Gluten-Free Kaiser Rolls
Kaiser rolls, also known as Kaisersemmel in German, are crusty round rolls with a distinctive star-shaped pattern on top.
They originated in Austria in the 18th century and were named after Emperor (or “Kaiser”) Franz Joseph I. Originally considered a luxurious bread reserved for the nobility, Kaiser rolls eventually became a staple of everyday life in Central Europe and beyond.
While these rolls are traditionally made with white flour, we have developed a gluten-free version!
The hallmark of a good Kaiser roll is its contrast between a chewy, crisp crust and a tender, airy crumb inside. The classic star pattern is either hand-shaped or stamped with a special mold, adding both texture and aesthetic appeal.
In the United States, Kaiser rolls gained popularity as a favorite sandwich bun, especially in delis and diners. Their sturdy structure holds up well to meats, cheeses, and spreads, making them ideal for burgers and cold cuts.
Instructions
14 stepsGather Ingredients and Activate the Psyllium Gel
Gather your required ingredients.
In a medium bowl, combine the warm water (or milk), honey and a yeast. Leave for 10 minutes.
Add the ground psyllium husk and mix the ingredients together.
Stir well and let sit for 5–10 minutes until it forms a gel.
Prepare Dry Mix
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the potato starch, corn starch, Caputo flour, salt, sugar, dry milk powder. Ensure the dry ingredients are well combined.
Mix the Dough
Add the psyllium gel and melted butter to the dry ingredients.
Mix with a spoon or stand mixer (paddle attachment) until you have a smooth, elastic dough.
Shape & Rise
Divide the dough into 8 equal portions.
Using a rolling pin, roll each portion into a rectangle. Fold it into a log, then roll to about 10 inches (25 cm) in length. Tie into a knot, following the video guidance.
Place shaped rolls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Cover loosely with a cloth and let rise for 1 hour.
Bake
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Brush the rolls with egg wash and sprinkle with poppy seeds and sesame.
Bake for 20 minutes or until golden and firm.
Recipe Notes
Cooling & Storage:
Let the rolls cool slightly before serving. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
