Why Use Plain Flour For The Soft White Dinner Rolls?

Asked by CaralynL. Answered on 16th February 2026

Full question

I have two questions for the Soft White Dinner Rolls; 1. Why plain flour rather than strong bread flour? 2. How do the 3 teaspoons of yeast convert to the sachets of instant yeast which seem to be the only yeast choice available? Thoughts appreciated!

Our answer

Nigella's Soft White Dinner Rolls (from FEAST) are soft, tear-apart bread rolls. The combination of plain (all-purpose) flour, milk and butter help to give the rolls their tender texture. Plain flour has a lower gluten content than bread flour and, as there is less gluten, the rolls will have a softer, fluffier texture. Using bread flour will give a slightly more chewy bread roll.

The recipe uses 3 teaspoons of rapid rise or bread machine yeast. This is the same as instant yeast and is also sometimes known as easy blend yeast. This type of yeast can be added directly to the flour and does not need to be dissolved in liquid before using. A standard 7g (1/4-ounce) sachet of yeast normally contains about 2 1/4 teaspoons of yeast, so you would need just over one sachet.