Rolls, buns, pastries—there’s something utterly satisfying about biting into a soft, doughy treat filled with delectable surprises. Enter the delightful world of Chelsea rolls, a pastry that boasts a rich history intertwined with indulgent flavors.
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Jump to RecipeHistory of Chelsea rolls
The story of Chelsea rolls dates back to the 18th century, where these sumptuous pastries were first introduced in the vibrant borough of Chelsea, London. Originally named after the Chelsea bun, these rolls are a modern twist on the classic sweet treat.
Our family tradition
My son-in-law, Chris is British. Everyone loves to hear him talk, but I can’t understand a word he says (LOL). When he and my daughter married and started their family, they incorporated both historical family traditions as well as creating new ones of their own. One of the best new traditions is the deep fried turkey we now have every Thanksgiving, but the second best newbie is when Lindsay makes Chelsea rolls out of the leftovers.
Ingredients that create magic
What makes Chelsea Rolls so special? It’s a delightful amalgamation of ingredients that come together harmoniously. Imagine a soft, pillowy dough, slightly sweetened, filled generously with a myriad of options. From classic cinnamon and sugar to fruit jams, nuts, or even chocolate, these rolls offer a canvas for creative flavor experiments. In our home, Chelsea rolls become a savory delight when filled with cranberry sauce, stuffing, and turkey.
The art of making Chelsea rolls
Crafting these heavenly rolls is a culinary adventure. The process begins with preparing the dough—a delicate balance of flour, yeast, sugar, and butter—to create that perfect texture. Once the dough rises, it’s rolled out, filled with a choice of delectable ingredients, and carefully coiled into a mesmerizing swirl.
A feast for the senses
The aroma that wafts through the kitchen as these rolls bake is simply irresistible. The dough turns a beautiful golden brown, and as you pull them out of the oven, the anticipation builds. The first bite is a symphony of flavors—a combination of sweet, buttery goodness with savory texture inside.
Versatility and adaptability
What makes Chelsea rolls truly remarkable is their versatility. While traditionally sweet, they also lend themselves to savory interpretations. Experimenting with fillings like cheese, herbs, or even savory spreads can elevate these rolls to a whole new level, making them a perfect accompaniment for any meal. As I mentioned, we use this with leftover Thanksgiving morsels, but this would also work fabulous with leftover roast beef, ham, or chicken. The possibilities are endless!
The joy of sharing
But perhaps the most beautiful aspect of Chelsea rolls is the joy they bring when shared. Whether it’s a cozy brunch, a tea-time delight, or a surprise treat for friends and family, these rolls have a way of bringing people together and are perfect for feeding holiday guests. Lindsay makes these every Friday after Thanksgiving for dinner, and my grandkids, especially my little foodie, Katherine, gobbles them up!
How to make Chelsea rolls
This recipe is adapted from the BBC’s Great British Bake-off. For the dough you will need:
- 500g Bread flour, plus extra for dusting
- 50g sugar
- 10g salt
- 40g unsalted butter cut into small pieces
- 2 eggs
- 14g active dry yeast
- 150ml warm milk
- 90ml warm water
For the filling, we use:
- 280g cranberry sauce
- 200g leftover bread stuffing
- 300g leftover turkey, cut or shredded into bite-size pieced
The process
- Into a bowl, combine flour sugar and salt. Add butter, eggs, yeast, milk and water.
- Mix ingredients with your hands until a rough dough forms.
- Dump the dough out onto a floured surface and knead until a smooth pliable dough forms. It should not be sticky, but slightly tacky to the touch.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and allow to rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Place on a floured surface and roll the dough out to form a rectangle approximately 20×11 inches.
- Spread cranberry sauce over the dough, leaving a half-inch border along the sides. Next, add a layer of stuffing and finally turkey.
- Roll the dough, starting on the long end of the rectangle, to form a log. Place the log seam side down.
- Using floss or a sharp knife, cut the log into 2-inch rounds and place them onto a greased baking dish. Leave about a 1/2-inch space between each roll. Cover and allow to rise for 1 hour.
- Bake in preheated oven at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Conclusion
In the world of pastries and baked goods, Chelsea rolls stand out as a testament to tradition, creativity, and the joy of savoring simple pleasures. From their historical roots to their modern adaptations, these rolls have truly stood the test of time, delighting taste buds and creating moments of happiness for generations. So, the next time you’re in the mood for a scrumptious treat or have leftovers that need a twist, consider indulging in the magic of Chelsea rolls. Whether you savor the classic sweetness or venture into innovative flavor combinations, these rolls promise an experience that’s nothing short of delightful!
Chelsea Rolls with Cranberry, Stuffing, and Turkey
Equipment
- Kitchen scale
- Large bowl
- Rimmed baking sheet
- measuring cups/spoons
Ingredients
For the dough
- 500 grams bread flour, plus more for dusting
- 50 grams sugar
- 10 grams salt
- 40 grams unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 14 grams active dry yeast
- 150 ml warm milk
- 90 ml warm water
For the filling
- 280 grams cranberry sauce
- 200 grams leftover bread stuffing
- 300 grams leftover turkey, cut or shredded into bite-size pieces
Instructions
To make the dough
- Into a bowl, combine flour sugar and salt. Add butter, eggs, yeast, milk and water.
- Mix ingredients with your hands until a rough dough forms.
- Dump the dough out onto a floured surface and knead until a smooth pliable dough forms. It should not be sticky, but slightly tacky to the touch.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and allow to rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Place on a floured surface and roll the dough out to form a rectangle approximately 20×11 inches.
Put it all together
- Spread cranberry sauce over the dough, leaving a half-inch border along the sides. Next, add a layer of stuffing and finally turkey.
- Roll the dough, starting on the long end of the rectangle, to form a log. Place the log seam side down.
- Using floss or a sharp knife, cut the log into 2-inch rounds and place them onto a greased baking dish. Leave about a 1/2-inch space between each roll. Cover and allow to rise for 1 hour.
- Bake in preheated oven at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Absolutely delicious!! It’s a fun way to use up the leftovers, instead of having a 2nd or 3rd Thanksgiving meal!