Soft Sourdough Dinner Rolls: A Must-Try Recipe

Are you craving for a warm and delicious addition to your dinner table? Look no further than our sourdough dinner rolls recipe. These rolls stand out with their rich tangy flavor and ever-soft texture.

Unlike regular dinner rolls, sourdough offers a unique savory and slightly sour taste, making each bite a delightful experience. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this recipe is easy to follow at your home.

Join us as we guide you through creating these delicious rolls that will surely become a family favorite.

Ingredients

For Sourdough Starter (100 g)

• 2 tablespoons (about 30 g) sourdough starter
• 2/3 cup + 2 tablespoons (100 g) all-purpose flour
• 6 1/2 tablespoons water

For the Dough

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 cup milk
• 6 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup active sourdough starter
• 6 cups + 4 tablespoons bread flour
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Recipe Modifications

• Bread Flour – Substitute bread flour for All-purpose flour.
• Sugar – The sugar quantity can be reduced to 4 tablespoons.
• Milk/Butter – Use non-dairy butter and milk for a vegan touch.

How to Make Sourdough Dinner Rolls

Let us split each step and follow a timeline to get amazing dinner rolls!

Feed the Starter

9 PM

• Mix the ingredients to make 1 cup of active sourdough starter in a clean jar. Stir well, cover loosely, and let it sit at room temperature.
• The starter is ready to use when it doubles in size and has bubbles found on the sides and surface of the jar.

Make the Dough

8:30 AM

• In a small saucepan, mix the butter, milk, sugar, and salt at low to medium heat.
• Once melted, pour the mixture into a mixing bowl and let it come to room temperature.

9 AM

• Add flour and the active sourdough starter to the cooled butter mixture. Mix with a spatula until everything combines well with no dry flour left.
• Cover the bowl and leave it undisturbed for 1 hour at room temperature.

11 AM

• Stretch and fold the dough 3 times, with 30 minutes gap between each stretch. Make sure to cover the bowl while the dough is at rest.

• Turn the bowl to a full circle during this process, keeping each quarter as a cue.
• After the final stretch, cover the dough and let it rise for 2 hours or until it increases to 50 % in size.

1 PM

• Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and divide it into 20 pieces.
• Make and shape each piece into a ball.

• Arrange them in a greased baking dish.
• Cover them with a tea towel and wait for 4 hours until they rise well.

5 PM

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) about 20 minutes prior to baking.
• Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until they turn golden brown.
• Brush the top of the rolls with melted butter and enjoy them warm.

Tips for Best Sourdough Dinner Rolls

• Consider the ambient temperature of your kitchen when working with this sourdough recipe.
• If your kitchen is warmer, reduce the rising time in both the first and second rises to prevent over-fluffiness.
• To prepare the dough in advance, shape the rolls and cover them with a plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 36 hours.
• Before baking, let the rolls rise at room temperature until soft. Use a tin baking sheet at 400°F, or bake in a muffin tin for 23-25 minutes.
• Bake the rolls in a glass baking dish to get more softness.

Storage

• Pack the sourdough rolls in a bread bag or keep them wrapped in a tea towel at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• The baked rolls can be kept frozen for 3 months in a freezer-friendly bag.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What ingredients do I need for a sourdough dinner roll recipe?

You will need an active sourdough starter, all-purpose flour, water, salt, sugar, unsalted butter, and an egg. Some variations might include milk, honey, or herbs for added flavor.

2. How long does it take to make sourdough dinner rolls?

The entire process typically takes around 24 hours, including the time for the dough to ferment and rise. The actual hands-on time is about 30-45 minutes, with the rest of the time being passive as the dough ferments and proofs.

3. How can I tell when my sourdough dinner rolls are done baking?

Sourdough dinner rolls are done baking when they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be around 200°F (93°C).

4. Can I make the dinner rolls without a sourdough starter?

This recipe requires a sourdough starter for the distinct flavor and texture. However, you can use commercial yeast as a substitute but the rolls will lack the characteristic tang and complexity of flavor that comes from natural fermentation.

5. How should I store sourdough dinner rolls to keep them fresh?

Sourdough dinner rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the rolls in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

With this sourdough dinner roll recipe, you will experience a heavenly combination of flavors and textures. Ready to bake? Try our method and taste the real difference within yourself.

Share your creations in the comments and let us know how they turned out!