Sourdough Dinner Rolls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sourdough Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and full of tangy, complex flavor thanks to natural fermentation. Perfect for holiday dinners, special gatherings, or everyday meals, these rolls have a tender crumb and golden crust that make them irresistible. They’re a great way to use up sourdough starter and add homemade charm to your table.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)
all-purpose flour
milk (warm)
unsalted butter (softened)
egg
honey or sugar
salt
optional: egg wash (egg + water) for golden tops

directions

In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the sourdough starter, warm milk, egg, honey, and butter. Mix until well blended.

Add the flour and salt gradually, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.

Knead by hand or with a dough hook for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Cover the dough and let it rise at room temperature for 4–6 hours, or until doubled in size (rise time may vary based on ambient temperature and starter strength).

Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball.

Place the rolls in a greased baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Cover and let rise again for 1–2 hours, until puffy.

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Brush the tops of the rolls with egg wash if desired.

Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and baked through.

Cool slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 12 rolls.
Preparation time: 25 minutes
First rise: 4–6 hours
Second rise: 1–2 hours
Baking time: 20–25 minutes
Total time: 6–9 hours (mostly inactive)

Variations

Use whole wheat flour for a heartier roll.
Add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough.
Top with sesame or poppy seeds for extra crunch.
Make smaller rolls for sliders or sandwich buns.

storage/reheating

Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 10–15 seconds.
Freeze baked rolls for up to 2 months and thaw before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, shape the rolls and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking.

What kind of sourdough starter should I use?
An active, well-fed starter that’s bubbly and ready to rise dough.

Can I skip the egg?
Yes, but the rolls may be slightly less rich in texture.

Do I need a stand mixer?
No, the dough can be kneaded by hand with a little patience.

Why didn’t my rolls rise well?
Make sure your starter is active and give enough time for fermentation.

Can I use dairy-free milk and butter?
Yes, unsweetened almond or oat milk and vegan butter will work.

How do I get super soft rolls?
Use whole milk and don’t overbake. A bit of honey also helps with softness.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Not with this exact recipe—sourdough gluten-free baking requires different ratios and flours.

Should I cover them while baking?
No, bake uncovered for golden tops.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger baking dish and extend baking time slightly if needed.

Conclusion

Sourdough Dinner Rolls are the perfect combination of homey comfort and artisan flavor. Soft, pillowy, and full of natural tang, they elevate any meal with their homemade charm. Whether you’re new to sourdough or a seasoned baker, these rolls are sure to become a favorite in your baking rotation.

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