How to make soft sourdough dinner rolls at home

There’s something truly magical about the smell of freshly baked bread filling your home, especially when it’s soft, pillowy sourdough dinner rolls. These rolls aren’t just any bread; they are the perfect balance of fluffy texture, slight tang from the sourdough, and a buttery finish that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re preparing for a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or simply want to impress with homemade bread, learning how to make soft sourdough dinner rolls at home is a skill worth mastering.

In this detailed guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about making these delicious rolls from scratch, even if you’re new to baking with sourdough. From understanding the ingredients to mastering the rise and bake, we’ve got you covered.

Why Make Sourdough Dinner Rolls at Home?

When you bake sourdough rolls at home, you’re not just making bread—you’re crafting a wholesome experience. Here’s why these rolls should become a staple in your kitchen:

• Health Benefits: Sourdough is naturally fermented, which makes it easier to digest. The fermentation process reduces phytic acid, allowing your body to absorb nutrients more easily. Plus, it’s packed with probiotics, which are great for gut health.
• Superior Taste: The slightly tangy flavor that comes from the sourdough starter adds a unique depth to your dinner rolls that you won’t find in commercially produced bread.
• Customization: Homemade rolls give you control over the ingredients, allowing you to use organic or specialty flours, adjust the salt or sweetness, and even add herbs or spices for a personal twist.

Not to mention, baking your own bread gives a deep sense of accomplishment and comfort. Now, let’s dive into how you can create your own batch of soft sourdough dinner rolls right in your kitchen.

Ingredients for Soft Sourdough Dinner Rolls

Before you begin, gather your ingredients. The simplicity of the ingredients is part of what makes these rolls so delightful.

These are basic ingredients that likely already have a place in your pantry. Each plays a key role in ensuring your rolls are soft and flavorful, so don’t skimp on quality.

Preparing Your Sourdough Starter

The first and most important step in making sourdough dinner rolls is ensuring your sourdough starter is ready to work its magic. This natural leavening agent is what gives your rolls their unique flavor and airy texture.

• Make Sure Your Starter is Active: Your starter should be fed and bubbly before use. If it’s been sitting in the fridge, feed it the night before to reactivate it. To test if it’s ready, perform the “float test.” Take a spoonful of your starter and drop it into water—if it floats, it’s good to go.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Soft Sourdough Dinner Rolls

1. Mixing the Dough

Start by combining your dry ingredients—flour, sugar, and salt—in a large mixing bowl. Next, add your sourdough starter, warm milk, and softened butter. Mix everything together until you form a sticky dough.

• Pro Tip: Warm milk helps to create a soft dough and activates the sourdough starter, encouraging a better rise.

Once mixed, turn the dough out onto a floured surface and begin kneading. If you’re using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment and let it run for about 10-15 minutes on medium speed.

• Kneading: The dough should be soft but slightly tacky, not sticky. If it’s sticking to your hands, dust lightly with flour, but be careful not to overdo it. Kneading is crucial for developing the gluten, which gives the rolls their soft, stretchy texture.

2. Bulk Fermentation: Let the Dough Rise

Once the dough is smooth and elastic, place it in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. This is where patience comes in.

• First Rise: Let the dough sit at room temperature for about 4-6 hours, or until it has doubled in size. If you’re in a hurry, you can place the dough in a warm oven (just turn it off after preheating to 100°F) to speed up the rise.

During this time, the sourdough starter works to ferment the dough, creating that characteristic tangy flavor and airy structure.

3. Shaping the Rolls

Once your dough has risen, it’s time to shape your rolls.

• Divide the Dough: Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles and divide it into 12-16 equal-sized portions, depending on how large you want your rolls.
• Shape the Rolls: Gently roll each portion into a ball. If you want perfectly smooth rolls, use the “cupping” method: Place a piece of dough under your palm, cup your hand, and gently roll it in circles on the countertop until smooth.

Place the shaped rolls into a greased baking dish or a lined sheet pan. Make sure they have a little room to grow but are close enough that they will touch once baked—this creates soft, pull-apart rolls.

4. Final Rise

Now that your rolls are shaped, they need to rise again before baking.

• Second Rise: Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise for 2-3 hours. Alternatively, if you want to bake them fresh for dinner, you can let them rise slowly overnight in the fridge. This slow fermentation gives the rolls an even deeper flavor.

5. Baking the Sourdough Rolls

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the rolls have risen, it’s time to bake them to golden perfection.

• Baking Time: Bake the rolls for about 20-25 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown on top. Rotate the pan halfway through for an even bake.
• Brushing with Butter: Immediately after removing the rolls from the oven, brush them with melted butter. This not only adds flavor but also keeps the crust soft and glossy.

Tips for Perfect Soft Sourdough Dinner Rolls

To ensure your rolls come out soft, fluffy, and perfectly baked every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Cold ingredients can slow down the fermentation process and affect the final texture.
• Don’t Rush the Rise: Sourdough takes time to rise because it’s naturally leavened. Give the dough enough time to develop its flavor and structure.
• Experiment with Flavors: While classic sourdough rolls are delicious, you can also add herbs like rosemary or garlic to the dough for a savory twist.

FAQ: Common Questions About Sourdough Dinner Rolls

Can I Make These Rolls Without a Sourdough Starter?

A sourdough starter is essential for achieving that unique tangy flavor and texture. If you don’t have one, you could substitute yeast, but the flavor will be different. However, there are plenty of guides online on how to start your own sourdough starter at home.

How Do I Know When My Starter is Ready to Use?

A sourdough starter is ready to use when it’s bubbly and has doubled in size after feeding. Perform the “float test” by dropping a spoonful of starter into water—if it floats, it’s good to go.

Can I Freeze the Rolls for Later?

Absolutely! You can freeze the shaped dough before baking, or freeze the baked rolls. To reheat, thaw them in the fridge overnight and warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

Why Didn’t My Rolls Rise Properly?

If your rolls didn’t rise, it could be due to an inactive starter, insufficient kneading, or a cool kitchen temperature. Make sure your starter is active and give the dough enough time to rise in a warm environment.

Conclusion: Enjoy the Fruits of Your Labor

There’s no better feeling than biting into a warm, soft sourdough dinner roll that you made with your own hands. Whether you’re serving these at a special gathering or making them for a weeknight dinner, you’ll find that these rolls are versatile, delicious, and absolutely worth the time and effort.

Baking sourdough might seem intimidating, but with patience and practice, you’ll be able to master these soft sourdough dinner rolls and impress your family and friends.

Call-to-Action: Share Your Sourdough Journey

If you’ve tried this recipe, we’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your sourdough journey and any tips you discovered in the comments below. And if you’re looking for more sourdough recipes, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for weekly baking inspiration!