I absolutely adore making these Sourdough Dinner Rolls Recipe in my kitchen because they bring a wonderful blend of tangy flavor and soft, pillowy texture that’s impossible to resist. The slow fermentation of the sourdough starter adds a depth of flavor that makes each roll taste like it just came from a cozy artisan bakery. Whether for holiday feasts or simple family dinners, these rolls feel special and comforting all at once, and I love sharing them fresh and warm straight from the oven.
Why You’ll Love This Sourdough Dinner Rolls Recipe
What really excites me about this sourdough dinner rolls recipe is the incredible flavor it delivers. The subtle tang from the sourdough combined with the richness of melted butter and a touch of sugar creates a perfect balance between savory and slightly sweet. The crust develops that gorgeous golden color while the inside stays soft and tender, making every bite a delight. I often find myself sneaking a roll or two before the meal even starts!
Another reason I recommend this recipe so highly is how straightforward it is despite the luxurious result. The ingredient list is refreshingly simple, and the process allows for hands-off fermentation overnight, which means you can prepare the dough in the evening and wake up to a beautifully risen batch. The recipe suits so many occasions—from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings—and it really stands out because every roll tastes homemade with that incredible sourdough depth that you don’t get from ordinary rolls.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need are a handful of simple but essential ingredients that contribute to the rolls’ perfect taste, tender crumb, and beautiful color. Each element plays its part in transforming everyday pantry staples into something truly memorable.
- Unsalted butter (2 Tbsp melted, plus more): Adds richness and helps create that tender crumb and buttery flavor.
- Whole milk (1 cup, room temperature): Feeds the yeast and keeps the dough soft and moist.
- Granulated sugar (2 Tbsp): Balances the tang of sourdough with a hint of sweetness and helps browning.
- Fine sea salt (1 tsp): Enhances flavor and controls fermentation rate.
- Bread flour (3 cups): Provides structure and chewiness; all-purpose flour can be used but bread flour yields the best texture.
- Active sourdough starter (½ cup): The heart of the recipe, delivering that characteristic sourdough tang and natural leavening.
- Salted butter (1 tsp, for brushing): Brushed on warm rolls to give a glossy finish and extra buttery goodness.
Directions
Step 1: In the bowl of your stand mixer or a large mixing bowl, combine the room temperature milk, melted butter, granulated sugar, and sea salt. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely — this creates a warm, nurturing base for the sourdough starter.
Step 2: Add the bread flour and active sourdough starter to the wet ingredients. Mix together with the paddle attachment or a sturdy spatula until the dough begins to come together. Cover the bowl with a damp kitchen towel and let it rest for 30 minutes; this resting time helps relax the gluten for easier kneading.
Step 3: Switch to the dough hook attachment and knead the dough on speed 2 for about 10 to 12 minutes until it turns smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky—if kneading by hand, give it 8 to 10 minutes of vigorous kneading.
Step 4: Transfer the dough to a buttered bowl, cover it again with a damp towel, and leave it on your counter to bulk ferment overnight (around 8-12 hours). You’ll want the dough to nearly double in size here, which is a key step for that airy texture.
Step 5: The next day, turn the dough out onto a clean surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces (around 65 grams each). Shape each piece into a tight ball by pinching the sides and rolling under your palm to seal the seam tightly underneath. This rolling technique ensures your rolls have a nice spring and shape after baking.
Step 6: Place your shaped rolls into a buttered 9×13-inch glass baking dish, leaving a bit of space between them. Cover with a damp tea towel and let them proof in a warm spot until they roughly double in size—about 2 hours if your room is warm (80-90°F) or 3-4 hours at room temperature. You can also prepare this step ahead and refrigerate overnight for convenience.
Step 7: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the rolls on the top third of the oven for 25 to 30 minutes until their tops are beautifully golden and the internal temperature reaches 190°F. Brush the hot rolls with melted butter immediately after they come out of the oven for that lovely shiny sheen and extra flavor boost.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 12 generous sourdough dinner rolls, perfect for serving a medium-sized family or saving some for later. Prep time is around 45 minutes if you don’t count the resting and proofing times, which together total about 10 hours. The bulk fermentation overnight is great because it fits seamlessly into your schedule, giving the dough time to develop complex flavor. Baking takes 25 to 30 minutes, so the total active hands-on time is fairly short, while the total time from start to finish is roughly 10 hours and 45 minutes.
