If you love fresh bread but don’t want to spend hours kneading, this No Knead German Crusty Rolls Recipe is perfect. These rolls are crunchy on the outside and soft inside.
They have a classic German flavor that pairs well with butter, cheese or soup. You don’t need special equipment or skills. Just mix the ingredients, let the dough rest and bake.
The result is bakery-quality rolls right at home. If you want to know how to make No Knead German Crusty Rolls, this guide will give you easy steps and all the ingredients for No Knead German Crusty Rolls.
My Experience With This Recipe
I tried this recipe on a weekend morning. The rolls came out perfectly crusty and soft inside. The aroma filled the whole kitchen. It was amazing to enjoy fresh bread without kneading.
I liked how simple and hands-off it was. Even beginners can make these rolls successfully. They tasted even better with butter and jam.
Making No Knead German Crusty Rolls became my new favorite bread recipe. I also enjoyed experimenting with toppings like seeds and herbs.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: No Knead German Crusty Rolls
- Servings: 8 rolls
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Course: Bread / Side Dish
- Cuisine: German
- Calories: 200 kcal per roll
Equipment List
- Large mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Baking tray or Dutch oven
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
Ingredients You Need for No Knead German Crusty Rolls
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp instant yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
- 1 tsp sugar or honey
- Optional: sesame seeds or poppy seeds for topping
Step-by-Step Guide
- Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine flour, salt and instant yeast. Stir well with a spoon or spatula. - Add Water and Sugar
Add warm water and sugar. Mix until a sticky dough forms. No kneading needed. - First Rest
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Let dough rest at room temperature for 12–16 hours. - Preheat Oven
Heat oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a Dutch oven or baking tray inside to preheat. - Shape the Rolls
Dust your hands with flour. Divide dough into 8 equal pieces and shape into rough balls. - Second Rest
Place rolls on parchment paper. Cover lightly. Let them rest 30 minutes to rise slightly. - Add Toppings
Optional: brush rolls with water and sprinkle seeds on top for extra flavor and crunch. - Bake the Rolls
Carefully transfer rolls to preheated Dutch oven or tray. Bake 20–25 minutes until golden and crusty. - Cool the Rolls
Remove rolls from oven. Let them cool on a rack for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Tips to Make the Best No Knead German Crusty Rolls
- Use warm water, not hot, to avoid killing yeast.
- Cover dough during resting to prevent drying.
- Don’t rush the long rest; it improves flavor.
- Preheat baking tray for a crisp crust.
- Brush with water before baking for shiny crust.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too much flour; dough should be sticky.
- Skipping the long resting period; flavor will be weak.
- Opening the oven too early; crust may collapse.
- Not letting rolls cool; interior can be gummy.
- Forgetting to preheat the tray; rolls won’t get crusty.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your No Knead German Crusty Rolls with butter, cheese or cold cuts. They are perfect with soup or stew. You can also make sandwiches or enjoy them plain. Fresh rolls are great for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Variations You Can Try
- Add rosemary or thyme to dough for herb flavor.
- Sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on top.
- Mix whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour for texture.
- Add garlic powder or onion flakes for savory rolls.
- Make mini rolls for party appetizers or sliders.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days.
- Freeze cooled rolls for up to 1 month.
- Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes for fresh texture.
- Avoid microwaving; it softens the crust.
- Slice rolls before freezing for easy use.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Roll |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fat | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
Health Benefits
These rolls are made with simple ingredients and contain no artificial additives. Using whole wheat flour adds fiber. Baking at home allows control over salt and sugar.
Freshly baked bread is more nutritious and free of preservatives. Rolls provide energy from complex carbohydrates and protein for satiety. Adding seeds boosts vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.
No Knead German Crusty Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp instant yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
- 1 tsp sugar or honey
- Optional: sesame seeds or poppy seeds for topping
Instructions
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine flour, salt and instant yeast. Stir well with a spoon or spatula.
Add Water and Sugar
- Add warm water and sugar. Mix until a sticky dough forms. No kneading needed.
First Rest
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Let dough rest at room temperature for 12–16 hours.
Preheat Oven
- Heat oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a Dutch oven or baking tray inside to preheat.
Shape the Rolls
- Dust your hands with flour. Divide dough into 8 equal pieces and shape into rough balls.
Second Rest
- Place rolls on parchment paper. Cover lightly. Let them rest 30 minutes to rise slightly.
Add Toppings
- Optional: brush rolls with water and sprinkle seeds on top for extra flavor and crunch.
Bake the Rolls
- Carefully transfer rolls to preheated Dutch oven or tray. Bake 20–25 minutes until golden and crusty.
Cool the Rolls
- Remove rolls from oven. Let them cool on a rack for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use warm water, not hot, to avoid killing yeast.
- Cover dough during resting to prevent drying.
- Don’t rush the long rest; it improves flavor.
- Preheat baking tray for a crisp crust.
- Brush with water before baking for shiny crust.
FAQs about No Knead German Crusty Rolls
Q1: Can I use whole wheat flour only?
Yes, but texture may be denser. Mixing with all-purpose flour gives better crust and softness.
Q2: Can I shorten the resting time?
Not recommended. Long resting develops flavor and improves crust. Short rest affects taste.
Q3: Can I bake without a Dutch oven?
Yes, use a preheated baking tray. Cover rolls loosely with foil for better crust.
Q4: Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, refrigerate dough for up to 24 hours before baking. Cold rest enhances flavor.
Final Thoughts
This No Knead German Crusty Rolls Recipe is easy, hands-off and delicious. You get bakery-quality rolls without effort. The crusty exterior and soft interior are perfect for any meal. Making these rolls at home is satisfying and fun.
Try this recipe today for fresh, aromatic and golden rolls your family will love. Enjoy the simplicity of no-knead baking with amazing German flavors.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!