Who are these rolls for?

Christmas brunch hosts

You’re looking for rolls that suit your fillings and the look of your table. For a rustic roll, check which grains or sourdough are actually listed in the ingredients, rather than relying on the product name alone.

Planners with limited oven space

You want the rolls ready on time, while still leaving room in the oven for other dishes. Compare the preparation instructions for each product and check whether an oven or air fryer is suitable for the number of rolls you want to bake at once.

Hosts catering for guests with dietary requirements

If gluten or other allergens are a deciding factor, check the latest packaging before choosing. Even with a roll explicitly labelled gluten-free, it’s important to check the other ingredients and any warnings.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, decide which roll will suit your fillings and guests. Then choose between serving them as they are or baking them at home, and finally check that the pack size is right for your group.

What to consider What to check Who it matters to
Flavour and presentation Check which grains, seeds or sourdough are listed in the ingredients, and whether you want a white or multigrain roll. With bold fillings, I want a roll whose flavour and appearance complement them; around 33% of consumers prioritise this choice.
Preparation and serving time Check whether the rolls need baking and what preparation method and timings are given on the pack. If I need the oven for other dishes too, I want to know when the rolls will be ready; around 27% of consumers prioritise this planning.
Dietary requirements and allergens If you need a gluten-free option, look for an explicit gluten-free label and read the rest of the allergen information too. When a guest has a dietary requirement, I want to choose a roll that suits it; this is the most important factor for around 20% of consumers.
Number of rolls Compare the number of rolls or the weight per pack with the number of guests and the dishes you’re planning. When I’m shopping for a group, I want enough rolls without misjudging how many packs to buy; around 20% of consumers prioritise quantity.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming sourdough or multigrain rolls suit everyone

    The sourdough and multigrain examples reviewed contain grains that contain gluten. A gluten-free roll may also list other allergens or warnings about possible traces.

    Check the latest ingredients and allergen information before buying. If you need a gluten-free option, choose a product explicitly labelled as such.

  • Using the same baking instructions for all bake-off rolls

    Preparation times, temperatures and storage instructions vary by product. As a result, one baking slot may not work for all the rolls you’ve chosen.

    Work backwards from when you want to serve them, and follow the oven or air fryer and storage instructions on each pack.

    A product that needs to defrost first or be baked separately also requires space in your preparations.

  • Assuming which salt is used based on where the roll comes from

    The fact that a roll is sold in the Netherlands doesn’t tell you which salt is used in that particular product.

    If using iodised salt matters to you, check the ingredients list of the roll you’re planning to buy.

Brands to consider

The product ranges mentioned offer a variety of options, from individual rolls to bake-off varieties. Check the current range and the packaging of the product you ultimately choose.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn offers, among other options, a brown multigrain roll with wheat sourdough and white gluten-free rolls to bake at home.

  • Albert Heijn lists the ingredients for its multigrain variety, and preparation instructions are available for the gluten-free option.
  • Albert Heijn advises customers to check the packaging, as product information can change. Also check which items are available at Christmas.

PLUS

At PLUS, you can look at a sourdough multigrain roll if you’d like to bake it at home.

  • For this variety, PLUS lists ingredients including wholemeal wheat flour and sourdough, as well as preparation instructions.
  • Check the storage instructions for each product you choose: instructions for a frozen product won’t necessarily apply to a long-life bake-off product.

Dirk

Dirk shows a pack of four rustic multigrain rolls from 1 de Beste.

  • The stated number of rolls makes it easy to work out how many packs you’ll need for your group.
  • If anyone has specific dietary requirements, check the ingredients and allergens on the pack you choose.

ALDI

ALDI offers an individual white roll if you’re looking for a simple option to serve with your fillings.

  • Buying rolls individually can suit the number you need.
  • Check the latest product information in store, and ask for allergen information about unpackaged bread if it’s important to a guest.

Lidl

Lidl offers white rolls to bake at home.

  • A bake-off option lets you fit the baking time into your brunch plans.
  • Check the ingredients, allergens and availability of the specific item in store.

A roll from Joybuy

If you’re looking for a white, rustic roll for your Christmas brunch, this pack of four is one option to consider. Before planning when to serve it, check how the product needs to be prepared.

g'woon White Rustic Pistolet, pack of four

g'woon White Rustic Pistolet, 4 pieces

A white, rustic roll to consider if you’re looking for rolls for a Christmas brunch.

The pack contains four rolls. Check the pack for preparation instructions and the latest ingredients and allergen information.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Where can I find allergen information for an unpackaged roll?

Ask wherever the roll is being sold. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, information about allergens present in unpackaged food must be available. It can be provided in writing, electronically or, under certain conditions, verbally.

Can I buy rolls for Christmas in advance and freeze them?

Follow the storage instructions for the product you choose, as these vary from one roll to another. PLUS says that one of its frozen sourdough products should not be refrozen after defrosting, while Albert Heijn says its gluten-free rolls are not suitable for home freezing.

Should I use the oven or air fryer for bake-off rolls?

Choose an appliance covered by the instructions on the pack and suitable for the number of rolls you want to prepare. Oven and air fryer instructions vary by product, so follow the timings and temperature on the pack you’ve chosen.