How to Reheat Bread Rolls (As Good As Freshly Baked!)

Many people enjoy having fresh bread rolls on the side, regardless of what’s on the menu. They pair well with just about every meal, especially when they are fluffy, warm, and topped with melting butter. But, it’s quite common to have plenty of bread rolls leftover.

Reheating bread rolls can be tricky, as improper methods or temperatures can cause them to become dry, chewy, or crunchy. Thankfully, a few simple reheating methods can revive their originally soft and fluffy texture without the potential downfalls.

Bread rolls can be reheated using an oven, slow cooker, microwave, or air fryer. These reheating methods work well for most bread roll types. But, one may need to take special steps to ensure that the bread rolls are either soft or crispy.

How To Reheat Bread Rolls

Bread can be quite challenging to reheat without ruining the texture, and different bread types may require some more creative measures. While many reheating methods are quite effective for crispy bread rolls, soft rolls may need some special attention.

Heating the bread rolls for too long can make them hard, dry, or chewy, and one will need to watch them closely throughout any of these reheating processes. Brush the bread rolls with some melted butter to revive their golden color, and add additional seasonings such as salt or garlic powder to give your bread rolls an extra layer of flavor.

How To Reheat Bread Rolls In An Oven

Using an oven to reheat bread rolls is the most classic method for reviving their warm, soft, and fluffy texture. Ovens work well for crispy bread rolls, as they restore that iconic crisp topped with a beautiful golden brown color.

To reheat bread rolls in an oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. 
2. Place the bread rolls close together in a baking dish for soft rolls, or spaced out on a baking sheet for crispy rolls. 
3. Cover the bread rolls with foil for soft rolls, or leave them open for crispy rolls. 
4. Place the bread rolls in the center of the oven. 
5. Reheat the bread rolls for 7-10 minutes.

How To Reheat Bread Rolls Using A Slow Cooker

Slow cookers do a great job at reheating bread rolls, especially if you want them to be soft and fluffy and not too crispy on the outside. The excessive moisture helps this process and prevents the bread rolls from becoming hard or dry.

To reheat bread rolls in a slow cooker:

1. Place a clean kitchen towel or tea towel at the slow cooker’s bottom. 
2. Place the bread rolls on the tea towel. 
3. Cover the bread rolls with another kitchen towel. This step will prevent the bread rolls from becoming soggy by protecting them from the condensation buildup on the slow cooker’s lid, which may drip back down onto the bread rolls.
4. Close the slow cooker and reheat the bread rolls on low or medium heat. Never use a high heat setting, as this can cause the bread to dry out or burn. 
5. Reheat the bread rolls for up to 30 minutes or until they are warm and fluffy.

How To Reheat Bread Rolls In The Microwave

Using a microwave may be the best option if you are short on time or kitchen equipment. Microwaves can create a soggy, chewy, or dry texture, but there are a few ways to use a microwave without ruining the bread rolls.

To reheat bread rolls in a microwave:

1. Place the bread rolls onto a microwave-safe plate, leaving some space between each roll. 
2. Cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. 
3. Cover the entire plate with a dry kitchen towel or paper towel. 
4. Reheat the bread rolls for 30 seconds, or up to one minute if they are still cold. 
5. Remove the bread rolls from the microwave and serve them immediately.

How To Reheat Bread Rolls In An Air Fryer

Air fryers can reheat bread rolls quickly and effectively, and they are quite reliable concerning the bread rolls’ texture and temperature. But, this method is typically more suitable for smaller batches.

To reheat bread rolls in an air fryer:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 320°F. 
2. Place the bread rolls in the basket attachment. 
3. Reheat the bread rolls for around 3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you still have questions about reheating bread rolls? We’ve got answers!

How Do I Store Reheated Bread Rolls?

Bread rolls can be stored in a bread box or airtight container for up to 4 days. Refrigeration is not recommended since it can cause them to dry out or become stale more quickly. They can also be wrapped with foil or placed in a heavy-duty bag and stored in the freezer.

Can I Reheat Bread Rolls Multiple Times? 

Bread rolls should ideally be reheated once and eaten immediately. It is technically safe to reheat bread rolls multiple times if they are still safe for consumption, but multiple reheating sessions will ruin the bread’s texture.

How Long Does It Take To Reheat Bread Rolls?

The time it takes to reheat bread rolls will vary, depending on the method. Using a slow cooker takes the longest at around 30 minutes, while ovens take 7-10 minutes. Using an air fryer will take around 3 minutes, and using a microwave will take under 1 minute.