How to Serve This Sourdough Dinner Rolls Recipe
When I serve these sourdough dinner rolls, I like to keep them warm — fresh out of the oven is always a favorite moment! They’re perfect alongside hearty soups, stews, or your favorite roasted meats. The slight tang from the sourdough pairs beautifully with creamy dishes like mashed potatoes or a robust beef stew, elevating every bite.
I love brushing a bit of extra melted butter on top just before serving and sometimes sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt or fresh herbs like rosemary for visual appeal and a flavor boost. For casual dinners, they’re a great finger food option, but for a holiday spread, I arrange them neatly on a large platter garnished with fresh thyme sprigs or a dusting of flour for that rustic charm.
For drinks, I find these rolls work wonderfully well with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir, complementing the sourdough tang nicely. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a sparkling apple cider or even a warm spiced tea adds a cozy flair. Whether it’s a weeknight family meal or your holiday dinner table, these rolls always feel like the perfect warm, comforting staple.
Variations
One of the great things I love about this sourdough dinner rolls recipe is how adaptable it is. If you want to add a flavor twist, try incorporating fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary right into the dough, or brush with garlic butter before baking for a savory treat. I’ve also enjoyed mixing in finely grated cheese like Parmesan or sharp cheddar for an extra-rich variation.
If you’re considering dietary modifications, swapping whole milk for a plant-based milk like oat or almond works nicely for a dairy-free version, and using vegan butter keeps it fully plant-based while maintaining that moist crumb. For gluten-free options, the texture won’t be exactly the same since sourdough naturally relies on gluten development, but trying a gluten-free flour blend and sourdough starter adapted for gluten-free baking can still give a tasty result.
For a quicker turnaround, I’ve experimented with shortening the first proofing time, though the flavor won’t be as deep. You can also try baking individual rolls on a parchment-lined sheet to create slightly crisper crusts if you prefer. However you choose to make it, this recipe welcomes creativity and yields delicious results.
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover sourdough dinner rolls, I recommend storing them in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft without drying out. For best texture, avoid refrigerating as it can make the bread stale faster.
Freezing
You can freeze these rolls very successfully! After baking and cooling completely, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They keep well frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or on the counter for a few hours before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, I like to warm the rolls in a 350°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes until just heated through and the crust crisps back up beautifully. You can also microwave them briefly wrapped in a damp paper towel, but this may soften the crust somewhat. Avoid overheating to prevent dryness — adding a small dish of water to the oven can help maintain moisture while warming.
FAQs
Do I have to use an active sourdough starter?
Yes, the sourdough starter is essential for this recipe because it naturally leavens the dough and imparts that characteristic tangy flavor. If you don’t have a starter, you can try substituting with commercial yeast, but the texture and taste won’t be quite the same.
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Definitely! You can shape and proof the rolls up to step 6, then refrigerate them overnight before baking the next day. This makes it easy to prepare ahead and bake fresh rolls when you’re ready to serve.
What is the best flour to use for these rolls?
Bread flour is my favorite choice because its higher protein content develops more gluten, giving the rolls great structure and chew. All-purpose flour works in a pinch but might yield a softer, less chewy roll.
Can I add flavors like herbs or cheese?
Absolutely! Fresh herbs, grated cheese, or even minced garlic can be folded into the dough before the first rise to customize your rolls. Just be mindful that additions might slightly change the dough’s hydration or texture.
How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
Look for a deep golden brown color on top and an internal temperature of about 190°F using a digital thermometer. The rolls should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom and feel springy to the touch.
Conclusion
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try making these delicious sourdough dinner rolls. They bring so much warmth and character to any meal, and there is something really satisfying about sharing fresh, homemade bread with your loved ones. With simple ingredients and an easy process, this Sourdough Dinner Rolls Recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home just like it is in mine. Happy baking!
