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Sourdough dinner rolls

5 from 1 vote
If you’re looking for a tried-and-true recipe for sourdough dinner rolls, you’re in the right place! These soft, fluffy sourdough rolls are perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or as a comforting side to any meal.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
10 hours
Total Time 10 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Appetizer, bread
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 100 g active sourdough starter
  • 300 g warm milk
  • 50 g honey or sugar
  • 60 g  unsalted butter, softened plus more for the tops
  • 1 egg
  • 500 g bread flour (or all-purpose flour for a lighter texture)
  • 8 g salt

Equipment

  • large bowl for mixing
  • dish to bake the rolls in
  • Food scale
  • plastic wrap or a towel (to cover the bowl)

Method
 

  1. Start by feeding your sourdough starter several hours ahead to ensure it’s active and bubbly. You want it to be at peak activity for the best rise and flavor in your rolls.
  2. Prepare Dough: Combine the warm milk and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Add the sourdough starter and stir until well-mixed. Then add the softened butter and egg, mixing until combined.  
    Mix Dry Ingredients: Add the flour and salt to the bowl with wet ingredients. Mix until a rough dough forms.
     Knead: Knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. It should be slightly sticky but manageable.
Bulk ferment
  1.  Cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 8-12 hours or until it has doubled in size. If you don’t have the correct timing and need to place the dough in the fridge, transfer the dough to the refrigerator for an overnight cold rise.
  2. Shape Rolls: After the first rise, punch down the dough and divide it into 12-16 equal pieces, depending on your desired roll size. Shape each piece into a ball and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll for expansion. 
    Second Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise in a warm spot for another 2-3 hours or until they’ve puffed up and touched each other.
Bake
  1.  Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the rolls sound hollow when tapped.
     Brush with butter: As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush them with melted butter for extra softness and shine. You can also sprinkle some salt flakes, sesame seeds, or anything else your heart desires 🙂
     Cool and Serve: Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm with honey!

Notes

Tips for making perfect sourdough dinner rolls:

  • If you want a faster process, you can add a small pinch of commercial yeast (1-2g) to help boost the rise time
  • For a softer roll, replace part of the bread flour with all-purpose flour or add a bit more milk if the dough feels too dry 
  • Use an Active Starter: Make sure your sourdough starter is bubbly and active before starting.
  • Allow Time for Rising: Sourdough takes longer to rise than recipes with commercial yeast, so plan ahead.
  • Try Variations: Add garlic, herbs, or cheese to the dough for a unique flavor twist.

Let me know how it turns out!