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Overhead shot of round ricotta herb rolls topped with rosemary and thyme leaves, golden brown crust.

Ricotta Herb Bread Rolls

Ricotta and herb bread rolls made with fresh rosemary and thyme, baked until golden. A soft, savory side for any meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Italian-American
Servings 15 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup warm whole milk 100 to 110°F (45°C)
  • 1 cup part skim ricotta cheese 246 g, at room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided, plus more for coating
  • 2 whole eggs at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast 1 packet
  • 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour 445 to 508 g
  • Flake sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions
 

  • Mix dough ingredients:

    In a stand mixer bowl, mix together milk, ricotta, 1 tablespoon olive oil, eggs, sugar, salt, herbs, and yeast. Pour in 2 cups (254 g) flour and mix with a wooden spoon until a coarse, shaggy mass forms. Fit the dough hook, set mixer to medium-low, and slowly add 1 1/2 cups (191 g) more flour, kneading until dough starts to come together. Continue kneading on medium-high for 4 to 5 minutes until a smooth, soft ball forms, adding extra flour only if needed. Dough should be elastic and slightly tacky; do not over-flour.
  • First rise:

    Lightly oil a large clean bowl, place dough inside, and cover loosely with plastic wrap. Let rise at room temperature for about 1 1/2 hours until doubled in size and puffy.
  • Shape rolls:

    Spray a 13x9-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Gently punch down the dough. Using a bench scraper, knife, or pizza cutter, cut dough into 15 equal portions. Roll each into a ball and arrange in the prepared pan. Brush tops with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and generously sprinkle with flake sea salt. Loosely cover with plastic wrap and let rise 45 minutes until doubled. (Make ahead: At this point, shaped rolls can be covered and refrigerated overnight; bring to room temperature before baking.)
  • Bake rolls:

    Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake rolls for 25 minutes until golden brown. Serve warm. Store leftovers in a plastic bag for up to 3 days.
Keyword bread recipes, ricotta herb bread rolls