The smell of fresh bread in the kitchen is very comforting. It brings back happy memories and fills you with joy. Seeing warm, soft sourdough dinner rolls makes everyone feel special.
We’ll show you how to make these delicious sourdough rolls from scratch. Imagine biting into a roll that’s crispy outside and soft inside. It’s full of sourdough flavor. This guide is perfect for both experienced and new bakers.
Table of Contents
What Sets These Sourdough Dinner Rolls Apart
These sourdough dinner rolls offer a fresh twist on traditional dinner rolls. Their recipe is simple, allowing you to mix, rise, shape, and bake in just one day. Unlike other recipes, these rolls are light and fluffy, thanks to all-natural ingredients.
The sourdough starter is the key to their amazing taste and texture. It adds a tangy flavor. Plus, the easy baking process makes them accessible to both seasoned bakers and beginners. These easy sourdough rolls will wow your loved ones with their mouthwatering qualities.
“These sourdough dinner rolls are a game-changer. The light, fluffy texture and tangy flavor make them the perfect accompaniment to any meal.”
Baking Schedule for Sourdough Dinner Rolls
Making sourdough dinner rolls is easier with a good baking schedule. This recipe has a detailed timeline. It helps you manage the rise times for perfect homemade rolls every time.
The process starts the night before with mixing the levain. This step lets the sourdough starter ferment and gain its tangy flavor. After the levain is ready, you mix the dough, let it bulk ferment, shape the rolls, and then proof them before baking.
For your rolls to rise right, keep the dough temperature between 78-80°F. This temperature is perfect for yeast to make the rolls light and fluffy.
- The night before: Mix the levain and let it ferment for 10-12 hours at 78-80°F.
- The day of baking: Mix the dough and let it bulk ferment for about 4 hours at 78-80°F, until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the dough into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking pan.
- Proof the shaped rolls for 3-4 hours at 80-85°F until they have doubled in size and are light, fluffy, and airy.
- Bake the sourdough dinner rolls at 350°F for approximately 25-28 minutes, until they reach an internal temperature of 190-205°F.
By sticking to this baking schedule, you can enjoy homemade sourdough dinner rolls with ease. The timeline helps plan ahead. It ensures your dough is fermented and risen right, for perfect texture and flavor every time.
| Step | Time | Temperature |
| Mix Levain | 10-12 hours | 78-80°F |
| Mix Dough | 4 hours | 78-80°F |
| Shape Dough | – | – |
| Proof Shaped Rolls | 3-4 hours | 80-85°F |
| Bake | 25-28 minutes | 350°F |
Follow this sourdough dinner roll baking schedule for perfect homemade rolls every time. They’ll be light and fluffy, impressing your family and friends.
Ingredients and Substitutions
This sourdough dinner roll recipe needs whole milk, sugar, unsalted butter, salt, cornstarch, and bread flour. These ingredients make the rolls light and fluffy. But, you can swap some ingredients if you need to.
Milk
Whole milk is best for its creamy texture. But, you can use 2% milk or almond or oat milk instead. Lower-fat milk might make the rolls less soft.
Sugar
Sugar adds sweetness and helps the crust turn golden. If you don’t like it too sweet, cut the sugar by 2 tablespoons.
Butter
Unsalted butter gives the rolls a rich flavor and softness. Salted butter works too, but use less salt.
Salt
Salt balances the flavors and enhances the taste. If you’re watching your salt intake, cut it by up to 1/4 teaspoon.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch makes the rolls extra soft. If you’re out of cornstarch, use the same amount of all-purpose flour.
Bread Flour
Bread flour is best for a good rise and chew. But, all-purpose flour works too. You might need 1-2 teaspoons of vital wheat gluten for better structure.
| Ingredient | Substitution |
| Whole Milk | 2% milk, almond milk, oat milk |
| Sugar | Reduce by up to 2 tablespoons |
| Unsalted Butter | Salted butter (reduce salt by 1/2) |
| Salt | Reduce by up to 1/4 teaspoon |
| Cornstarch | All-purpose flour (equal amount) |
| Bread Flour | All-purpose flour + 1-2 tsp vital wheat gluten |
Remember, changing ingredients can affect the rolls’ texture and taste. But, whole milk, sugar, butter, and bread flour are the best choices.
