No-Knead Rustic Dinner Rolls

Warm from the oven with a crisp, golden crust these rolls are simple yet satisfying. Made with just flour, water, yeast, and salt, they’re a wholesome staple you can pair with soups, salads, or enjoy on their own. The inclusion of a whole grain flour adds fiber and phytonutrients that support digestive health and may lower the risk of certain cancers by helping regulate blood sugar and promoting a healthy gut microbiome.

No-Knead Rustic Dinner Rolls

Recipe By: Melanya Kushla, MS, RD, CHES at Taste & Thrive
Yield: 6 servings
Serving Size: 1 roll

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• ⅔ cup whole wheat flour

• ⅛ teaspoon instant yeast

• 1 cup lukewarm water

• 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt

• 2 Tablespoons extra all-purpose flour

Utensils

• 2 medium mixing bowl

• Whisk

• Rubber spatula

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Tea towel

• Paring knife

• Half sheet baking pan

Directions

1. *Take note that this recipe comes together very quickly, but will need to rest for about 12 hours to allow the yeast to ferment - we recommend starting the fermentation first thing in the morning or the night before, so it’s ready to go when you wish to bake the rolls.*

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together both of the flours and the yeast.

3. In the second bowl, mix the water with the salt.

4. Make a well in the middle of the flour and yeast mixture, then add the water and salt mixture to the flour mixture.

5. Mix together with your hand or a rubber spatula until well combined and a dough forms.

6. Cover the bowl with a clean tea towel and leave at room temperature to ferment for 10 to 14 hours.

7. Once the dough has fermented and risen, preheat the oven to 425°F.

8. Divide the dough into 6 pieces and roll or pinch each piece into a ball.

9. Spread the extra 2 tablespoons of flour onto your work surface. Roll each ball in the flour in it several times to coat with flour.

10. Place the balls onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and gently score the tops with the paring knife.

11. Allow to rise for 20 minutes before placing into the preheated oven.

12. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove when golden brown and place on a cooling rack before serving.

Notes

• Ensure your water is warm, not hot, as this can kill the yeast.

• The extra-long fermentation helps the flavor develop from these simple ingredients.

• This recipe can also be shaped into batons and scored on a 45° angle to make mini baguettes.

• These rolls can be made entirely with white flour, though the nutritional benefits will be improved with a less refined flour such as white whole wheat or whole wheat pastry flour.

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

180 calories – 1g fat – 0g sat fat – 36g carbohydrates – 8g protein – 3g fiber – 276 mg sodium

Nutrient Highlights

• Whole Grain Flour: Packed full of fiber to help promote healthy gut microbes to support a strong immune system and help the body maintain balanced blood sugar levels. Whole grains also promote satiety and provide polyphenols that have high antioxidant activity, helping reduce inflammation in the body.

• Yeast: A natural source of B-vitamins and antioxidants, which support energy metabolism and may help protect cells from oxidative damage linked to cancer risk.

• Sea Salt: Provides essential trace minerals like magnesium, potassium, and calcium, which support cellular health and may contribute to overall balance in the body when used in small amounts.