If you’re a sourdough enthusiast or just starting your sourdough journey, these Soft Sourdough Dinner Rolls are a must-try. With their buttery crust, tender interior, and rich flavor, they’re the perfect side for any meal, from Sunday dinners to holiday feasts. Let’s explore what makes these rolls irresistibly soft and how you can make them at home from scratch.
Table of Contents
What Makes Soft Sourdough Dinner Rolls?
Sourdough is often associated with chewy crusts and tangy loaves, but when done right, it can also yield ultra-soft, pull-apart dinner rolls. What makes them soft?
- Enriched Dough: Adding milk, butter, eggs, and a little sugar to the dough tenderizes the crumb and creates a fluffy texture.
- Proper Fermentation: Slow fermentation helps break down gluten and improve dough extensibility.
- Hydration & Fats: A well-hydrated dough combined with fats like butter or olive oil yields that pillowy softness.
- Active Sourdough Starter: A well-fed, bubbly starter is key to lift and flavor.
Ingredients (Yields 12 Dinner Rolls)
Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour – 400g (approx. 3 ¼ cups)
- Whole wheat flour – 50g (approx. ⅓ cup) (optional for depth of flavor)
- Milk (warm, around 100°F) – 240ml (1 cup)
- Unsalted butter, melted – 50g (¼ cup)
- Egg – 1 large
- Sugar – 25g (2 tbsp)
- Salt – 8g (1 ½ tsp)
- Active sourdough starter (100% hydration) – 150g (approx. ⅔ cup)
- Olive oil or melted butter, for brushing
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
1. Mix the Dough (Morning or Night Before)
In a mixing bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, sugar, egg, and sourdough starter. Add both flours and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Let it rest for 30 minutes (autolyse) before kneading.
2. Knead and Bulk Fermentation
Knead by hand or mixer for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it ferment at room temperature for 4–6 hours. Perform 2 sets of stretches and folds during the first 2 hours.
The dough should rise by about 50–75%.
3. Cold Proof (Optional but Recommended)
Transfer the bowl to the fridge overnight (8–12 hours). This improves flavor and makes shaping easier.
4. Shape the Rolls
Turn dough onto a floured surface and divide into 12 equal pieces (about 70g each). Shape each into a tight ball and place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Final Proof
Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm spot (75–80°F) for 3–4 hours, or until puffy and touching.
6. Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush rolls with melted butter or egg wash for a shiny top. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and internal temp reaches 190°F.
7. Cool and Serve
Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Brush again with butter if desired.
Tips for Success
- Starter Strength: Use your starter when it’s at peak – bubbly, domed, and active.
- Warm Environment: Rolls love warmth to rise. Use an oven with the light on or a proofing box.
- Uniform Shaping: Keeps rolls even and ensures consistent baking.
- Double Batch Tip: These freeze beautifully. Make extras!
Variations to Try
- Cheddar & Chive: Fold shredded cheddar and chopped chives into the dough.
- Honey Butter Rolls: Add 1 tbsp of honey to the dough and glaze with honey-butter.
- Garlic Herb: Infuse the melted butter with garlic and Italian herbs before brushing.
- Vegan: Use plant milk, skip the egg, and substitute butter with vegan butter or olive oil.
Serving Suggestions
These rolls are incredibly versatile:
- Serve with Thanksgiving turkey, roast chicken, or beef stew.
- Use as mini sandwich buns with pulled pork or ham.
- Enjoy with butter and jam for a breakfast treat.
Storage & Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months.
- To Reheat: Warm in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 20 seconds.
(FAQs)About Soft Sourdough Dinner Rolls Recipe
What makes Soft Sourdough Dinner Rolls?
Enriched dough with milk, butter, and a bit of sugar softens the crumb and gives the rolls their fluffy texture.
Can you make Soft Sourdough Dinner Rolls without eggs?
Yes! Just omit the egg. You may need to slightly reduce the flour or increase hydration to compensate.
Why are my sourdough rolls dense?
This could be due to under-proofing, a weak starter, or not kneading enough. Make sure the dough rises well before baking.
Can I use sourdough discard?
These rolls need an active starter for leavening. Discard alone won’t provide enough rise unless combined with commercial yeast.
How long do sourdough dinner rolls last?
They last up to 3 days at room temperature, or freeze for longer storage. Reheat before serving for the best texture.
Conclusion
Soft sourdough dinner rolls are the perfect blend of tradition, comfort, and baking science. With a golden crust and cloud-like crumb, they elevate any meal while letting your sourdough skills shine.
Whether you serve them at a holiday table or weeknight dinner, these rolls are sure to impress. So go ahead — feed your starter, prep your ingredients, and treat yourself to the joy of homemade sourdough rolls!
Looking for more recipes that are as innovative as they are wholesome? Try the banana chocolate chip muffins for a sweet breakfast or the savory baked cottage cheese eggs for a protein-rich meal prep idea.