Preparing the Levain
To make the perfect sourdough dinner roll levain, start it the night before. This levain, or sourdough starter, adds a tangy flavor and a light, fluffy texture to your rolls.
Mix 90g of ripe, active sourdough starter for rolls with 120g of bread flour and 150g of cool water in a glass bowl. Cover it and let it ferment for 10-12 hours at 78-80°F. It should be bubbly and peaked by then.
You can also use a well-maintained, refreshed sourdough starter instead. This saves time but the levain method gives a more complex flavor to your sourdough discard rolls.
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Ripe, active sourdough starter | 90g |
| Bread flour | 120g |
| Cool water | 150g |
Once your levain is ready, mix it into the final dough for your sourdough dinner rolls. The slow fermentation of the levain makes these rolls special.
Mixing the Dough and Bulk Fermentation
Making the perfect sourdough dinner roll dough is a fun task. Start by mixing all the ingredients – the ripe levain, warm milk, sugar, melted butter, salt, cornstarch, and bread flour – in a stand mixer. Knead for 5-8 minutes until the dough is smooth and slightly tacky.
Next, put the dough in a warm place, between 78-80°F, for about 4 hours. This step makes the dough light and fluffy. It’s thanks to the sourdough culture that works its magic during this time.
Watch the dough grow and smell more sour. To check if it’s ready, gently press it with a floured finger. If the dent fills back in slowly, it’s time to move on to the next step.
“The extended bulk fermentation is what sets these sourdough dinner rolls apart, imbuing them with a light and fluffy texture that can’t be achieved with regular instant yeast alone.”
Shaping the Sourdough Dinner Rolls
Learning to shape sourdough dinner rolls is crucial for a light and fluffy texture. After the dough rises, it’s time to shape it into individual rolls. This guide will help you shaping sourdough dinner rolls like a pro.
- Transfer the dough onto a clean surface with a light dusting of flour. Use a bench scraper or knife to divide the dough into 12 equal pieces, each weighing approximately 80 grams.
- Handle one portion of dough at a time. Roll and shape it into a smooth, round ball. Pinch and pull the sides towards the center, rotating the ball as you go.
- Place the shaped dough balls in a greased 9-inch round baking pan. Space them evenly apart. This helps them rise and bake together, creating a pull-apart texture.
The secret to shaping sourdough dinner rolls is to handle the dough gently. This keeps the air pockets in and makes the rolls light and airy. Now, the rolls are ready for the final proof before baking.
The sourdough roll shaping technique in this section is key to making homemade dinner rolls. They will look great and taste amazing. By following these steps, you’ll bake delicious sourdough rolls that everyone will love.
Proofing the Shaped Rolls
After shaping your sourdough dinner rolls, it’s time to let them rise. This step is crucial for achieving that light and fluffy texture. To get it right, proof the rolls in a warm 80-85°F environment for 3-4 hours. They should double in size and feel airy.
Maintaining the proper temperature for the dough is essential. The ideal range is 78-80°F. If it’s cooler, proofing will take longer. Warmer temperatures speed it up. Use an oven with the light on or a proofing box for the perfect environment.
Watch the dough closely as it proofs. Rolls are ready when they’ve doubled in volume and feel light when pressed. Avoid overproofing to prevent dense rolls.
| Proofing Time | Dough Temperature | Ideal Conditions |
| 3-4 hours | 78-80°F | Warm, humid environment (oven with light on or proofing box) |
By monitoring the proofing process and keeping the temperature right, you’ll get perfectly risen sourdough dinner rolls. They’re ready for the final baking stage.
Baking the sourdough dinner rolls recipe
Baking the perfect sourdough dinner rolls is the final step in this delightful homemade bread recipe. To achieve the desired golden-brown crust and fluffy interior, there are a few key steps to follow.
Preheating the Oven
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). This temperature will ensure the rolls bake evenly and develop that sought-after golden-brown crust.
Baking Time and Temperature
The sourdough dinner rolls should be baked for approximately 30 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 190-195°F (88-91°C). This baking time and temperature will result in a beautifully golden-brown crust that complements the light and fluffy interior.
Achieving the Perfect Crust
To enhance the color and flavor of the sourdough rolls, consider brushing them with melted butter immediately after they come out of the oven. This simple step will help lock in moisture and create a shiny, golden-brown crust that is simply irresistible.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking sourdough dinner rolls that are not only visually appealing but also incredibly delicious. Enjoy the satisfying aroma and taste of homemade, golden-brown sourdough rolls fresh from your oven!
