Cornmeal Twist Bread
Soft, slightly sweet yeast rolls with a delicate cornmeal texture and golden crust. These twisted treats are perfect for breakfast or snacking with butter and honey.
Story
These twisty rolls bring together the rustic charm of cornmeal with the pillowy softness of classic yeast bread. The spiral shape creates those irresistible crispy edges while keeping the inside tender. Give yourself plenty of time—the dough needs a couple of rises to develop that perfect texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
Activate the yeast
Place warm water in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and add a pinch of sugar. Wait about 10 minutes until the mixture turns foamy and aromatic—this tells you the yeast is alive and ready to do its job.
Combine dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, remaining sugar, and salt until evenly mixed. This step ensures the cornmeal disperses uniformly throughout the dough.
Bring the dough together
Add eggs and vegetable oil to the yeast mixture and stir to combine. Slowly add the flour mixture, mixing with a wooden spoon or dough whisk until a shaggy, sticky dough forms. Turn onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough feels smooth and springs back when pressed.
First rise
Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Set in a warm spot and let rise for about 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size and holds an indentation when gently pressed.
Shape the twists
Punch down the dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each portion into a rope roughly 12 inches long, then twist into a spiral shape. Tuck the ends underneath and arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each roll.
Final rise and bake
Cover the shaped rolls and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops with beaten egg or milk for a shiny, golden finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the rolls are deep golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Let cool briefly before serving.