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There’s something magical about the process of baking sourdough—taking flour, water, and a living sourdough starter, and turning them into soft, pillowy dinner rolls. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this sourdough dinner rolls recipe will guide you through each step with ease, ensuring you get perfectly soft, fluffy rolls every time. With just six simple steps, you’ll be able to enjoy these delicious rolls fresh from your oven.
Why Choose a Sourdough Dinner Rolls Recipe?
Sourdough dinner rolls are a delightful variation on traditional dinner rolls, offering a tangy, complex flavor profile that you can’t get from store-bought yeast. The slow fermentation process not only enhances the flavor but also makes the rolls easier to digest. Plus, these rolls have a beautifully soft interior and a slightly chewy crust, making them a favorite for any occasion.
Whether served alongside a hearty soup, a holiday meal, or simply enjoyed on their own with a slather of butter, these rolls will steal the show. If you’re looking for more easy and flavorful dinner recipes, check out these dinner recipes for picky eaters to make your mealtimes stress-free!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Your Sourdough Dinner Rolls Recipe
Before diving into the process, let’s go over the key ingredients for this sourdough dinner rolls recipe:
- 1/2 cup (113g) active sourdough starter: This is your natural yeast. Make sure your starter is active and bubbly, meaning it has been fed and is ready to work.
- 3/4 cup warm water (177g): Warm water helps the dough form and rise properly. It should be lukewarm, not hot, to avoid damaging the starter.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (350g): Provides structure to the rolls. You can use bread flour for a chewier texture, but all-purpose works beautifully for a soft, tender crumb.
- 1/4 cup melted butter (56g): Adds richness and moisture to the rolls.
- 1/4 cup sugar (50g): A small amount of sugar helps feed the yeast and gives a slight sweetness to the rolls.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (2g): Enhances the flavor of the dough.
- Egg for egg wash (optional): Gives the rolls a shiny, golden finish.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Best Sourdough Dinner Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
Start by combining your sourdough starter, warm water, sugar, and melted butter in a mixing bowl. If you’re using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment on low speed. Add the flour and salt gradually, ensuring everything mixes evenly. Knead the dough for about 10-15 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Pro tip: You’ll know the dough is ready when it passes the “windowpane test.” This means you can stretch a small portion of the dough into a thin, translucent sheet without it tearing. As you prepare the dough for this sourdough dinner rolls recipe, it’s important to ensure your ingredients are properly measured for best results.
Step 2: Bulk Fermentation
Once your dough is kneaded to perfection, transfer it to a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp kitchen towel, and let it rise. This is where patience comes in—bulk fermentation typically takes anywhere from 8 to 12 hours, depending on the temperature of your kitchen. Ideally, you want to leave the dough to rise overnight.
What to look for: By morning, your dough should have doubled in size, be smooth on top, and have a slightly domed shape. If it hasn’t doubled, give it a little more time until it reaches that point.
Step 3: Shaping the Rolls
Once your dough has risen in this sourdough dinner rolls recipe, it’s time to shape the rolls. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into equal portions—usually 8 to 12 pieces depending on how large or small you want your rolls.
For each piece, gently stretch the sides of the dough out and fold them back towards the center, creating tension on the outer surface. Roll each piece into a ball and place it in a greased baking dish (either an 8×8 square dish or a 9-inch round pan works well). Make sure the dough balls are touching each other slightly; this will help them rise upward and become fluffy.
Shaping tip: To create a nice skin on the rolls, roll the dough ball on the counter while cupping it with your hands. This helps the rolls hold their shape during the second rise and baking.
Step 4: Second Rise
Cover the pan with a damp towel and let the rolls rise for another 1-2 hours, or until they have puffed up and are touching each other. This second rise gives the rolls their soft, fluffy texture.
Step 5: Baking the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Just before placing the rolls in the oven, brush the tops with an egg wash or milk. This optional step gives the rolls a shiny, golden crust.
Bake the rolls for about 25-30 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. You’ll know they’re ready when they sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Baking tip: If your rolls are browning too quickly, you can cover them loosely with aluminum foil halfway through baking.
Step 6: Enjoy!
Once out of the oven, brush the warm rolls with melted butter for an extra indulgent touch. Let them cool slightly before serving, although they’re best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. Serve them with butter, honey, or your favorite jam for a truly delicious treat.
These rolls would be a great addition to a seafood meal as well! Try them alongside this Barbecue Shrimp Recipe for a delightful dinner combination.
Storing and Freezing Your Sourdough Dinner Rolls Recipe
Sourdough dinner rolls stay fresh for 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. To enjoy them later, you can also freeze the rolls. Simply allow them to cool completely, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and store them for up to three months.
When ready to eat, thaw the rolls at room temperature and warm them in the oven for 5-10 minutes at 300°F. This will refresh the rolls, making them taste just as delicious as they did on the day they were baked.
For more detailed freezing instructions, you can refer to this guide on freezing and reheating sourdough rolls.
Health Benefits of a Sourdough Dinner Rolls Recipe
Sourdough has a lower glycemic index than regular bread, making it a healthier option for those looking to manage their blood sugar levels. The natural fermentation process also breaks down phytic acid in the grains, allowing for better nutrient absorption and easier digestion. Sourdough is rich in antioxidants and prebiotics, making it beneficial for gut health as well. You can learn more about the health benefits of sourdough bread if you’re curious about how it compares to other types of bread.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes sourdough dinner rolls different from regular yeast rolls?
Sourdough dinner rolls rely on natural fermentation from a sourdough starter rather than commercial yeast. This gives them a unique tangy flavor, a chewier texture, and better digestibility compared to yeast rolls.
2. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes! All-purpose flour works perfectly in this recipe. Bread flour will give the rolls a chewier texture, but both flours will produce delicious results.
3. Why are my sourdough rolls dense?
Dense rolls can occur if the dough wasn’t allowed enough time to rise during the bulk fermentation or the second rise. Make sure your dough doubles in size during the first rise, and don’t rush the second rise before baking.
4. How do I store leftover sourdough rolls?
Store your sourdough rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you’d like to keep them longer, freeze them and reheat when needed.
Final Thoughts
Baking sourdough dinner rolls is a rewarding experience that brings together tradition, flavor, and nourishment. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to create soft, fluffy rolls that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner or simply enjoying them as a snack, these rolls are sure to impress.
So, get your sourdough starter ready and give this sourdough dinner rolls recipe a try. Once you’ve tasted these homemade rolls, you may never go back to store-bought again!
