These sourdough dinner rolls are soft, fluffy, buttery, and packed with delicious sourdough flavor. After plenty of testing and tweaking, this recipe delivers light, pillowy rolls with a golden top and a tender crumb that everyone loves.
Whether you’re serving them with soup, holiday meals, family dinners, or simply enjoying them warm with butter, these rolls are guaranteed to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love These Sourdough Dinner Rolls
- Soft and fluffy texture
- Rich buttery flavor
- Easy to make with an active sourdough starter
- Perfect for holidays and everyday meals
- Stay fresh and soft for days
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Rise Time: 8–12 hours
- Baking Time: 20–25 minutes
- Total Time: 9–13 hours
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 500g bread flour
- 100g active sourdough starter
- 250g warm milk
- 60g unsalted butter, softened
- 50g sugar
- 1 large egg
- 10g salt
For Brushing
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and active sourdough starter. Stir until combined.
Add the bread flour, softened butter, sugar, egg, and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes by hand or 5–6 minutes in a stand mixer until smooth and elastic.
The dough should feel soft and slightly tacky but not sticky.
Step 3: Bulk Fermentation
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover.
Let it rise at room temperature for 4–6 hours, or until it becomes puffy and increases noticeably in size.
Step 4: Shape the Rolls
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
Divide it into 12 equal portions and shape each portion into a smooth ball.
Arrange the dough balls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or baking pan, leaving a little space between each roll.
Step 5: Final Proof
Cover the pan and allow the rolls to proof for 2–4 hours, or until they are puffy and touching one another.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
Step 7: Brush with Butter
Immediately after baking, brush the tops generously with melted butter for extra softness and flavor.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the rolls to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
Enjoy them warm with butter, honey, jam, soups, stews, or your favorite dinner dishes.
Expert Tips
- Use an active and bubbly sourdough starter for the best rise.
- Warm milk helps create a softer texture.
- Do not over-flour the dough; a slightly tacky dough produces fluffier rolls.
- Brushing with butter after baking keeps the tops soft and flavorful.
- For extra richness, add an additional egg yolk to the dough.
Storage
Store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze the cooled rolls in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat before serving.
Nutrition Information (Per Roll)
- Calories: 180
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these rolls overnight?
Yes. After shaping the rolls, place them in the refrigerator overnight and bake the next day after they come to room temperature.
Can I use all-purpose flour?
Yes, but bread flour will give the rolls a slightly better structure and chew.
Why didn’t my rolls rise?
An inactive starter, cool room temperature, or insufficient fermentation time are the most common reasons.
Can I make smaller rolls?
Absolutely. Divide the dough into 16 smaller portions and reduce the baking time by a few minutes.
These perfected Sourdough Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and incredibly satisfying—making them the perfect addition to any family meal or special occasion.
