There was a time I believed fresh bread belonged exclusively to skilled bakers or weekend warriors with stand mixers. Then one rainy afternoon, in need of comfort and without a single loaf in the pantry, I stumbled into the world of no-knead bread—and it changed everything.
These Sandwich Rolls No Knead are soft on the inside, crisp on the outside, and ridiculously easy to make. With no kneading, no special equipment, and only a handful of ingredients, they’re perfect for anyone just starting their baking journey. Whether you’re prepping a quick lunch or simply craving a warm, homemade roll, this recipe ticks all the boxes for quick and healthy meals.

Why These Sandwich Rolls No Knead Are Special
Unlike traditional bread recipes that require time, muscle, and technique, this one is designed with simplicity at its core. All you need is a bowl, a spatula, and a little patience. The result? Artisan-style rolls with golden crusts and pillowy centers that taste like they came from a bakery. This lemon herb chicken recipe might be the star of your dinner table, but these rolls? They’ll be your everyday essential.
What makes it even better is its flexibility. These rolls are oil-free, making them a lighter option. They’re also incredibly budget-friendly and forgiving—ideal for beginner cooks eager to dip their toes into homemade bread making.
Ingredients and Preparation
- Bread Flour
This is the backbone of your rolls, providing structure and chewiness. It creates that perfect soft interior. If bread flour isn’t available, all-purpose flour works just fine—your rolls might be slightly less chewy but still delicious. - Warm Water
Warm water (around 35–40°C) activates the yeast and helps create a tender dough. If it’s too hot, it might kill the yeast, so aim for warm—not boiling. - Instant or Quick Yeast
This ingredient does all the heavy lifting. It causes the dough to rise, making the rolls light and airy. You can substitute with active dry yeast, just give it a few extra minutes to bloom in the water before mixing. - Sugar
A small amount of sugar feeds the yeast, boosting fermentation and adding a subtle sweetness to balance the flavor. - Salt
Enhances the overall taste and regulates yeast activity to ensure your dough doesn’t rise too fast.
Optional Add-Ins for Variety:
- Sprinkle in some herbs like rosemary or thyme for a savory twist.
- Mix in shredded cheese or chopped olives for a Mediterranean feel.
- Use whole wheat flour for a nuttier, more wholesome version.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 Start by mixing warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Stir gently and let it sit for about 2–3 minutes until foamy. This means your yeast is alive and ready to go.
Step 2 In a separate large bowl, stir together the flour and salt using a spatula.
Step 3 Pour the yeast mixture into the flour bowl and stir with a spatula until no dry flour remains. The dough will be sticky—that’s perfectly normal.
Step 4 Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise at room temperature until it doubles in size. This usually takes about 45–60 minutes.
Step 5 Once risen, gently deflate the dough by folding it over a couple of times using your spatula. Then dust a clean surface and your hands with flour and turn the dough out.
Step 6 Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. For each piece, fold it inward from all sides to form a ball. Then gently roll it and pinch the bottom to seal.
Step 7 Place the dough balls, seam side down, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave space between each one—they’ll rise again.
Step 8 Cover the rolls loosely with a cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes until puffed.
Step 9 Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a heatproof dish with water on the bottom rack—this creates steam for a crusty exterior.
Step 10 Just before baking, lightly score the tops of the rolls with a sharp knife and mist with water. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.

Beginner Tips and Notes
- Dough too sticky? Lightly flour your hands and surface. Avoid adding too much extra flour—it can make the rolls dense.
- Yeast not foaming? Your water may be too hot or too cold. Try again with fresh yeast and water at the correct temperature.
- No baking paper? Lightly grease your baking tray with oil or use a silicone mat.
Kitchen Prep Tips:
- Use a silicone spatula for easy mixing.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time by measuring them into small bowls.
- Keep your work surface well floured to prevent sticking.
Serving Suggestions
These sandwich rolls are incredibly versatile. Serve them warm with:
- A hearty soup like tomato basil or lentil.
- Lemon herb chicken or roast turkey for a satisfying sandwich.
- Jam and butter for a sweet breakfast option.
They also store beautifully:
- Let cool completely, then place in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For longer storage, freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to refresh their crispiness.
Conclusion
Making bread at home can feel intimidating, but these easy sheet pan dinner rolls prove otherwise. They’re the perfect entry point for beginner bakers—simple, quick, and foolproof. Whether you’re building the ultimate sandwich or serving alongside a bowl of soup, these rolls will become your go-to for quick and healthy meals.
Try them out and let me know how it went! I’d love to hear your experience or your twist on this classic recipe—drop a comment and share your baking journey with us.
FAQ About No-Knead Sandwich Rolls
1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, all-purpose flour can be used if bread flour isn’t available. The texture may be slightly less chewy, but the rolls will still turn out soft and delicious.
2. Why didn’t my dough rise properly?
This usually happens if the yeast is expired or the water used was too hot or too cold. Make sure your yeast is fresh and your water is between 35–40°C (95–104°F).
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can mix the dough, cover it, and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.
More Relevant Recipes
- Garlic Cream Cheese Hawaiian Rolls
- Easy, No-Knead Dutch Oven Crusty Bread
- Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls

Sandwich Rolls No Knead
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 8 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These no-knead sandwich rolls are soft on the inside, crisp on the outside, and perfect for beginner bakers. Made with just 4 ingredients, they’re healthy, quick to prepare, and freezer-friendly.
Ingredients
- 4 1/2 cups (600g) bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 1 3/4 cups (420–450ml) warm water (35–40°C)
- 2 tablespoons instant or quick yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
Instructions
- Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let sit for 2–3 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt using a spatula.
- Pour the yeast mixture into the flour and mix until a sticky dough forms with no dry flour remaining.
- Cover and let the dough rise at room temperature for 45–60 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Deflate the dough by folding it over a few times. Dust a surface with flour and turn the dough out.
- Divide into 8 equal pieces, fold each inward from all sides to form a ball, then roll and pinch the bottom to seal.
- Place rolls seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with a cloth, and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a dish of water on the lower oven rack to create steam.
- Score the tops of the rolls, mist with water, and bake for 30 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Cool slightly before serving with butter, jam, or your favorite sandwich fillings.
Notes
- Use a thermometer to check water temperature—too hot will kill the yeast.
- If dough is sticky, dust your hands and surface with flour but avoid over-flouring.
- Store baked rolls in an airtight container for 2 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- For extra flavor, add herbs, cheese, or olives to the dough.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 187
- Sugar: 0.6g
- Sodium: 1070mg
- Fat: 0.7g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37.5g
- Fiber: 0.8g
- Protein: 3.1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg