What is it?

A hearty German roll made from a mix of wheat and rye flour.

How is it called in German?

“Buttermilch-Roggenbrötchen” or short “Buttermilchbrötchen”

“Brötchen” is the German word for “Bun / Roll”.

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to learn how to pronounce "Buttermilchbrötchen"

Background Knowledge

Why buttermilk is so healthy?

Buttermilk is – along with quark and yoghurt – a probiotic food. It contains healthy, living lactobacillus, that are important for human’s digestion. In comparison to many other bacteria, these ones survive the stomach and are able to be fully active in the intestines.  They can have a positive effect on digestion and intestinal flora.

Apart from that buttermilk has far less calories than normal milk with only 38kcal/100ml. 100ml full milk has 64kcal as a comparison. Yet it is still as rich with high quality protein, bone strengthening calcium and Vitamin B12, which supports cell growth.

Buttermilch-Roggenbrötchen

Buttermilk Rye Rolls

What is better than a freshly baked roll for breakfast? The smell that goes through the house is simply irresistible. These German buttermilk rye rolls are just like from a German bakery.

Many people think that baking bread and rolls takes a lot of time and effort but baking bread can be very easy and quick. Apart from that, homemade bread and rolls just taste so much better that bought ones. You can also save a lot of money, and you know exactly what ingredients were used.

Step-by-Step Video

Recipe

Buttermilk Rye Rolls

These German rolls are made with buttermilk and rye flour. This makes them soft and moist for a hearty meal.

  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 1 tbsp. salt
  • 1 tbsp. sugar
  • 2 cups rye flour
  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp. instant yeast
  • 1 cup water
  1. Heat the buttermilk to medium warm, don´t boil it.
  2. Add flour, yeast, sugar and salt to a mixing bowl and blend briefly.
  3. Add buttermilk to the bowl while mixing.
  4. Knead for about 10 min. and allow to rise for 30 min. in a warm place.
  5. Knead dough briefly and shape to a rectangle.
  6. Cut into 8 pieces and set on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  7. Slash with a sharp knife and sprinkle lightly with flour.
  8. Allow to raise for another 20 to 30 min.
  9. In the meantime, preheat the oven to 400 F and place a large heatproof bowl or pan with water in the oven.

  10. Bake the rolls for 20 – 25 min.

Serving Tip:

Buttermilk rye rolls are hearty but soft and make the perfect side to a soup or salad.

With a few slices of ham and/or cheese and some crispy lettuce leaves they make the best sandwich you´ve ever had.

Variation:
If you don´t have rye flour on hand or don´t like it, you can use bread flour or spelt flour for this recipe.