Never Fail Sourdough Rolls Recipe: Soft, Chewy, and Delicious

There’s something about the smell of fresh bread that makes a house feel like home. This sourdough rolls recipe has become one of my favorite go-tos, not just because it’s irresistibly soft and golden, but because it carries the soul of homemade baking in every bite. You don’t need a bakery to enjoy these beauties. With a little time and a good starter, you can make tender, flavorful rolls right in your own kitchen.

This sourdough rolls recipe is perfect for holiday dinners, cozy weeknight meals, or when you’re simply craving the warmth of freshly baked bread. Whether you’re new to sourdough or have your starter bubbling on the counter, these rolls are approachable and rewarding. I’ve even served them as slider buns at backyard BBQs, they’re that versatile.

Let me walk you through exactly how to make them soft, slightly tangy, and totally addictive.

Why This Sourdough Rolls Recipe Works So Well

Making great sourdough rolls at home is about mastering the right balance between technique, time, and flavor. What makes this recipe a standout is how it builds flavor naturally through slow fermentation. You’re not just tossing ingredients together, you’re giving your dough the time it needs to rise, develop structure, and evolve into something deeply satisfying.

No commercial yeast needed, your sourdough starter does all the lifting. This means deeper flavor and better digestibility.
Customizable hydration levels let you adjust how light or chewy you want your rolls.
No special equipment is required, just a mixing bowl, your hands (or a dough hook), and an oven.
The dough is soft but not sticky, which makes shaping rolls an enjoyable process rather than a mess.

For added richness, I use butter in the dough which gives these sourdough rolls a slight brioche-like softness while still keeping that classic tang. You can easily substitute olive oil or dairy-free butter if needed.

Gluten-free or vegan? Swap in your favorite flour blend and plant-based butter. You’ll still get fluffy results with a few small adjustments in timing and structure.

Recipe Card

Sourdough Rolls Recipe

Recipe by Kenza Edem

0.0 from 0 votes

Difficulty: Medium

Servings

12

rolls

Prep time

8

hours 

Cooking time

25

minutes

Calories per roll

180

kcal

These sourdough rolls are soft, tangy, and perfect for any meal. Made with simple ingredients, they’re easy to prepare and a great use of your sourdough starter.

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Ingredients

• 1 cup active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)

• 1 cup warm water

• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter

• 1 tbsp sugar or honey

• 1 tsp salt

Directions

• Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, mix the sourdough starter, warm water, and sugar or honey. Add the flour and salt, mixing until a rough dough forms. Knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
• First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise at room temperature for 4-6 hours, or until doubled in size.
• Shape the rolls: Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Second rise: Cover the rolls with a towel and allow them to rise for another 2-4 hours until puffy.
• Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
• Cool and serve: Let the rolls cool on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

• Be patient with the fermentation process; it gives the rolls their distinct flavor.
• You can substitute all-purpose flour with bread flour for a chewier texture.
• If you don’t have a sourdough starter, you can create one by fermenting flour and water for a few days.

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Tips That Take Your Sourdough Rolls from Good to Great

• Feed Your Starter: Make sure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly before using it.
• Fermentation Time: If your kitchen is cooler, the dough might take longer to rise. You can also refrigerate the dough for a slow ferment overnight.
• Shaping: Make sure the dough is smooth when shaping rolls to prevent them from deflating.
• Baking Stone: For a crispier crust, bake the rolls on a preheated baking stone.
• Steam in the Oven: To get a beautiful crust, place a pan of water in the oven to create steam while baking.

If you’re a visual learner, I recommend checking out a sourdough shaping tutorial, such as The Perfect Loaf’s guide.

Variants to Make This Sourdough Rolls Recipe Your Own

1. Whole Wheat Sourdough Rolls

For a nuttier, more rustic taste, replace up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. It adds fiber and richness but may require a bit more hydration. I usually add an extra tablespoon or two of water when using whole wheat.

2. Garlic Herb Sourdough Rolls

Add 2 teaspoons of dried Italian herbs and 1 to 2 cloves of finely minced garlic to the dough before bulk fermentation. The flavors meld perfectly during the slow rise. Brush with garlic butter after baking for an extra savory hit.

3. Sourdough Dinner Rolls with Cheese

Fold in ½ cup of shredded cheddar or parmesan after the first rise. This adds a delightful cheesiness and creates a soft crumb. They’re perfect served with soups or chili.

4. Overnight Sourdough Rolls Recipe

Prepare the dough in the evening, shape the rolls, and let them proof overnight in the fridge. In the morning, bake them straight from cold. This is a great option for holiday meals or when you want fresh bread for breakfast or brunch.

Questions You’re Probably Asking

Servings with the Recipe

When serving sourdough rolls recipe, here are numerous delicious recipes and dishes you can pair them with to create a satisfying meal :

1. Soups:
   • Tomato Soup: A classic pairing, especially when garnished with fresh herbs or a dollop of cream.
   • Minestrone or Zuppa Toscana: These hearty soups complement the texture of sourdough well​.
2. Salads:
   • Sourdough Panzanella: This Tuscan bread salad combines chunks of sourdough with fresh vegetables and a vinaigrette, making it a refreshing side dish.
   • Hearty Salads: Salads with robust ingredients like grains or proteins (e.g., chicken or beans) pair nicely with sourdough, providing a great texture contrast​.
3. Spreads and Dips:
   • Hummus or Olive Tapenade: These creamy or savory dips work wonderfully spread on sourdough, enhancing its flavor.
   • Herbed Olive Oil: A simple dip made with olive oil and fresh herbs can elevate the experience.
4. Main Dishes:
   • Beef Stroganoff or Chicken Tetrazzini: These creamy pasta dishes can be beautifully complemented by the sourdough’s chewy texture​.
   • Grilled Cheese with Tomato: This combo can be made more exciting by adding ingredients like kimchi or jalapeños for a twist​.
5. Breakfast Options:
   • Avocado Toast: A trendy choice that can be topped with eggs or smoked salmon for a satisfying breakfast​.
   • French Toast: Utilizing sourdough for French toast is a delightful way to start the day​

These Rolls Are Pure Sourdough Joy

Baking your own sourdough rolls is one of those kitchen rituals that never gets old. Every batch is a little different, but always full of care and character. With this sourdough rolls recipe, you get all the things we love about homemade bread soft, fluffy centers, golden crusts, and that gentle tang only sourdough can bring.

These rolls have earned a permanent spot on my dinner table, whether it’s Sunday supper or a holiday feast. They’re perfect for sharing, dunking in soup, layering into sliders, or just enjoying with a pat of butter and a drizzle of honey.

These irresistible sourdough rolls are soft and fluffy, with a hint of tanginess from the sourdough starter. Just like Cinnamon Sourdough rolls or Sourdough Bagel, you’ll be amazed at how simple they are to prepare!”