Learn how to make authentic homemade Kaiser bread—the iconic, crusty-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside roll that’s a bakery favorite across the globe. Whether you know them as Kaiser rolls, Vienna rolls, or hard rolls, this classic Kaiser bread recipe delivers everything you love: a golden crust, airy interior, and beautifully patterned top that’s perfect for burgers, sandwiches, or as a warm roll with butter.
In this step-by-step guide, you’ll discover how to make Kaiser bread at home with simple ingredients and bakery-style techniques. This easy Kaiser roll recipe is designed for both beginners and seasoned home bakers, and it’s packed with pro tips to guarantee bakery-quality results every time.
Why You’ll Love This Kaiser Bread
- Ready in just over 2 hours
- Crusty exterior, pillowy-soft interior
- Beginner-friendly and fun to shape
- Perfect for sandwiches, burgers, and breakfast rolls
- Uses basic ingredients—no fancy flours needed!
- Make ahead and freeze for future use
Best way to make Kaiser rolls at home? This recipe keeps it simple, delicious, and versatile!
Ingredients for Homemade Kaiser Bread
Let’s start with the essentials. These ingredients make 8 classic-sized Kaiser rolls.
What You’ll Need:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour for extra chew)
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1½ cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil)
- 1 egg white (for egg wash)
- Sesame or poppy seeds (optional topping)
Dietary Alternatives:
- For a gluten-free version: Use 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
- Vegan? Skip the egg wash and use non-dairy milk instead.
Essential ingredients for Kaiser bread include flour, yeast, water, and salt—everything else adds texture and flavor!
How to Make Kaiser Bread – Step by Step
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, stir the sugar into warm water. Sprinkle yeast on top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Tip: If the mixture doesn’t foam, your yeast may be expired. Always check the date!
Step 2: Form the Dough
Add flour, salt, and oil to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon or dough hook until a shaggy dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Kneading develops gluten—the secret to that classic chewy Kaiser texture.
Step 3: First Rise
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl. Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Divide & Shape
Punch down the dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into a ball.
Shaping Options:
- With a Kaiser roll stamp: Press the stamp into the top of each dough ball.
- Without a stamp: Use a sharp knife to cut a 5-point star pattern.
Step 5: Second Rise
Place rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes.
Step 6: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Brush each roll with egg white for shine. Sprinkle seeds if using.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 15–18 minutes or until golden brown. Tap the bottom—if it sounds hollow, they’re done!
Step 8: Cool & Enjoy
Transfer to a wire rack. Cool completely before slicing or serving.
Pro Tips for Making the Best Kaiser Bread
- No stand mixer? Knead by hand—it’s a great arm workout!
- Make ahead: Freeze dough after first rise. Thaw, shape, rise, and bake later!
- Flavor twist: Add garlic powder or herbs to the dough for extra flair.
- Different texture? For a softer crust, cover the rolls with a clean towel as they cool.
Best Ways to Serve Kaiser Bread
Kaiser rolls are endlessly versatile. Here are some mouthwatering ways to enjoy them:
- Burger buns – Their sturdy shape holds up to juicy patties!
- Breakfast sandwiches – Stack with eggs, bacon, and cheese.
- Deli-style sandwiches – Fill with pastrami, turkey, or veggies.
- Soup sidekick – Dip into creamy tomato soup or beef stew.
The best way to serve Kaiser bread is warm and fresh with your favorite fillings or soups.
[Related Recipe: Soft Pretzel Rolls | Rustic Sourdough Bread | Everything Bagels]
Nutritional Information for Kaiser Bread (per roll)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 36g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Fat | 3g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Sodium | 290mg |
Low in sugar and cholesterol-free—Kaiser bread fits into most balanced diets.
Storage & Leftovers
How to Store:
- Room temp: Up to 2 days in a sealed bag.
- Refrigerate: Up to 5 days (toast before serving).
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat:
- Oven: 350°F for 5–7 mins
- Toaster oven: 3–4 mins
- Microwave: 20–30 seconds (wrap in damp paper towel)
How long does Kaiser bread last in the fridge? Up to 5 days if stored properly.
FAQs – Kaiser Bread
Can I freeze Kaiser bread dough?
Yes! Freeze after the first rise. Thaw overnight, shape, proof, and bake as usual.
What can I use instead of a Kaiser roll stamp?
Use a sharp knife to cut a five-point star or try tying a string around the dough ball before rising.
Why didn’t my Kaiser rolls rise properly?
Check your yeast’s freshness, water temperature, and proofing time. Yeast is a living organism—handle it gently!
Is Kaiser bread the same as a hard roll?
Yes, they’re often used interchangeably. Kaiser rolls tend to have a decorative top and are slightly softer inside.
Related Recipes – You’ll Love These Too!
If you love Kaiser bread, try our pretzel rolls or bagels next!
Conclusion
Now that you know exactly how to make the best Kaiser bread at home, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get baking! With a crispy exterior, soft crumb, and versatile flavor, these rolls are a crowd-pleaser at any meal.
Have you tried this recipe? Leave a comment below and tell us how it turned out!
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Kaiser Bread – Perfect Rolls for Sandwiches
- Total Time: 2 hours 8 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This homemade Kaiser bread recipe creates bakery-style rolls that are crusty on the outside and soft on the inside—perfect for sandwiches, burgers, and more. Easy to make with everyday ingredients and beginner-friendly steps.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1½ cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 egg white (for egg wash)
- Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water, then sprinkle yeast over the top. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, salt, and oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead by hand or with a dough hook for 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Shape into balls.
- Use a Kaiser roll stamp or sharp knife to make a star pattern on each roll.
- Place rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Brush rolls with egg white and sprinkle with seeds if desired.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Cool on a wire rack before serving.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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- If you don’t have a Kaiser roll stamp, score the top with a sharp knife in a star pattern.
- For a softer crust, cover the rolls with a towel after baking.
- You can freeze the dough after the first rise for later use.
- Use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for a chewier texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Austrian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Kaiser bread, Kaiser rolls, homemade Kaiser rolls, crusty sandwich rolls, hard rolls, Vienna bread, burger buns
