Sourdough dinner rolls are a wonderful addition to any family meal or special event. They are soft and pillowy, thanks to a 100% sourdough starter. This starter makes the rolls taste amazing and feel great in your mouth. Whether you’re a pro at sourdough or just starting, this recipe will help you make perfect rolls for your next meal.
Table of Contents
The Art of Sourdough Dinner Rolls
The Benefits of Sourdough
Sourdough dinner rolls give you a better dining experience than regular yeast rolls. The slow fermentation breaks down gluten and phytic acid. This makes the bread easier to digest and helps your body absorb nutrients better.
These homemade rolls are also healthier than store-bought ones. The natural fermentation boosts the bread’s gut health. Enjoy the artisanal bread taste with every bite of these naturally fermented rolls.
“A well-maintained sourdough starter can be used for weeks to come, with some bakers having starters they began 25 or more years ago.”
Sourdough is more than just a tasty treat. It’s a healthier choice for you and your family. Discover the sourdough benefits and make your dinner table special with these amazing rolls.
Ingredients and Equipment
Ingredients
The main ingredients for these sourdough dinner rolls are bread flour, active sourdough starter, whole milk, and unsalted butter. Sugar and salt add to the flavor. Cornstarch makes the rolls soft.
Bread flour gives the rolls structure and rise. The sourdough starter adds a tangy flavor. Whole milk and butter make the rolls soft and tender.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Active sourdough starter | 7 ounces / 1 ¼ cups / 200 grams |
| Bread flour | 13 ounces / 2 ½ cups to 3 cups / 370 grams |
| Water | 6.5 oz / ¾ cup plus 1 tablespoon / 185 grams |
| Sugar | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 ½ teaspoons |
| Yeast | ½ teaspoon |
You’ll also need a stand mixer, baking sheet, and round pan. These tools make baking easier and faster.
Many reviewers have given the sourdough discard rolls recipe high ratings. They say it’s easy and quick, taking about 2 hours to make. Most of this time is spent waiting for the dough to rise.
“The recipe claims to be both straightforward and time-efficient, taking about 2 hours to prepare, with most of the time being hands off during the rise.”
Preparing the Sourdough Starter
Creating a flavorful sourdough starter is key for baking delicious dinner rolls. You can use a levain or a recently fed, active sourdough starter. The goal is to make sure your starter is ready to go before mixing it into the dough.
To make the levain, mix sourdough starter, flour, and water in a clean container the night before. Let it ferment for 10-12 hours at 78-80°F. It should double in size, get bubbly, and smell slightly sour. Or, you can use a active sourdough starter instead, following a similar timeline.
When your sourdough starter or levain is ready, it’s time to mix the dough for your sourdough dinner rolls. Make sure your active sourdough is at its best before adding it to the dough.
“The secret to exceptional sourdough dinner rolls lies in the quality and activity of your sourdough starter. Invest time in maintaining a healthy, active sourdough culture, and your rolls will be a true delight.”
Mixing and Kneading the Dough
To make perfect sourdough dinner rolls, focus on mixing and kneading. Start by mixing warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar in a big bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it gets frothy and active.
Then, add the sourdough starter, whole milk, melted butter, bread flour, salt, and milk powder to the yeast mix. Use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead the dough on medium speed for 10-15 minutes. The dough should be smooth, slightly tacky, and strong.
Bulk Fermentation
After kneading, put the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it ferment in a warm place for 3-4 hours. During this time, the dough will get more air and become stronger. It might not rise much, but this slow process is key for flavor and texture.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Warm Water | 120g |
| Active Dry Yeast | 12g |
| Sugar | 55g |
| Bubbly Starter | 60g |
| Whole Milk | 240g |
| Unsalted Butter | 28g |
| Bread Flour | 450-500g |
| Salt | 12g |
| Milk Powder | 20g |
By using this exact mixing and kneading method, and a slow bulk fermentation, you’ll make delicious sourdough dinner rolls.
Shaping and Proofing the Rolls
After the dough ferments, it’s time to shape and proof your sourdough dinner rolls. This step is crucial for a light and airy texture. Let’s explore the details:
Start by dividing the dough into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a tight, smooth ball. This helps create a taut exterior for a beautiful rise.
Then, place the shaped rolls in a greased round baking pan. Cover the pan with a large, reusable plastic cover or a snap-on half-sheet pan lid. This prevents a skin from forming on the dough as it proofs.
Put the pan in a warm 80-85°F environment for 3-4 hours. The rolls will double in size and become light and airy. If the dough temperature is cooler, you might need to extend the proofing time.
To check if the rolls are ready, gently poke one with your finger. The dough should spring back slowly, leaving a small indent. This means the rolls are perfectly proofed.
Remember, the key to shaping and proofing sourdough rolls is gentle handling, a warm environment, and enough time for rising. Follow these tips for beautifully shaped, light, and airy sourdough dinner rolls.
Baking sourdough dinner rolls
Now that your sourdough starter is ready and the dough is proofed, it’s time to bake. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Get ready for the amazing smell of freshly baked bread.
First, grease a baking sheet or use parchment paper. Place the dough rounds on it, leaving space for them to grow. Cover with a towel and rest for 10-15 minutes before baking.
Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, until they’re golden brown. Watch them closely as oven times can vary. Use a thermometer to check if they’re done, aiming for 190-195°F inside.
Once baked, brush the rolls with melted butter. This makes the crust soft and shiny. Let them cool a bit before serving for the best texture.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Active dry yeast | 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) |
| Warm water | 3/4 cup (177 grams) |
| Sourdough discard | 1/2 cup (142 grams) |
| Sugar | 1/4 cup (50 grams) |
| Melted butter | 1/4 cup (56 grams) |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon (2 grams) |
| All-purpose flour | 2 1/2 cups (350 grams) |
Follow these steps for perfectly baked sourdough dinner rolls. They’ll impress your family and friends. Enjoy the homemade sourdough goodness.
Serving and Storing
These sourdough dinner rolls are best enjoyed warm. They pair well with hearty soups, stews, or any main dish. The smell of freshly baked sourdough is irresistible, making everyone look forward to trying them.
Leftover rolls? No worries. Store them in an airtight container or ziplock bag at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, just place them in a 350°F oven for a few minutes until warm and ready.
- Serve the sourdough dinner rolls warm, straight from the oven for maximum enjoyment.
- Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container or ziplock bag at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- For longer storage, freeze the rolls for up to 3 months.
- To reheat frozen rolls, place them in a 350°F oven for a few minutes until warmed through.
These sourdough dinner rolls have golden-brown crusts and soft interiors. They impress everyone, whether as part of a cozy meal or a snack. The sourdough’s tangy flavor and the rolls’ buttery taste are unbeatable together.
Conclusion
Making sourdough dinner rolls at home is very rewarding. This recipe shows you how to do it, from starting a sourdough starter to baking the rolls. You’ll learn to make easy sourdough recipes and great family dinner ideas.
The slow fermentation makes the rolls taste better and easier to digest. It also lets you practice and get better at making homemade bread. This recipe is perfect for both new and experienced bakers. It helps you make delicious sourdough rolls that everyone will love.
Start your sourdough baking journey with this recipe. It only needs a few ingredients and some planning. You’ll enjoy making and eating these homemade sourdough rolls. They’re perfect for any easy sourdough recipes and family dinner ideas.