If you’ve been searching for that perfect combination of fluffy, slightly tangy, and utterly delicious bread to accompany your meals, this Sourdough Dinner Rolls Recipe is about to become your new favorite. These rolls have a soft crumb and a golden crust with a subtle sourdough flavor that elevates every bite. Whether you’re serving a holiday feast or just craving a homemade bread experience, these rolls promise warmth and comfort straight from your oven to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Sourdough Dinner Rolls Recipe are simple staples, yet each one plays a vital role in creating those beautiful, soft rolls with that signature sourdough tang. From the warm milk that activates the yeast in the sourdough discard to the sugar that helps develop that lovely golden crust, these ingredients work harmoniously to deliver a bread experience that’s both familiar and a little special.
- Warm milk: Using warm milk (not hot) helps activate the sourdough discard and keeps the dough tender.
- Sourdough discard: This adds depth of flavor and a gentle tang that distinguishes these rolls from ordinary dinner rolls.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the dough moist and soft after baking.
- Granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness encourages browning and balances the sourdough flavor.
- Salt: Enhances all the individual flavors and controls yeast fermentation.
- Large egg: Adds richness and helps with the structure of the rolls.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure, and spooning it into the cup ensures the correct amount for ideal texture.
How to Make Sourdough Dinner Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Wet Ingredients
Start by mixing the warm milk, sourdough discard, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, salt, and egg together in a stand mixer bowl. This wet mixture forms the flavorful base for your dough and activates the sourdough discard, setting the tone for that signature tang.
Step 2: Add Flour and Knead
Next, sprinkle in the all-purpose flour. Use your stand mixer’s dough hook to knead the mixture for about 5 to 6 minutes until the dough is smooth and no longer sticky. This kneading process develops the gluten, ensuring the rolls will be soft but hold their shape beautifully.
Step 3: First Rise
Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm spot for 6 to 8 hours. This slow rise gives the sourdough flavors a chance to deepen, while also allowing the dough to become wonderfully airy and light.
Step 4: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent the rolls from sticking. The right pan preparation helps those rolls brown evenly on the bottom while keeping them tender on the inside.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
After the first rise, gently deflate the dough and shape it into 15 even balls. This step is a fun one because you get to feel the dough’s softness and elasticity as you form each roll.
Step 6: Second Rise
Arrange the shaped dough balls in the prepared baking dish. Cover and let them rise again for 1 to 2 hours until they puff up noticeably. This second rise is crucial for that fluffy texture you’ll love biting into.
Step 7: Bake and Finish
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until they turn golden brown on top. The aroma will fill your kitchen and have everyone eagerly waiting. Once out of the oven, brush the rolls with melted butter to give them an irresistible glossy finish and extra richness.
How to Serve Sourdough Dinner Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
For a simple but stunning touch, sprinkle the warm rolls with a pinch of flaky sea salt or finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley. This adds a fresh burst of flavor and makes your presentation look professionally inviting.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair beautifully with almost any meal, but especially shine alongside hearty soups, roasted vegetables, or a classic roasted chicken. Their subtle tang and soft texture soak up gravies and sauces perfectly, making them an essential sidekick at every mealtime.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your dinner rolls into sliders by slicing them horizontally and filling with deli meats, cheese, or even a savory chicken salad. You could also serve them warm with a little compound butter, infused with garlic and herbs, to elevate even the simplest meal into a celebratory occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover rolls, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps maintain their softness without drying out the crumb. You can also wrap them individually to keep their fresh-out-of-the-oven texture longer.
Freezing
To freeze your sourdough rolls, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze wonderfully for up to 3 months, making this recipe perfect for batch baking and future meals.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or leftover rolls by warming them in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes, wrapped in foil to prevent drying out. For a quick fix, a few seconds in the microwave under a damp paper towel can revive softness, but the oven method maintains the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use sourdough starter instead of discard?
Absolutely! Using active sourdough starter will add even more tang to the rolls, but keep in mind you might need to adjust the flour or liquid slightly depending on your starter’s hydration.
What if I don’t have a stand mixer?
No problem! You can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface. It might take a bit more time and effort but the results will be just as delicious.
Can I substitute milk with a non-dairy alternative?
Yes, feel free to use unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or any other non-dairy milk. Just make sure it’s warmed gently like with dairy milk to help activate the sourdough.
How can I make these rolls sweeter or less tangy?
Adding a bit more sugar can boost their sweetness, and shortening the rise time will reduce the sourdough’s tanginess. Experiment with rise times to find your perfect balance.
Is it necessary to let the dough rise for 6 to 8 hours?
While a long rise helps develop flavor and texture, you can speed it up slightly if your kitchen is warm, but for the best results, patience is key with this recipe.
Final Thoughts
Making this Sourdough Dinner Rolls Recipe is like gifting yourself and your loved ones the cozy feeling of freshly baked bread with minimal fuss. Each bite is a warm celebration of simple ingredients and time-honored techniques, perfect for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try baking these at home and experience just how satisfying a homemade roll can be!
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Sourdough Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 7 hours 35 minutes to 8 hours 35 minutes (including rising times)
- Yield: 15 rolls
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These soft and fluffy sourdough dinner rolls are made using sourdough discard and a simple mix-and-rise method, resulting in deliciously tender bread perfect for any meal. The dough is kneaded, left to rise twice for optimal texture, and baked until golden brown. Brushed with melted butter for a shiny finish, these rolls are a delightful addition to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 ¼ cups warm milk (not hot)
- ⅓ 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 leveled)
- melted butter (for brushing)
Finishing
Instructions
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a stand mixer bowl, combine the warm milk, sourdough discard, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, salt, and egg, mixing until evenly incorporated.
- Add Flour and Knead: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet mixture and knead with a dough hook attachment for 5-6 minutes until the dough is smooth and no longer sticky.
- First Rise: Cover the dough and allow it to rise in a warm place for 6-8 hours, until it has visibly increased in size.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal.
- Shape Rolls: Divide the risen dough into 15 equal portions and shape each into a smooth ball.
- Arrange and Second Rise: Place the dough balls in the prepared baking dish, cover them, and let rise for another 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 golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Brush with Butter: Immediately after baking, brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter to give them a glossy, soft finish and added flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the sourdough discard’s beneficial yeast.
- Rising times can vary depending on room temperature; look for the dough to roughly double in size.
- You can substitute vegetable oil with melted butter or olive oil for a richer flavor.
- For softer rolls, cover with a damp towel during rising to prevent drying out the dough surface.
- These rolls freeze well; wrap cooled rolls tightly and thaw at room temperature before reheating.
