Kaiser roll facts for kids
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| Alternative names | Vienna roll, hard roll, water roll |
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| Type | Bread roll |
| Place of origin | Austria |
| Region or state | Vienna |
| Main ingredients | Flour, barm, malt, water, salt |
| Variations | Michetta, rosetta |
| 200 (100 g) kcal | |
| Other information | glycaemic load 40 (100 g) |
The Kaiser roll (also called an Emperor roll) is a yummy, round bread roll that first came from Austria. It's also known as a Vienna roll or a hard roll. These rolls are made from white flour, yeast, malt, water, and salt.
What makes a Kaiser roll special is its top! It usually has a cool pattern of five sections. These sections are made by curved cuts that spread out from the middle. Sometimes, the top looks like a crown with overlapping parts. The crispy Kaiser roll is a traditional Austrian food. It's even officially recognized by the Austrian government!
In Austria and parts of Germany, people call any kind of roll a Semmel. This word comes from an old Latin word for wheat flour.
History of the Kaiser Roll
Kaiser rolls have been around for a long time, looking pretty much the same since at least 1760. Many people think they were named to honor Emperor (de|Kaiser) Franz Joseph I of Austria. He ruled Austria from 1848 to 1916.
Back in the 1700s, there was a law in the old Austrian Empire that set the prices for bread rolls. But in 1789, bakers asked Emperor Joseph II to let them set their own prices. After this, the name Kaisersemmel became very popular. It helped these special rolls stand out from other common rolls.
Kaiser rolls are a big part of Austrian food. But they also became popular in other countries that were once part of the Austrian Empire. You can find them in Poland (where they're called kajzerka), Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. They are also well-known in Germany, the United States, and Canada. When Austria ruled parts of Italy, Italian bakers made a hollow version called michetta or rosetta.
Different Kinds of Kaiser Rolls
A Kaiser roll made by hand is called a Wiener Kaisersemmel or Handsemmel. This name follows the official Austrian food rules.
There are many types of Kaiser rolls. They can be different sizes or made with different kinds of flour. While they are usually plain, you can now find Kaiser-style rolls with toppings. Some popular toppings include poppy seeds, sesame seeds, pumpkin kernels, linseed, or sunflower seeds.
The Kaiser roll is a key part of a typical Austrian breakfast. People often eat it with butter and jam. It's also used as a bun for sandwiches. In America, it's sometimes used for hamburgers. In Germany and Austria, it's often served with a slice of Leberkäse (a type of meatloaf). Other popular fillings include sliced Extrawurst (a type of sausage) with pickled gherkins, or a Wiener Schnitzel.
In some parts of the United States, like New York City and New Jersey, Kaiser rolls are simply called "hard rolls." They are a common item in delis and convenience stores.
In Wisconsin, especially in Sheboygan, there's a special kind of "hard roll." Bakers there made it to go perfectly with their local specialty, bratwurst. These rolls are soft inside with a crispy top. Each bakery often has its own secret recipe for these rolls.
Images for kids
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A handmade Kaiser roll, called a Handsemmel.
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A beef on weck sandwich, often made with a Kaiser roll.
See also
In Spanish: Kaisersemmel para niños
