Softest Sourdough Dinner Rolls: A Beginner’s Guide
Sourdough bread has earned its reputation for delivering a rich, tangy flavor and a soft, airy texture that’s simply unbeatable. If you’re a fan of fresh, warm bread straight out of the oven, this beginner-friendly recipe for sourdough dinner rolls will become your go-to. These rolls are so soft and fluffy, they’ll melt in your mouth, making them a perfect side for any meal. And the best part? This easy-to-follow method requires minimal effort thanks to your trusty stand mixer.
Let’s get started on creating these mouthwatering sourdough rolls!
Essential Steps Before You Begin
Before diving into the recipe, it’s important to prepare your sourdough starter. To ensure it’s active and bubbly, feed your starter at least 4 hours before starting the dough process. This ensures it’s full of the right yeast needed to give your rolls that signature lift and flavor.
Gather Your Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious rolls:
- Milk (room temperature)
- Melted butter
- Sugar
- Salt
- Bread flour (this creates that soft, fluffy texture)
- Active sourdough starter (100 grams or about ½ cup)
Step 1: Mixing the Dough
Start by adding the milk, melted butter, sugar, and salt to the bowl of your stand mixer (or a mixing bowl if you’re kneading by hand). Stir gently to dissolve the sugar. Then, add the flour and your sourdough starter. Mix everything together until combined.
Once the dough starts coming together, cover the bowl with a damp kitchen towel and allow it to rest for 30 minutes. This step, known as autolyse, helps relax the gluten and makes the dough easier to knead later.
Step 2: Kneading the Dough
Next, switch to the dough hook attachment of your stand mixer (or use your hands if you prefer) and knead the dough on low speed for 10-12 minutes, or until the dough is soft and smooth. If you’re kneading by hand, it’ll take about 8-10 minutes of steady work.
Once the dough is kneaded to perfection, transfer it to a buttered dish, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rest for 8-12 hours. By the end of this proofing period, the dough should nearly double in size.
Step 3: Shaping the Rolls
Once the dough has proofed, turn it onto a clean surface and divide it into 12 equal portions. Use a knife or a bench scraper for precision. Next, shape each piece into a ball by pinching the edges together and rolling it into a smooth ball.
This shaping technique is essential to ensure that the rolls rise beautifully and evenly when baked.
Step 4: Second Proofing
Now, it’s time for the second proof. Grease a 9×13 glass baking dish and arrange the rolls inside, leaving a bit of space between each one. As they rise, the rolls will touch each other and become “pull-apart” rolls, making them extra fun to eat!
Cover the dish with a damp towel and let the rolls proof for another 2-3 hours in a warm environment. If you need to make the rolls ahead of time, you can refrigerate them at this stage and bake them the next day.
Step 5: Baking the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top. Once they’re out of the oven, brush the tops with melted butter for that irresistible glossy finish. Want to take it a step further? Mix some garlic into the butter for a flavorful garlic roll twist!
The Perfect Bite
These sourdough dinner rolls are a total game-changer. They’re soft, pillowy, and just slightly sweet, thanks to the sugar added to the dough. The butter on top gives them a shine and a rich flavor that’s hard to resist. Whether you serve them as a side dish, use them for sliders, or even slather them with jam, these rolls are sure to steal the show at any meal.
Tips for Success
- Use bread flour: This flour helps create the softest texture.
- Be patient with the proofing: The longer the dough proofs, the more flavorful your rolls will be.
- Brush with butter: For that golden, glossy finish that’s impossible to resist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Beginner-Friendly: With minimal hands-on time, this recipe is great for first-time bread makers.
- Versatile: These rolls are perfect for dinner, holidays, or turning into mini sandwiches.
- Amazing Flavor: The tang from the sourdough starter and the soft, fluffy texture make these rolls stand out.
A Final Word
There’s nothing quite like the experience of baking homemade sourdough dinner rolls. Whether they’re served as a side, a slider, or just enjoyed warm with butter, these rolls are sure to bring comfort to any meal. So, grab your ingredients, prep your starter, and get ready to enjoy the satisfaction of freshly baked bread.
Happy baking! 🍞
