds or sesame seeds — These seeds add a delightful crunch and flavor to the Kaisersemmel. You can choose either poppy seeds or sesame seeds, or even a combination of both, based on your preference.

Tips & Tricks

• Make sure the water used to dissolve the yeast is warm, but not too hot, as it can kill the yeast.
• Knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten, which gives the rolls their desired texture.
• Letting the dough rise in a warm place helps in activating the yeast and achieving a light and fluffy texture.
• Brushing the rolls with beaten egg before baking gives them a beautiful golden color.
• Serve the Kaisersemmel warm for the best taste and texture.

Serving advice

Serve the freshly baked Kaisersemmel warm with butter, jam, or your favorite spreads. They are perfect for breakfast, as a side to soups or stews, or as a base for sandwiches.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Kaisersemmel on a rustic breadboard or a basket lined with a clean kitchen towel. Sprinkle some extra poppy seeds or sesame seeds on top for an appealing presentation.