How to Make the Best Sourdough Dinner Rolls

Sourdough dinner rolls are a delicious way to elevate any meal, adding a perfect blend of tangy flavour and soft texture that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just beginning your sourdough journey, this classic recipe will guide you step by step in creating fluffy, golden dinner rolls that pair beautifully with almost any dish. Ready to learn how? Let’s dive in!

Why Choose Sourdough for Dinner Rolls?

Sourdough bread has significantly returned in recent years thanks to its natural fermentation process, which enhances flavour and offers some health benefits. Unlike traditional yeast rolls, sourdough dinner rolls are made using a sourdough starter, a natural leavening agent packed with wild yeast and beneficial bacteria. This starter gives the rolls a distinctive tangy flavour that can’t be replicated with commercial yeast.
Additionally, the long fermentation time associated with sourdough baking makes the rolls more manageable to digest and less likely to spike blood sugar levels. These factors and sourdough’s fluffy, light texture make it an excellent choice for dinner rolls, offering a delicious twist on classic comfort food.

Ingredients Needed for Sourdough Dinner Rolls

Before you start baking, gather the following ingredients. Each plays a key role in creating the perfect sourdough dinner rolls:

• 1 cup active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (you can also use bread flour for a chewier texture)
• 1 cup warm milk (whole milk preferred, but alternatives can work)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional; helps balance the tanginess of the sourdough)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg (optional; for glazing the rolls to achieve a golden top)

Pro tip: Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly before starting. If your starter hasn’t been fed recently, feed it and wait a few hours for it to become fully active.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Sourdough Dinner Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Combine the active sourdough starter, warm milk, melted butter, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Gradually add the flour while mixing until the dough comes together in a soft, sticky mass. You may need to adjust the flour depending on the hydration of your starter.

Step 2: Knead the Dough
Move the dough onto a surface dusted with flour and knead it for 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle more flour as you knead. Aim for a soft dough that holds its shape but is still slightly tacky to the touch.

Step 3: First Rise
Place the dough in a bowl that has been greased, then cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise at room temperature for about 3-4 hours or until it has doubled in volume. If your kitchen is more remarkable, this rise may take longer—don’t rush the process, as the longer fermentation helps develop that delicious sourdough flavour.

Step 4: Shape the Rolls
Once the dough has risen, gently deflate it and divide it into 12 pieces. Form each portion into a uniform ball by folding the edges inward to generate surface tension. Place the dough balls onto a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between them for expansion.

Step 5: Second Rise
Cover the rolls again and let them rise for another 2-3 hours or until they have puffed up and look airy. If you’re short on time, you can also do an overnight rise in the fridge—remember to bring the rolls back to room temperature before baking.

Step 6: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops of the rolls with an egg wash for a golden, shiny finish or melted butter for a softer, more decadent crust. Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are a golden brown color and produce a hollow sound when you tap the bottom.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy!
Remove the rolls from the oven and brush them with more melted butter for extra richness. Let them cool slightly before serving—if you can resist!

Pro Tips for Perfect Sourdough Dinner Rolls

• Ensure your starter is active for fluffier rolls, and don’t rush the rise times. Patience is essential for enabling the dough to develop its flavor and texture.
• Sticky dough issues: If the dough is too sticky during kneading, add flour sparingly. Too much flour can result in dense rolls, so aim for a slightly tacky consistency.
• Freezing the dough: If you want to prepare the rolls in advance, freeze the shaped rolls after the second rise. When ready to bake, let them thaw and rise slightly before popping them in the oven.

Serving Suggestions

Sourdough dinner rolls are incredibly versatile and can be served with various dishes. They’re perfect alongside soups, stews, or roasts and make an excellent addition to holiday dinners. You can also use them for mini sandwiches, sliders, or breakfast rolls topped with butter and jam.

Conclusion

Making the best sourdough dinner rolls doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few simple ingredients and some time for fermentation, you can enjoy these soft, tangy rolls with any meal. Whether serving them fresh for dinner or turning them into tasty leftovers, these rolls will become your household’s favourite. Give this recipe a go, and tell us about your results!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make sourdough rolls without sugar?

Yes! The sugar helps balance the tanginess but is not essential for the rolls’ structure.

Can I freeze sourdough rolls?

Certainly. After baking, let the rolls cool down entirely, then keep them in a sealed container or freezer bag. Before serving, warm them in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes.

How do I store leftover rolls?

Leftover rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be reheated briefly in the oven to restore soft texture.