Have you ever heard of Ozzie Rolls recipe? These tasty little treats from Northern Virginia have won over the hearts and taste buds of both locals and visitors. Imagine a delightful fried ball of bread that you can savor as a sweet dessert or a savory appetizer. Sounds tempting, right? But what’s the story behind these delicious rolls?
Let’s take a trip back in time to the Great American Restaurants chain in Northern Virginia. That’s where Ozzie Rolls first made their appearance, served as a complimentary treat to happy diners. Named in honor of a beloved chef, these rolls quickly turned into a signature dish, becoming a symbol of warm hospitality and pure indulgence.
Think of Ozzie Rolls as a perfect fusion between a doughnut and a beignet, often served piping hot with whipped butter and poppy seeds. Want to sweeten the deal? Some folks love to sprinkle them with sugar or add a touch of Nutella.
As the years rolled by, the love for Ozzie Rolls spread far and wide. Home bakers started to recreate this local favorite, enchanted by its unique blend of sweet and savory flavors. The versatility of Ozzie Rolls has made them a cherished part of Northern Virginia’s culinary heritage.
So, are you ready to explore the world of Ozzie Rolls? Whether you’re an expert in the kitchen or just curious about food, come along on this delicious adventure. We’ll dive into the Ozzie Rolls recipe, learn how to whip them up at home, and discover the tasty variations that have sprung from this classic dish.
Ozzie Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
For the Ozzie Rolls
- 2 cups bread flour
- 2 tsp instant dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 can evaporated milk 5oz
- 1/4 cup butter unsalted, room temperature
- Oil for frying
For Serving
- Whipped butter
- Poppy seeds
- Optional: Powdered sugar cinnamon sugar, Nutella
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- Mix: In a bowl, combine bread flour and instant dry yeast.
- Blend: In a separate bowl, mix water, sugar, eggs, salt, and evaporated milk using a paddle attachment.
- Tip: Use warm water to activate the yeast faster.
Combine Ingredients
- Incorporate: Slowly add the flour/yeast mixture to the wet ingredients and beat until smooth.
- Add Butter: Mix in the butter until well combined.
- Tip: Add butter at room temperature for easier blending.
Knead the Dough
- Knead: Change to the hook attachment and knead until smooth and elastic.
- Tip: If kneading by hand, use a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes.
Let it Rise
- Rest: Shape dough into a ball and let it rise for 2 hours.
- Tip: Place in a warm, dry place for optimal rising.
Shape and Fry the Rolls
- Cut: Roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into 1 1/2 inch squares.
- Fry: Fry in 350°F oil for approximately 3 minutes, turning frequently.
- Tip: Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature.
Serve Hot
- Drain: Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
- Serve: Serve hot with whipped butter, poppy seeds, or other toppings.
- Tip: Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
Ingredient Substitutions
- Bread Flour: All-purpose flour
- Evaporated Milk: Regular milk or condensed milk
- Instant Dry Yeast: Active dry yeast (adjust rising time)
Explore different variations of the Ozzie Rolls
Classic Ozzie Rolls with Honey Butter
Ingredients
- All the ingredients for the classic Ozzie Rolls
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- Prepare Classic Ozzie Rolls: Follow the classic Ozzie Rolls recipe.
- Make Honey Butter: Mix softened butter with honey until smooth.
- Serve: Serve the rolls hot with a generous spread of honey butter.
Tip: Experiment with flavored honey for a unique taste.
Ozzie Rolls Stuffed with Nutella
Ingredients
- All the ingredients for the classic Ozzie Rolls
- Nutella or chocolate spread
Instructions
- Prepare Classic Ozzie Rolls: Follow the classic Ozzie Rolls recipe until shaping.
- Stuff with Nutella: Place a small dollop of Nutella in the center of each square before frying.
- Fry and Serve: Fry as per the classic recipe and serve hot.
Tip: Be careful not to overstuff, as it may cause the filling to leak during frying.
Savory Ozzie Rolls with Herbs and Cheese
Ingredients
- All the ingredients for the classic Ozzie Rolls
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (e.g., rosemary, thyme)
- 1/2 cup grated cheese (e.g., cheddar, Parmesan)
Instructions
- Prepare Classic Ozzie Rolls: Follow the classic Ozzie Rolls recipe, adding herbs and cheese to the dough during mixing.
- Fry and Serve: Fry as per the classic recipe and serve hot.
Tip: Pair with a savory dip like marinara sauce or garlic aioli.
Vegan Ozzie Rolls
Ingredients
- 2 cups bread flour
- 2 tsp instant dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 flaxseed eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed + 6 tablespoons water)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 can coconut milk (5oz)
- 1/4 cup vegan butter, room temperature
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare Vegan Ozzie Rolls: Follow the classic Ozzie Rolls recipe, substituting eggs with flaxseed eggs, evaporated milk with coconut milk, and butter with vegan butter.
- Fry and Serve: Fry as per the classic recipe and serve hot.
Tip: Serve with vegan-friendly toppings like fruit preserves or agave syrup.
These variations of Ozzie Rolls offer a delightful range of flavors and textures, catering to different preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet, savory, or specialized, these twists on the classic Ozzie Rolls recipe provide exciting options to explore and enjoy.
FAQs
Their unique taste and texture, often compared to doughnuts or beignets.
Yes, you can knead by hand, but it may take longer.
Serve hot with whipped butter, poppy seeds, or Nutella.
Yes, you can freeze half of the dough for future use.
The shape and slight variations in ingredients can make them “almost” Ozzie rolls.
Yes, some recipes include honey butter or sweetened whipped butter.
Conclusion
Ozzie rolls are more than just a tasty treat; they’re a piece of Northern Virginia’s culinary heart. Ever enjoyed them at Silverado? If not, now’s your chance to bring that flavor home. Sweet or savory, classic or filled with Nutella, these rolls are all about versatility and joy.
But what makes Ozzie rolls truly special is how they adapt to you. Vegan? There’s a version for that. Craving something different? Add herbs and cheese. The recipe’s tips and tricks are your guide to mastering this local favorite.
Ozzie rolls aren’t just food; they’re a warm welcome, a celebration, a tradition you can taste. So why not give them a try? Whether it’s a festive occasion or just a regular day, baking Ozzie rolls is an adventure in flavor.