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

Baking your own sourdough rolls at home is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of fresh bread. These rolls offer the perfect blend of a soft, chewy interior with a golden, crispy crust and that signature tangy flavor unique to sourdough. Made with wholesome, simple ingredients, they’re versatile enough to enjoy with sandwiches, as a side, or on their own. Whether you’re new to sourdough or a seasoned baker, this recipe is a fun and satisfying project that results in rich, complex flavors you won’t find in store-bought rolls.

Sourdough is a type of bread made from naturally fermented dough using a sourdough starter, a mixture of flour and water that captures wild yeast and beneficial bacteria. Unlike breads made with commercial yeast, sourdough undergoes a long fermentation process, which gives it its distinctive tangy flavor and chewy texture. This process also offers several health benefits :

Sourdough is easier to digest due to the fermentation process breaking down gluten, which can make it a better option for individuals with mild gluten sensitivities or those who experience discomfort with conventional bread.
It has a lower glycemic index, making it a good choice for controlling blood sugar.
The long fermentation enhances nutrient absorption, particularly minerals like zinc and magnesium.
Sourdough contains beneficial probiotics that promote gut health.
It’s a more natural and traditional bread-making process, free from artificial additives.

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!”

Ready to dive deeper into the world of sourdough? Discover the secrets of creating your own sourdough starter by checking out our detailed recipe—it’s the perfect first step to baking your delicious rolls!”

Sourdough Rolls Recipe

Recipe by kenzaDifficulty: Medium

Servings

rolls

Prep time

hours

Cooking time

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.

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.

Tips for Sourdough Rolls recipe :

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.

How to Store Sourdough Rolls :

Room temperature: Store the rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap the rolls tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven before serving.

Variants of This recipe

Garlic & Herb Sourdough Rolls: Add minced garlic and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough before shaping.
Whole Wheat Sourdough Rolls: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier roll.
Seeded Sourdough Rolls: Top the rolls with sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, or poppy seeds before baking.
Cinnamon Sourdough Rolls: Add a delightful twist to your sourdough rolls by incorporating a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling. For detailed recipe, go to cinnamon sourdough rolls

Frequenlty asked questions :

Can I make this recipe without a sourdough starter?

Unfortunately, no. The sourdough starter is what gives the rolls their signature flavor. You can, however, make a starter from scratch using flour and water.

Why didn’t my rolls rise enough?

This could be due to an inactive starter, cool fermentation environment, or under-kneading. Make sure your starter is bubbly and the dough has been properly kneaded.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! After the first rise, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking.

Servings with Sourdough Rolls :

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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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

Making sourdough rolls is more than just baking bread—it’s a process that connects you to the ancient tradition of fermentation. Whether you enjoy them with butter, jam, or as a sandwich roll, these sourdough rolls are sure to impress. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also a rewarding project that you’ll want to revisit again and again.