admin1 These soft and fluffy sourdough rolls are everything you want in homemade bread: a golden, lightly crisp crust, a tender and airy center, and that wonderful tangy sourdough flavor.
Made with a natural sourdough starter, these rolls are perfect for dinner, sandwiches, breakfast, or enjoying warm from the oven with a little butter. They’re simple enough for everyday baking and delicious enough to serve at special occasions.
Recipe Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 25 minutes |
| Fermentation Time | 6–10 hours |
| Baking Time | 20–25 minutes |
| Total Time | Approximately 7–11 hours |
| Servings | 12 rolls |
| Oven Temperature | 200°C / 400°F |
| Difficulty | Easy to Medium |
Ingredients
- 100 g active sourdough starter
- 350 g bread flour
- 220 g lukewarm water
- 30 g softened butter
- 25 g honey or sugar
- 8 g salt
- 1 tablespoon milk, for brushing
- 1 tablespoon melted butter, for finishing
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the active sourdough starter, lukewarm water, and honey. Stir until the starter is mostly dissolved.
Add the bread flour and salt. Mix until a rough dough forms.
Add the softened butter and knead for approximately 8–10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
Step 2: First Fermentation
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
Allow it to ferment at room temperature for approximately 4–6 hours, depending on the temperature of your kitchen.
During the first 2 hours, perform 3–4 sets of stretch-and-folds, spaced about 30 minutes apart.
The dough should become noticeably puffy and increase in volume.
Step 3: Shape the Rolls
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.
Divide it into 12 equal portions, approximately 60 g each.
Shape each portion into a smooth ball by gently pulling the edges toward the center and rolling it against the work surface.
Place the shaped rolls into a lightly greased baking dish, leaving a little space between them.
Step 4: Final Proof
Cover the rolls and allow them to rise for approximately 2–4 hours, or until noticeably puffy and nearly doubled in size.
The exact time will depend on your kitchen temperature and starter strength.
For a more developed sourdough flavor, refrigerate the shaped rolls overnight and bake them the following day.
Step 5: Bake the Sourdough Rolls
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Lightly brush the tops of the rolls with milk.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
If the tops begin browning too quickly, loosely cover them with foil during the final minutes.
Step 6: Brush with Butter
Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush the tops with melted butter.
Allow them to cool for approximately 10 minutes before serving.
Enjoy them warm with butter, jam, soup, or your favorite sandwich fillings.
Nutrition Information
Estimated nutrition per roll:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 155 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 265 mg |
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.
Tips for the Best Sourdough Rolls
- Use an active starter: Your starter should be bubbly, recently fed, and able to rise reliably.
- Avoid adding too much flour: Slightly tacky dough helps produce soft, fluffy rolls.
- Allow enough fermentation: Sourdough rises more slowly than commercial yeast bread.
- Don’t rush the final proof: Properly proofed rolls will be lighter and softer.
- Brush with butter: This creates a tender crust and adds delicious flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make sourdough rolls without commercial yeast?
Yes! This recipe uses only natural sourdough starter for leavening. Make sure your starter is active and allow enough time for fermentation.
Why are my sourdough rolls dense?
Dense rolls can result from an inactive starter, insufficient fermentation, or adding too much flour. Allow the dough to become puffy before shaping and baking.
Can I prepare the rolls overnight?
Absolutely. Shape the rolls, cover them, and refrigerate overnight. The next day, allow them to become puffy at room temperature before baking.
How should I store sourdough rolls?
Store the cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat in a warm oven before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These homemade sourdough rolls are delicious served with:
- Creamy vegetable soup or chicken noodle soup
- Roast chicken, turkey, or beef
- Butter and homemade fruit jam
- Scrambled eggs for breakfast
- Cheese, lettuce, and sliced turkey for sandwiches
