Turmeric Basil Focaccia Rolls Recipe – Soft & Flavorful Homemade Rolls

Introduction

These Turmeric Basil Focaccia Rolls combine the warm golden color of turmeric with fresh basil for a soft, flavorful, and aromatic bread. Crispy on the outside and pillowy on the inside, they are perfect alongside soups, salads, or served as a snack. This easy recipe will guide you step by step to bake these delicious homemade rolls.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 3 ½ cups (420 g) all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt

• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric

• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1 cup (240 ml) warm water (110 °F / 43 °C)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling

For the Filling & Topping

• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

• Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

• Additional olive oil, for brushing

Instructions

Step 1: Activate Yeast

In a small bowl, whisk warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top, stir gently, and let sit 5–7 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and turmeric. Make a well in the center.

Step 3: Form the Dough

Pour the yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons olive oil into the well. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 4: Knead

Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add small amounts of flour if too sticky.

Step 5: First Rise

Shape dough into a ball, place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1½ hours until doubled in size.

Step 6: Shape Rolls

Punch down the dough, flatten into a ½″ rectangle, scatter torn basil, fold, and divide into 12 pieces.

Step 7: Second Rise

Roll each piece into a ball, place on a parchment-lined baking sheet 1 inch apart, cover loosely, and rise 30 minutes.

Step 8: Prepare for Baking

Preheat oven to 400 °F (200 °C). Flatten slightly, dimple tops, brush with olive oil, and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

Step 9: Bake

Bake 18–22 minutes until golden and crisp. Rotate halfway for even browning.

Step 10: Cool & Serve

Transfer rolls to a wire rack, rest 5 minutes, and serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• Herb swaps: Replace half the basil with rosemary or thyme.

• Garlic oil: Brush rolls with garlic-infused olive oil before baking.

• Cheesy twist: Insert a cube of mozzarella before the second rise.

• Whole wheat option: Substitute up to half the flour with whole-wheat flour.

Serving & Storage

• Serve with soups like minestrone, tomato soup, or a green salad.

• Store cooled rolls at room temperature in a sealed container for 2 days.

• Freeze baked rolls for longer storage; reheat in the oven.