Sourdough Rolls Recipe

Recipe by Kenza Edem

0.0 from 0 votes

Difficulty: Medium

Servings

rolls

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories per roll

180

kcal

Rise time

hours

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.

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

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

Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, stir together your sourdough starter, warm water, and sugar or honey until combined. Add the flour and salt, then mix until a rough, shaggy dough forms.
Knead Until Smooth: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes. It should become smooth and elastic, a bit tacky but not sticky.
Let it Rise (First Rise): Place the dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise at room temperature for 4 to 6 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Shape the Rolls: Once risen, punch down the dough gently and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each one into a ball and place them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.
Second Rise: Cover the rolls loosely with a towel and let them rise again for 2 to 4 hours, until they’re puffy and airy to the touch.
Bake to Golden Perfection: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they’re beautifully golden brown on top.
Cool and Serve: Transfer the rolls to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with a smear of butter, or let them cool completely and store for later.

Notes

Watch your starter: Make sure it’s active and bubbly, this is key to getting a good rise and flavor.
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.
Don’t skip the second rise: This helps develop the airiness and gives the rolls their soft, pillowy interior.
Want a crustier top? Brush the rolls with water right before baking, or place a pan of water in the oven to create steam.

Nutrition Facts

Total number of serves: 12
Calories: 180kcal
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Sodium: 200mg
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1.5g
Protein: 4g

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @therecipemasterblog on Instagram and hashtag it with #therecipemaster

Like this recipe?

Follow @therecipemasterblog on Pinterest

Follow us on Facebook!

Follow The Recipe Master on Facebook

Why These Sourdough Rolls Are Always a Hit

I’ve baked a lot of rolls in my day, but these sourdough beauties? They never let me down. From weeknight dinners to cozy holiday meals, they always bring that special something to the table. Here’s what makes this recipe so lovable:

Deep, developed flavor: Thanks to the natural fermentation of the sourdough starter, you get that signature tang that can’t be replicated by commercial yeast.
Perfect texture: A slightly crisp crust on the outside, with a soft, fluffy inside that pulls apart beautifully.
Versatile for any meal: Great with soups, stews, or simply slathered with butter or jam.
No fancy equipment: You don’t need a mixer or proofing baskets, just your hands and a bowl.
Naturally leavened: A great way to avoid commercial yeast while embracing traditional baking.

Want to adjust the recipe for your dietary needs or flavor preferences? Here’s how:

Vegan-friendly: Use olive oil instead of butter and maple syrup or sugar instead of honey.
Gluten-free option: While gluten-free sourdough baking is trickier, you can use a gluten-free sourdough starter and a blend of gluten-free flours like buckwheat, brown rice, and sorghum. Just expect a different texture.
Add-ins: Mix in fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, roasted garlic, or even shredded cheese for flavor variations.

Get Ahead (So You’re Not Scrambling Later)

If you’re anything like me, you love a little prep to keep things chill when baking. A few simple steps ahead of time will save you stress, and mess, when you’re ready to roll.

Here’s what you can prep ahead of time:

Feed your starter: Make sure it’s active and bubbly a few hours before baking.
Pre-mix the dry ingredients: Combine flour and salt in a bowl, cover it, and set aside.
Measure the olive oil or butter and sweetener: Store them in small containers so they’re ready to go.
Line your baking tray: Get that parchment paper down so you’re set when it’s time to shape the rolls.

The Handy Tricks That Keep Me Coming Back to This Recipe

I’ve made this recipe at least 10 times, and trust me, and let me tell you, every batch has taught me a new little trick. Whether you’re just getting into sourdough or you’ve already got your starter in full swing, these tips are like gold. Here’s what I’ve learned the tasty way:

Use a kitchen scale: It’s the most reliable way to get consistent, spot-on dough every time.
Rest the dough after mixing: A quick 15-minute rest (called autolyse) helps the flour hydrate and makes kneading way easier.
The poke test is your best friend: Gently press the dough with your finger, if it springs back slowly, it’s perfectly proofed.
Steam is magic: Add a pan of hot water to the oven for a crust that’s crisp without being tough.
Let them cool completely: It’s tempting to dive right in, but cooling on a rack prevents sogginess.

And hey, if you’re still nurturing your sourdough starter, I highly recommend checking out this foolproof starter guide. It walks you through everything, step-by-step, even if you’re brand new to sourdough baking.

Variations to Try (Because Rolls Shouldn’t Be Boring)

If you’re anything like me, you probably love switching things up based on the mood, or what’s hiding in the fridge. These twists are super fun and give you a whole new flavor vibe with just a few simple tweaks.

Garlic Herb Rolls
Add 1 tbsp minced garlic and your favorite herbs (rosemary is my go-to). Amazing for holiday dinners or a rustic soup night.
Cheddar Chive Rolls
Fold in ½ cup shredded cheddar and 1 tbsp chopped chives. These make seriously good sandwich sliders!
Honey Butter Rolls
Want something cozy and a little sweet? Increase the honey to 2 tbsp and brush the tops with warm honey butter right after baking. If you’re into warm, sweet flavors, you might also love this Chai Cinnamon Recipe, a dreamy drink pairing!
Whole Wheat Upgrade
Sub 1 cup of the flour with whole wheat for a nuttier flavor and more fiber.
Overnight Rolls
After shaping, cover and chill them overnight. Let them come to room temp for an hour or two in the morning, then bake. This is great for brunch or holiday mornings.

Oh, and if you love baking with sourdough and cinnamon, you’ve got to try The Ultimate Cinnamon Sourdough Recipe. It’s soft, swirly, and totally irresistible. And don’t forget the perfect glaze to go with it!

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 :

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

Questions You’re Probably Asking About the Sourdough Rolls Recipe (FAQ)

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?

Usually, this comes down to your sourdough starter. It needs to be super active and bubbly, ideally fed 4-6 hours before you mix your dough. Temperature also matters: a warmer room speeds up the rise, while a chilly kitchen can slow things way down.

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.

Can I make these rolls with whole wheat flour?

Yes, absolutely! You can substitute up to 1 cup of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Just keep in mind the texture will be a little denser and the flavor nuttier, which is actually pretty amazing!

How do I know when my dough is done proofing?

Try the poke test! Gently press your finger into the dough, if it springs back slowly and leaves a slight indent, it’s good to go.

Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?

Traditional sourdough relies on gluten for structure, but don’t worry, you’re not out of luck! Check out this gluten-free sourdough bread recipe for a great alternative. It uses a gluten-free starter and flour blend that’s tailored for tender, flavorful loaves.

Give These Rolls a Try, You’re Gonna Love Them

If you’re anything like me, once you try this sourdough rolls recipe, it’ll quickly become a go-to in your baking lineup. They’re rustic, comforting, and have that perfect balance of chewy and fluffy, basically everything you want in a homemade roll. And the best part? They’re surprisingly simple once you’ve got the rhythm down.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday table, meal prepping for the week, or just need a little kitchen therapy on a Sunday afternoon, these sourdough rolls bring joy with every bite. I hope this recipe brings as much warmth to your kitchen as it has to mine, happy baking, friend!