Hungarian Kifli – Traditional Crescent-Shaped Bread Rolls

Hungarian Kifli are traditional crescent-shaped bread rolls with a beautifully golden crust and a soft, slightly chewy interior. These homemade rolls are a beloved part of Hungarian baking and are perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, or simply enjoying warm with butter.

The rolls shown in the photo have the classic curved kifli shape, with golden-brown surfaces, delicate scoring, and a sprinkling of sesame seeds.

🇭🇺 What Is Hungarian Kifli?

Kifli (plural: kiflik) are crescent-shaped yeast rolls popular throughout Hungary and Central Europe.

Unlike sweet crescent pastries, traditional Hungarian kifli are generally savory bread rolls. They can be made plain or topped with sesame, poppy seeds, or coarse salt.

Their shape makes them particularly easy to tear apart and enjoy with butter, cheese, cold cuts, or homemade spreads.

🧈 Ingredients

For the Dough

• 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
• 1¾ teaspoons (5–6 g) active dry yeast
• 1¼ cups (300 ml) warm milk
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg

For the Topping

• 1 egg, beaten
• Sesame seeds
• Poppy seeds, optional
• Coarse salt, optional