Using a bread basket to serve dinner rolls is a natural go-to for most individuals. Since most dinner rolls tend to be served warm, using a napkin can help to retain the the heat of the dinner rolls. Here are two napkin folding techniques for serving dinner rolls that I love to use because they are easy, aesthetically pleasing and don't require purchasing an actual bread basket!
Napkin Bread Basket Option #1- The Flat Pocket
Instructions:
- Lay a napkin out on a flat surface seam side up
- Fold the left and right sides to the center
- Flip the napkin over and lay it in front of you so that it appears to be a long horizontal strip
- Again, fold the left and right sides of the napkin to meet in the center
- Flip the napkin over onto a flat plate or platter (like this platter)
- Carefully place hot rolls in both side pockets of the napkin and serve
Napkin Bread Basket Option #2- The Basket Fold
If you were to take a napkin and simply place it in a bowl or bread basket, it would look like this picture directly above (i.e. a hot mess). The napkin folding technique that I am explaining below, is a quick way to create a tailored look with your bread basket that is both effective for keeping dinner rolls contained and looks aesthetically pleasing.
Instructions:
- Lay a napkin out on a flat surface seam side up
- Pinch over 1/2-1 in fold in the center of the napkin
- Rotate the napkin 180 degrees
- Pinch over a second 1/2-1 inch fold in the center of the napkin
- This should create a symmetrical cross fold
- Flip the napkin over into your bowl or bread basket
- Add dinner rolls and neatly arrange edges
- To keep the dinner rolls warm, take the edges of the napkin that have been draped over the sides of the bowl and fold them inward creating a look that resembles an envelope.
The next time you are hosting friends and/or family for dinner, consider using one of these techniques for serving your dinner rolls. You are sure to wow your guests with dinner rolls that are still warm and a beautiful presentation.