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Weggli : Swiss Milk Rolls

Prep Time:

15 minutes + 1.5 hour rise time

Cook Time:

15 minutes

Serves:

8-10 rolls

About the Recipe

Swiss Weggli are popular throughout Switzerland and can be found in bakeries across the country. They are particularly associated with Swiss breakfast culture and are often enjoyed with butter, jam, honey, or cheese. The history of Swiss Weggli dates back centuries when bread was a staple food in Swiss households. The word "Weggli" itself means "little bread" in Swiss German. These rolls were traditionally made with simple ingredients like flour, yeast, milk, and butter, making them accessible to households of all economic backgrounds. While the exact origin of Swiss Weggli is unclear, they are deeply rooted in Swiss culinary tradition and are beloved by locals and visitors alike. Over time, variations of the recipe have emerged, but the basic concept of a soft, slightly sweet bread roll has remained consistent. Today, Swiss Weggli continue to be enjoyed as a comforting and delicious part of Swiss cuisine. For me, these little breads bring back childhood memories of when I would visit my grandparents in Zurich during my summer holidays. Fresh Weggli were always a part of the breakfast table. I loved how they were a one portion bread and that their center line made it easy to split in half. The soft texture of these buns easy to bite through. They are the kind of buns that are easily packed when going for a hike in the mountains. And best of all, the best snack you could have is if you pair these breads with a stick of Swiss chocolate (yes, that's right, chocolate). No wonder these breads made such a lasting impression on me ; ) Now in my adulthood, I love how easy these breads are to make. Fresh bread baked at home is a treasured snack to be savored at any time of day. So let's dive in now and make Weggli together.
  • Soft and Fluffy Texture: These rolls are delightfully soft and airy, making each bite light and satisfying—perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

  • Mild, Slightly Sweet Flavor: Weggli have a delicate flavor with just a hint of sweetness, pairing well with both sweet and savory toppings like butter, jam, or cheese.

  • Simple to Make: With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible to beginners and rewarding for experienced bakers alike.

  • Versatile and Customizable: Enjoy them as a plain roll or with various toppings, or even turn them into mini sandwiches for a filling snack.

  • Ideal for Freezing and Reheating: Weggli freeze well, making it easy to have fresh Swiss rolls on hand. Simply reheat to enjoy that fresh-baked softness.

  • Traditional Swiss Delight: Bringing a taste of Switzerland to your table, these classic rolls are a delicious way to experience a beloved Swiss bakery staple.

What You'll Love

Ingredients

500g bread flour

1 tsp salt

1 tbsp sugar

7g active dry yeast

300ml warm milk

50g butter, softened

Additional butter for brushing

Preparation


Ingraedients - Weggli - Recipe - Poetic Road - Food Photography

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar.

  • In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk.

  • Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the yeast mixture.

  • Add the softened butter to the bowl.

Weggli - Dough - Recipe - Petoc Raod - Food Blog and Photography
  • Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

  • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

We4ggli Dough Divided - Recipe - Poetic Road - Food Photographer
  • Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 - 10 equal portions, shaping each into a ball.

  • Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each roll.

Weggli Dough
  • Push each ball down slightly with the palm of your hand and using a knife or a dough scraper, push a line down the center of each roll (They may spring back a bit so you might have to force it slightly but do NOT cut through).

  • This cut gives the the roll their distinctive look and helps control the rise of the dough during baking, resulting in a more uniform shape and texture.

  • Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Weggli - Recipe - Poetic Road - Food Photographer
  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C ).

  • Brush the risen dough balls with melted butter. This will give them that glossy golden finish.

  • Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

  • Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack before serving.

Weggli Recipe - Blog - Poetic Road - Food Photography

  • What is Weggli? Weggli are soft, slightly sweet Swiss bread rolls with a light, airy crumb. They’re commonly enjoyed at breakfast or as a snack, often with butter, jam, or cheese.

  • What type of flour is best for Weggli? All-purpose or bread flour works well for Weggli. Bread flour gives a slightly chewier texture, while all-purpose flour results in a softer roll.

  • How do I get the classic “split” on top of Weggli? Traditionally, the rolls are shaped with a shallow split down the center. You can gently press down the middle with a handle of a spoon before baking for the classic look.

  • Can I make Weggli ahead of time? Yes! Prepare the dough and shape the rolls, then refrigerate overnight and bake fresh the next day. They’re best enjoyed warm but stay soft for a day or two.

  • How do I store Weggli? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them and reheat briefly in the oven to refresh.

FAQs

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