INTRODUCTION
Sourdough dinner rolls are a comforting addition to any meal. They have a rich, warm flavor thanks to the sourdough starter, and the texture is soft and fluffy. These rolls pair wonderfully with soups, stews, or can simply be enjoyed with butter. Making sourdough dinner rolls is a rewarding process that allows you to experience the delight of homemade bread.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
There are many reasons to love sourdough dinner rolls. First, they are easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. They bring a wonderful tangy flavor to your table. The sourdough gives them a unique taste, which makes them different from regular dinner rolls. The rolls are also very versatile. You can serve them for dinner, brunch, or even as a snack.
The process of making sourdough rolls is enjoyable. Watching the dough rise and transform is satisfying. Finally, these rolls have a golden-brown crust that is hard to resist. Once baked, they become fluffy on the inside and have a delightful texture outside. You will impress your family and friends with these homemade rolls.
HOW TO MAKE Sourdough Dinner Rolls
Making sourdough dinner rolls is straightforward and enjoyable. Below are the ingredients you will need and the steps to follow to make delicious rolls.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
To make sourdough dinner rolls, you will need:
- Stand mixer (optional, you can mix by hand)
- Dough hook (if using a stand mixer)
- Warm bowl for rising the dough
- Plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 227 grams ripe sourdough starter
- 240 grams whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 540 grams bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 45 grams granulated sugar (or honey)
- 12 grams kosher salt
- 85 grams unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon honey (for topping)
- Flaky sea salt (for topping)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Day One:
- Begin by using a stand mixer equipped with a dough hook.
- Combine all the dough ingredients in the mixer bowl.
- Mix the ingredients on low speed until they come together and form a cohesive dough.
- Knead the dough for 5 to 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 2 hours.
- After the dough has risen, divide it into 15 equal pieces.
- Shape each piece into a round ball.
- Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 pan.
- Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
Day Two:
- Take the rolls out of the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours to rise.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of the rolls.
- Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until they are golden brown, tenting with foil if they are browning too quickly.
- While the rolls are baking, microwave the remaining butter and honey for 30 seconds to melt them together.
- After removing the rolls from the oven, brush them with the butter and honey mixture.
- Serve the rolls warm and enjoy!
HOW TO SERVE Sourdough Dinner Rolls
Sourdough dinner rolls are versatile when it comes to serving. They are excellent on their own, fresh from the oven, with a spread of butter. You can also pair them with your favorite soups, stews, or salads. Consider serving them alongside a festive meal or special occasion. They can also be used for making sandwiches, especially with roasted meats or vegetables. You can serve these rolls at family gatherings, dinner parties, or a cozy night in.
STORAGE & FREEZING: Sourdough Dinner Rolls
To store sourdough dinner rolls, place them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. They can be kept at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. To freeze, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They will keep well in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature or microwave them for a few seconds until warm.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Sourdough dinner rolls can be served with various spreads. Butter is a classic choice. You can also try them with honey, jam, or cream cheese. For a savory twist, garlic butter or herb-infused oil makes a tasty option. You can also serve them with soups, such as creamy tomato soup or hearty beef stew, to soak up the flavors. They also pair excellently with roasted meats and fresh salads.
VARIATIONS
If you want to try something different with sourdough dinner rolls, consider these variations:
- Cheese Rolls: Add shredded cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella, to the dough for cheesy goodness.
- Herb Rolls: Mix in chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for added flavor.
- Garlic Rolls: Add minced garlic to the dough or brush the warm rolls with garlic butter.
- Sweet Rolls: You can sweeten the dough more and add spices like cinnamon for a sweet roll variation.
- Stuffed Rolls: Fill the dough with a filling of your choice before shaping, like spinach and feta or ham and cheese.
FAQs
1. What is a sourdough starter?
A sourdough starter is a mixture of flour and water that has fermented over time. It contains wild yeast and bacteria that help leaven the bread and give it a unique flavor.
2. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour in this recipe. The rolls may be a bit less chewy but will still turn out delicious.
3. How long will the rolls stay fresh?
Sourdough dinner rolls will stay fresh for up to three days at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze them.
4. Can I make the dough by hand?
Absolutely! You can mix and knead the dough by hand if you don’t have a stand mixer. Just be sure to knead it well for the right texture.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Sourdough Dinner Rolls
If you want to make sourdough dinner rolls ahead of time, you can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it as stated in the recipe. The next day, let the rolls rise at room temperature as per instructions. You can also freeze the shaped rolls before the final rise. Just let them thaw in the fridge overnight before baking. This will save you time and effort while still giving you fresh rolls when you need them.
Enjoy making and sharing your homemade sourdough dinner rolls! They are sure to be a hit with everyone who has the pleasure of tasting them.

Sourdough Dinner Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- Combine all the dough ingredients in a stand mixer bowl.
- Mix on low speed until they form a cohesive dough.
- Knead the dough for 5 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 2 hours.
- After rising, divide the dough into 15 equal pieces and shape into balls.
- Place the balls in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan and cover.
- Refrigerate overnight.
- Take the rolls out of the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of the rolls.
- Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
- Brush them with the butter and honey mixture after removing from the oven.
- Serve the rolls warm and enjoy!

