If you’ve been searching for a comforting, irresistibly soft bread to accompany your meals, look no further than this heartwarming Sourdough Dinner Rolls Recipe. These rolls are a delightful blend of tangy sourdough flavor and tender, pillowy texture that will have your family asking for seconds. Perfect for soaking up soups, slathering with butter, or simply enjoying fresh from the oven, this recipe transforms basic ingredients into a show-stopping loaf that truly sings at any dinner table. Get ready to fall in love with bread again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, wholesome ingredients come together in this Sourdough Dinner Rolls Recipe to create rolls that are light, fluffy, and subtly tangy. Each component plays a key role in building flavor, enhancing texture, and giving these rolls their inviting golden color.
- 1 ¼ cups warm milk: Warm but not hot, this hydrates the dough perfectly and activates the natural yeast in the sourdough discard.
- ⅓ cup sourdough discard: Adds a unique tang and depth of flavor, plus it’s a great way to reduce waste if you bake sourdough regularly.
- ¼ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the rolls tender and moist without overpowering their delicate taste.
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar: Sweetens lightly to balance the sourness and helps with browning.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for flavor enhancement and controlling yeast activity.
- 1 large egg: Brings richness and structure to the dough for that perfect rise.
- 4 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy backbone of the rolls, spooned and leveled to measure just right.
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 the egg in the bowl of a stand mixer. This mixture begins the magical transformation by melding all the wet ingredients that give your rolls their rich flavor and lovely tenderness.
Step 2: Add the Flour and Knead
Next, add your all-purpose flour. Using a dough hook, knead the dough on medium speed for about 5 to 6 minutes until it pulls away from the sides of the bowl and feels tacky but no longer sticky. This kneading develops the gluten that will give your rolls their classic chew and structure.
Step 3: First Rise
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm spot for 6 to 8 hours—this slow rise is where that characteristic sourdough flavor deepens and the dough becomes beautifully airy.
Step 4: Prepare the Pan
While your dough is rising, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper. This step ensures your once-baked rolls release effortlessly and bake evenly into golden perfection.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
After the first rise, gently punch down the dough and divide it into 15 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball—this shaping is key to getting those perfectly round dinner rolls that look as inviting as they taste.
Step 6: Second Rise
Arrange the dough balls snugly in the prepared pan, cover them again, and let them proof for another 1 to 2 hours until puffed up noticeably. This final rise creates soft, pillowy interiors with that classic pull-apart texture everyone loves.
Step 7: Bake and Finish
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown on top. When they come out, brush them with melted butter for that irresistible shine and extra layer of flavor.
How to Serve Sourdough Dinner Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Simple is best when it comes to garnishing these rolls. A brush of melted butter right out of the oven enhances their buttery notes, or sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt for a nice contrast. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can be lightly pressed on top before baking for an aromatic twist that wakes up your senses.
Side Dishes
These sourdough rolls are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with hearty soups, savory stews, or classic roasted chicken dinners. They’re also excellent alongside creamy mashed potatoes or fresh garden salads for a balanced meal that’ll keep everyone satisfied.
Creative Ways to Present
Surprise your guests by serving these rolls in a rustic bread basket lined with a soft linen napkin for that cozy, homemade feeling. Or create mini sandwich sliders using leftover roast beef or grilled veggies nestled inside each roll for a fun and unexpected presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Storing leftover sourdough dinner rolls is simple—just place them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag at room temperature. They will stay soft for up to 2 days, ready to complement your next meal without losing their freshness.
Freezing
If you want to save these delightful rolls for longer, pop them in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Freezing right after baking locks in the freshness so you can enjoy them anytime without worrying about them turning stale.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, reheat rolls in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes. Wrapping them in foil keeps them from drying out. A quick microwave stint on low power also works if you’re in a hurry, but the oven method gives you that perfect crust again.
FAQs
Can I use sourdough starter instead of discard for this rolls recipe?
Absolutely! Using active sourdough starter can add more rising power and a tangier flavor. Just adjust the flour and liquid slightly to maintain the right dough consistency.
What if I don’t have a stand mixer—can I knead by hand?
Yes, you can knead by hand! It will take about 10 to 12 minutes until the dough feels smooth and elastic. It’s a wonderful way to connect with the process and ensure the gluten develops properly.
Why does the dough need to rise for so long?
The long rise allows the sourdough’s natural fermentation to develop complex flavors and a light texture. It might require patience, but the delicious results are worth every minute.
Can I make smaller or larger rolls with this recipe?
You can absolutely adjust the size. Just remember that baking times might need to be shorter for mini rolls or longer for larger ones, so keep an eye on the color and texture.
Is it okay to substitute milk with a dairy-free alternative?
Yes, dairy-free milks like almond or oat milk work well in this recipe, but make sure they’re unsweetened and at the right warm temperature for yeast activation.
Final Thoughts
This Sourdough Dinner Rolls Recipe is truly a treasure that brings warmth and joy to your kitchen. The process is wonderfully rewarding, and the fluffy, slightly tangy rolls will make every meal feel special. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how such simple ingredients can transform into a beloved staple on your table!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 15 rolls
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Sourdough Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and slightly tangy thanks to the sourdough discard. Perfect for dinner parties or everyday meals, they require a long, slow rise for maximum flavor and texture. Made with simple ingredients like milk, oil, and flour, these rolls bake up golden brown and are brushed with melted butter for a delicious finish.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups warm milk (not hot)
- â…“ cup sourdough discard
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
Dry Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and levelled)
For Finishing
- melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a stand mixer bowl, combine the warm milk, sourdough discard, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, salt, and egg. Mix until everything is well integrated.
- Add and Knead Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet mixture. Using the dough hook attachment on your stand mixer, knead the dough for 5-6 minutes until the dough is smooth and no longer sticky to the touch.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 6-8 hours. This slow fermentation develops the distinctive sourdough flavor and texture.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease clean-up.
- Shape Rolls: Punch down the risen dough to release gases, then divide and shape it into 15 evenly sized balls.
- Second Rise: Arrange the dough balls evenly in the prepared baking dish. Cover them and allow to rise again for 1-2 hours until they are noticeably puffed and have increased in size.
- Preheat Oven: While the rolls undergo their second rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top.
- Finish with Butter: Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush the tops with melted butter to add shine and extra softness.
Notes
- Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to help activate the yeast in the sourdough discard without killing it.
- The long first rise can be done overnight at room temperature or in a slightly warm place for best flavor development.
- You can store leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.
- For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like rosemary or garlic powder to the dough.