Serving and Storing Suggestions
Fresh sourdough dinner rolls are great with many dishes. Try them with hearty soups, savory stews, or your favorite main course. Their light and fluffy texture goes well with bold flavors.
Leftover sourdough rolls can be stored in an airtight container or ziplock bag for up to 3 days. To store them for a longer period, freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until warm and crisp.
This recipe makes 12 rolls, perfect for enjoying some now and saving the rest. These rolls are great for serving a crowd or for future meals. They’re a must-have in your kitchen.
| Serving Suggestions | Storage Options |
| Serve warm alongside soups, stews, and main dishesPair with hearty meals to soak up delicious sauces and graviesEnjoy the rolls as a standalone snack or appetizer | Keep them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days.Freeze the rolls for up to 3 months for longer-term storageReheat frozen rolls in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through |
The beauty of homemade sourdough rolls is their simplicity and versatility. Use leftovers creatively. Enjoy serving sourdough dinner rolls, storing sourdough rolls, and sourdough roll leftovers for days.
Adapting the Recipe for Other Baked Goods
This easy sourdough dinner roll recipe is not just for dinner rolls. You can make hamburger buns, hot dog buns, and sandwich rolls with a few tweaks. It’s all about adjusting the dough to fit your needs.
Hamburger Buns and Hot Dog Buns
To make hamburger or hot dog buns, split the dough into equal parts. Shape them into round or long shapes. You’ll get 6 hamburger buns or 6 hot dog buns. Keep your kitchen at 72°F (22°C) for the best results.
Sandwich Rolls
For sandwich rolls, shape the dough into long oval shapes. This way, you can use the same recipe for different types of bread. It’s perfect for various meals and events.
Remember, baking time and temperature might change for the perfect crust and soft inside. Watch the buns closely while baking to get the look you want.
Exploring these adaptations lets you make more from your homemade dough. This recipe is a great addition to any baker’s collection. It offers endless possibilities for delicious baked goods.
Conclusion
This easy sourdough dinner rolls recipe is a great way to add sourdough’s unique taste and health benefits to your homemade bread. It uses natural fermentation and simple ingredients. This makes light, fluffy rolls that will wow your loved ones.
Whether you’re a sourdough pro or just starting, this recipe is easy to follow. It guides you from making the levain to getting a golden-brown crust. Each step is designed to help you get great results and enjoy the bread-making process.
With the tips and techniques from this article, you can make this recipe your own. Try making hamburger buns, hot dog rolls, or sandwich loaves. See how sourdough’s flavor and nutrition can make your homemade bread even better.
FAQ
What sets these sourdough dinner rolls apart?
These sourdough dinner rolls are easy to make. They rise and bake in just one day. They offer a light, fluffy texture and use all-natural ingredients.
What is the baking schedule for these sourdough dinner rolls?
The recipe has a sample baking schedule. It guides you through mixing the levain the night before. Then, you mix the dough, bulk ferment, shape, proof, and bake on the same day.
What are the key ingredients in this sourdough dinner roll recipe?
The recipe includes whole milk, sugar, unsalted butter, salt, cornstarch, and bread flour. You can also find substitutions for some ingredients.
How do I prepare the levain for these sourdough dinner rolls?
You need to make a levain, or sourdough starter, the night before. Or, you can use a well-maintained, refreshed sourdough starter.
How do I mix the dough and bulk ferment it?
Mix all ingredients in a stand mixer until smooth. Then, place the dough in a warm spot for about 4 hours to bulk ferment.
How do I shape the sourdough dinner rolls?
After bulk fermentation, divide the dough into 12 pieces. Shape each piece into a ball by pulling and pinching the sides.
How do I proof the shaped sourdough dinner rolls?
Place the dough balls in a round pan. Proof in a warm spot for 3-4 hours until they double in size and feel light.
How do I bake the sourdough dinner rolls?
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for about 30 minutes. They should reach 190-195°F and have a golden crust.
How can I serve and store the sourdough dinner rolls?
Serve the warm rolls with soups, stews, and main dishes. Store leftovers in an airtight container or ziplock bag at room temperature for a day. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I adapt this recipe for other baked goods?
Yes, you can shape the dough into hamburger buns, hot dog buns, or sandwich rolls. Adjust the size and baking time for the desired result.
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