If you’re craving irresistibly soft, fluffy, and slightly tangy bread, this Sourdough Dinner Rolls Recipe is your golden ticket to homemade comfort. These rolls bring together the magic of sourdough discard with simple pantry ingredients to create a batch of warm, tender rolls that are perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or anytime you want to impress with little effort. The combination of tangy sourdough flavor and pillowy texture will have you reaching for seconds and thirds, making these rolls an unforgettable addition to your bread-baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To master these delightful sourdough dinner rolls, you only need a handful of straightforward, kitchen-staple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building flavor, texture, and that perfect golden crust.
- Warm milk: About 1 ¼ cups, provides moisture and richness while activating the yeast in the sourdough discard.
- Sourdough discard: â…“ cup; adds tangy depth and natural yeast to help your rolls rise beautifully.
- Vegetable oil: ¼ cup; keeps the dough tender and contributes to a soft crumb.
- Granulated sugar: 4 tablespoons; balances the sourness and helps with browning.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon; enhances all the flavors and controls yeast activity.
- Large egg: Binds the dough and adds richness for a lovely texture.
- All-purpose flour: 4 ¼ cups (spooned and leveled); forms the structure of the dough and ensures that perfect chew.
How to Make Sourdough Dinner Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Start by combining warm milk, sourdough discard, vegetable oil, sugar, salt, and a large egg in your stand mixer bowl. The warmth activates the sourdough discard’s natural yeast, and these wet ingredients lay the flavorful foundation for your dough.
Step 2: Add Flour and Knead
Next, add the all-purpose flour gradually and use the dough hook attachment to knead the mixture for about 5 to 6 minutes. Your goal is to develop a smooth, elastic dough that’s no longer sticky to the touch, ensuring your rolls will have the perfect bounce.
Step 3: First Rise
Cover the bowl and set it aside in a warm spot to rise for 6 to 8 hours. This slow, patient rise allows the sourdough flavors to deepen and the dough to develop its characteristic airy texture.
Step 4: Prepare for Shaping
Grease a 9×13 baking dish and line it with parchment paper to make removing the rolls a breeze once baked. This step also helps avoid any sticky mess after all your hard work.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Turn your risen dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 15 equal pieces. Roll each piece gently into a smooth ball, aiming for uniformity so they bake evenly.
Step 6: Second Rise in the Pan
Arrange those dough balls snugly into the prepared baking dish, cover them loosely, and let them rise again for 1 to 2 hours. You’ll know they’re ready when they puff up noticeably, promising soft, fluffy rolls straight from the oven.
Step 7: Bake and Finish
Preheat your oven to 350°F, then bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes or until the tops turn a captivating golden brown. The final touch is brushing melted butter over the hot rolls — a simple step that seals in moisture and adds irresistible shine and flavor.
How to Serve Sourdough Dinner Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a brush of garlic-herb butter immediately after baking takes these rolls from delicious to mouthwatering. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme scattered on top can add an aromatic punch that everyone will rave about.
Side Dishes
These sourdough dinner rolls are the perfect companion to hearty soups, vibrant salads, or roasted meats. Think creamy tomato basil soup or a fresh garden salad with tangy vinaigrette for a balanced, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, serve your rolls in a rustic basket lined with a cozy cloth napkin. You can also slice and fill them with savory fillings like ham and cheese for impromptu sliders that delight guests and family alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, keep your rolls in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to two days. This helps maintain their soft texture without drying out.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the rolls individually wrapped in plastic wrap inside a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months and be ready whenever a bread craving strikes.
Reheating
To enjoy your rolls fresh from the oven again, reheat by wrapping them in foil and warming in a 300°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes. If in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave for 15 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel works wonders.
FAQs
Can I use active sourdough starter instead of discard?
Yes, you can substitute active starter, but keep in mind that active starter is more potent, so you might want to slightly adjust the rising times to prevent over-proofing.
What if I don’t have a stand mixer?
No worries! You can mix and knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface. It will take a bit more elbow grease but totally worth it for these delicious rolls.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
Absolutely, but using whole wheat will make the rolls denser and add a nuttier flavor. You might want to replace just half the flour to keep a nice balance.
How long can I let the first rise go?
The 6 to 8-hour rise allows flavors to develop nicely, but if you’re pressed for time, a shorter rise of 3 to 4 hours at a warmer spot can work, though the flavor will be milder.
Why do my rolls sometimes come out dense?
Dense rolls often mean the dough wasn’t kneaded enough or didn’t have enough rise time. Make sure the dough is smooth and elastic, and give it plenty of time to puff before baking.
Final Thoughts
Making this Sourdough Dinner Rolls Recipe has been one of my favorite kitchen adventures, and I’m confident it will become yours too. The joy of biting into a warm, tender roll with that subtle tang is simply unbeatable. Whether you’re a sourdough newbie or a seasoned pro, this recipe brings a comforting, homemade touch to your table that everyone will love. Give it a try and watch these rolls become your go-to side for any meal.
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Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 15 dinner rolls
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These soft and fluffy sourdough dinner rolls are perfect for any meal, featuring a tender crumb thanks to the sourdough discard and a slight sweetness from the sugar. Ideal for family dinners or holiday gatherings, these rolls require an overnight rise to develop flavor and texture, resulting in golden, buttery rolls fresh from the oven.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups warm milk (not hot)
- â…“ cup sourdough discard
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 4 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and levelled)
Topping
- Melted butter, for brushing
Instructions
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a stand mixer bowl, combine the warm milk, sourdough discard, vegetable oil, sugar, salt, and egg. Mix until well incorporated to create a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Flour and Knead: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet mixture. Using the dough hook attachment, knead for 5-6 minutes until the dough is smooth and no longer sticky, indicating proper gluten development.
- First Rise: Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 6-8 hours. This long fermentation allows the sourdough flavors to develop and the dough to double in size.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease and line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the rolls after baking.
- Shape Rolls: Punch down the risen dough gently and divide it into 15 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball by tucking the edges underneath.
- Second Rise: Arrange the shaped dough balls evenly in the prepared baking dish. Cover and let them rise again for 1-2 hours until noticeably puffed and nearly doubled in size.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until they turn golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped.
- Finish: Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush them with melted butter for a soft and flavorful crust. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the sourdough culture.
- Use sourdough discard from a mature starter for best flavor.
- Letting the dough rise in a consistently warm environment helps the fermentation process.
- For softer rolls, brush melted butter immediately after baking.
- You can freeze leftover rolls and reheat before serving.
