If you’re craving soft, fluffy rolls with just the right tang and a tender crumb, then you have to try this Sourdough Dinner Rolls Recipe. These rolls make use of sourdough discard to add depth of flavor, giving you beautifully golden, melt-in-your-mouth bread that’s perfect for any meal. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking to impress family and friends, these dinner rolls deliver a remarkable taste experience that’s both comforting and delightfully special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and appearance for these sourdough dinner rolls. From tenderizing the dough to adding subtle sweetness and enriching the crumb, these pantry staples come together effortlessly.
- Warm milk (1 ¼ cups): The warmth activates the yeast and keeps the dough soft and moist.
- Sourdough discard (⅓ cup): Adds a subtle tang and natural leavening to enhance flavor.
- Vegetable oil (1/4 cup): Keeps the rolls tender and soft without overpowering the taste.
- Granulated sugar (4 tablespoons): Provides a touch of sweetness to balance the sourdough’s acidity.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor and strengthens the dough.
- Large egg (1): Adds richness and helps with structure and browning.
- All-purpose flour (4 ¼ cups): The sturdy foundation that builds the dough’s shape and chew.
How to Make Sourdough Dinner Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Wet Ingredients
Start by mixing warm milk, sourdough discard, vegetable oil, sugar, salt, and the egg in a stand mixer bowl. This mixture forms the flavorful base of your dough and ensures all ingredients blend smoothly.
Step 2: Add Flour and Knead
Next, add your all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients and knead using the dough hook attachment for about 5 to 6 minutes. You want the dough to become smooth and elastic, no longer sticky to the touch—that’s when you know you’ve got the perfect consistency.
Step 3: First Rise
Cover your dough and let it rise in a warm place for 6 to 8 hours. This longer rise time allows the sourdough flavors to develop, contributing to the rolls’ signature tang and soft crumb.
Step 4: Prepare Your Baking Dish
While the dough is rising, grease and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper to ensure your rolls don’t stick and come out easily after baking.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Once the dough has risen, gently deflate it and shape it into 15 even balls. This step is where your rolls start taking shape, setting you up for that classic, uniform batch of dinner rolls.
Step 6: Second Rise
Arrange the dough balls in the prepared dish, cover them again, and let rise for another 1 to 2 hours. You’ll want to wait until they’re noticeably puffed up and ready to bake.
Step 7: Bake and Finish
Preheat your oven to 350°F, then bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown. As soon as you pull them from the oven, brush them lightly with melted butter for an irresistible shine and extra richness.
How to Serve Sourdough Dinner Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
While these rolls are amazing on their own, a little garnish can elevate them further. Try sprinkling freshly chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme on top after brushing with butter. A sprinkle of sea salt flakes also adds that extra pop of flavor everyone loves.
Side Dishes
Sourdough Dinner Rolls Recipe pairs wonderfully with soups, stews, and hearty salads. Picture dipping these soft rolls into a creamy tomato bisque or serving alongside a robust beef stew for a truly comforting meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the rolls on a rustic wooden board alongside bowls of flavored butters such as honey cinnamon or garlic herb. You can also slice them horizontally and use as tiny sliders filled with your favorite sandwich fillings—perfect for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover rolls (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and fresh for your next meal or snack.
Freezing
To save your Sourdough Dinner Rolls Recipe for longer, freeze the baked rolls by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing their delightful texture.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen or leftover rolls, reheat them in the oven at 300°F for 10 to 15 minutes. Wrapping them lightly in foil helps keep moisture locked in, giving you that freshly baked feel all over again.
FAQs
Can I use sourdough starter instead of discard?
Yes, you can use active sourdough starter in place of discard; however, since the starter is more active, you might notice a quicker rise in your dough and possibly a slightly tangier flavor. Adjust rising times accordingly.
What if I don’t have a stand mixer?
No stand mixer? No problem! You can mix and knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface. It might take a little extra elbow grease, but the results will be just as delicious.
Can I make these rolls vegan?
To make vegan rolls, substitute the egg with a flax egg or applesauce, and use a plant-based milk and vegan butter. The texture might be slightly different but still tasty and soft.
How important is the rise time?
The long rise is crucial for developing flavor and texture in these sourdough dinner rolls. If you rush it, you may end up with dense rolls lacking that signature sourdough tang and fluffiness.
Can I add herbs or cheese to the dough?
Absolutely! Mixing in fresh herbs or shredded cheese before the first rise can create exciting variations of the classic rolls. Just be mindful of moisture content to keep the dough balanced.
Final Thoughts
This Sourdough Dinner Rolls Recipe is truly one of those feel-good recipes that becomes a staple in your kitchen. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you end up with irresistible rolls that bring everyone to the table with smiles. Give this recipe a go—you’ll find it hard to ever settle for store-bought rolls again!
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Sourdough Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 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 packed with the subtle tangy flavor of sourdough discard. Perfect for serving alongside any meal, these homemade rolls feature a tender crumb and golden-brown crust, achieved through a slow rise and gentle baking. Ideal for bread lovers looking to utilize sourdough discard creatively.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups warm milk (not hot)
- ⅓ cup sourdough discard
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 4 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and levelled)
Instructions
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a stand mixer bowl, combine the warm milk, sourdough discard, vegetable oil, sugar, salt, and egg. Mix well until fully integrated.
- Add Flour and Knead: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients and use the dough hook attachment to knead the dough for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the dough is no longer sticky and is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for 6 to 8 hours, allowing the sourdough yeast to ferment and develop flavor.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the rolls.
- Shape Dough Balls: After the first rise, divide the dough into 15 equal portions and shape each into a smooth ball.
- Second Rise: Arrange the dough balls evenly in the prepared baking dish. Cover and let them rise again for 1 to 2 hours until noticeably puffed and doubled in size.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on top.
- Finish with Butter: Remove the baked rolls from the oven and brush them generously with melted butter to add flavor and a beautiful sheen.
Notes
- Using warm milk helps activate the sourdough discard and yeast for better fermentation.
- Allowing a long first rise is crucial for developing the rolls’ texture and flavor.
- Make sure the dough is not sticky before shaping; add a little flour if needed during kneading.
- Brush the rolls with butter immediately after baking for a soft crust and rich taste.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container and reheat gently to maintain freshness.
