Fluffy Sourdough Dinner Rolls: Homemade Goodness
The smell of fresh bread in the kitchen is a joy many of us love. But making sourdough rolls from scratch can seem hard, especially for beginners. Yet, there’s a way to get that sourdough taste and softness with less time and effort. Welcome to sourdough discard dinner rolls – a big change for homemade bread lovers.
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Irresistible Soft Sourdough Dinner Rolls
Enjoy the amazing smell and soft feel of these homemade sourdough dinner rolls. They have a tangy taste that makes them great with any meal. Whether it’s a family dinner or a big event, these rolls are perfect.
Pillow Texture and Tangy Flavor
The secret to these sourdough dinner rolls is the right mix of ingredients and slow proofing. The sourdough starter adds a special tangy taste. The slow rise makes them soft and full of flavor.
Perfect for Any Occasion
These soft rolls are a must-have in every kitchen. They go well with soups, stews, or roasted meats. Or, enjoy them alone as a tasty snack. Their pillowy texture and tangy flavor please everyone.
“These sourdough dinner rolls are the perfect blend of soft and flavorful. I can’t get enough of them!”
Sourdough Dinner Rolls: A Family Tradition
Sourdough dinner rolls have been a beloved family tradition for years. They often appear at Sunday dinners. These homemade rolls were eagerly awaited and quickly enjoyed by everyone.
The smell of fresh sourdough rolls signaled the start of a special meal. Their soft texture and tangy taste have become a cherished part of the family’s cooking history. This tradition has been passed down through generations.
These rolls are a key part of family gatherings, whether with a Sunday roast or a big celebration. The process of kneading, shaping, and baking the rolls is a cherished tradition. It connects the family’s past and present.
“These sourdough rolls are more than just a recipe; they’re a piece of our family history, a tangible link to the flavors and memories of our past.”
When the family sits down together, the homemade sourdough rolls bring back memories. They remind everyone of the special moments they’ve shared. This recipe, passed down through generations, brings the family closer, creating a sense of belonging and unity.
Whether it’s a Sunday dinner or a special event, sourdough dinner rolls are always there. These rolls, filled with the flavors of the past and the love of today, are a big part of the family’s identity. They show the lasting power of homemade, comforting foods.
Baking Schedule for Sourdough Rolls
Creating delicious sourdough dinner rolls needs some planning ahead. But the end result is totally worth it. This recipe outlines a baking schedule for you. It guides you from preparing the levain on Day 1 to mixing, proofing, and baking on Day 2.
By sticking to this schedule, you’ll get the perfect rise and bake. Your sourdough rolls will be fluffy, tangy, and irresistible.
Day 1: Preparing the Levain
The first step is making the levain, the base of your sourdough rolls. Start by feeding your sourdough starter with 1 cup of flour and 3/4 cup of water. Cover it and let it rest at room temperature for 8-12 hours. It should be bubbly and active by then.
Day 2: Mixing, Proofing, and Baking
On Day 2, it’s time to mix the dough, let it proof, and bake. Start by mixing the levain with 3 1/2 cups of bread flour, 1 1/4 cups of warm water, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Knead the dough until it’s slightly tacky but not too wet.
Let the dough rise for 4 hours, until it doubles in size. Then, punch down the dough to get rid of air bubbles. Divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth, round ball and place them in a greased baking pan.
Let the rolls proof for 1-2 hours, until they puff up nicely. Bake them in a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven for 25-28 minutes. They should be golden brown and have an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C).
With this schedule, you’ll have freshly baked, soft sourdough dinner rolls. Enjoy their tangy flavor and irresistible texture!
Key Ingredients for Fluffy Sourdough Rolls
To make those irresistible fluffy sourdough dinner rolls, you need two key ingredients. First, a bubbly, active sourdough starter is essential. Then, a touch of rich dairy, like milk and butter, adds to the magic. Together, they create a heavenly texture and a tantalizing flavor.
Sourdough Starter
A well-nourished sourdough starter is the base of these rolls. It’s mixed with 113 grams of starter and 390 grams of bread flour. This mix gives the rolls their leavening power and that unique sourdough taste. It also helps achieve a wonderfully pillowy crumb.
Milk and Butter for Richness
Milk and butter make the dough tender and luxurious. You’ll use 15 equal pieces from the dough for each roll. These dairy ingredients add a rich, indulgent taste that complements the sourdough.
By blending sourdough starter, milk, and butter, you can make fluffy sourdough rolls that everyone will love. These ingredients work together to give you a truly exceptional homemade baking experience.
Mixing the Sourdough Dinner Roll Dough
Making fluffy sourdough dinner rolls begins with mixing the dough right. You need to mix sourdough starter, milk, butter, sugar, salt, and bread flour well. This makes a soft, smooth dough that will rise beautifully into delicious rolls.
First, make sure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly. Then, in a stand mixer or a big bowl, mix the starter, milk, melted butter, sugar, and salt until they’re all together. Slowly add the bread flour, kneading until the dough is soft and smooth. It should feel a bit tacky but not too sticky.
- In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the levain, milk, melted butter, sugar, and salt.
- Gradually add the bread flour, mixing until a soft, smooth dough forms.
- Knead the dough by hand or with the stand mixer for 5-7 minutes, until it becomes slightly tacky but not overly sticky.
After the dough comes together, cover it and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 60-90 minutes. It should double in size. This step is key for the sourdough flavor and the rolls’ soft texture.
“The secret to exceptional sourdough rolls lies in the art of mixing the dough – a delicate balance of ingredients that come together to create a soft, supple texture and tantalizing aroma.”
Now that the dough is ready, you can shape and proof the rolls. This step is important for their appearance and rise. We’ll cover this in the next section.
Shaping and Proofing the Rolls
Making perfectly shaped sourdough rolls is key in baking. After the dough rises, divide it into equal pieces. Shape them into smooth, round dough balls. This step ensures a consistent look and the right texture and structure.
Forming Perfect Dough Balls
To shape the dough balls, follow these simple steps:
- Gently punch down the dough to deflate it and release any trapped air bubbles.
- Divide the dough into equal portions, typically weighing around 85 grams each for standard dinner rolls.
- Using your hands, gently roll each piece of dough into a smooth, round ball, taking care to create a tight, even exterior.
- Place the dough balls in a greased baking dish, spacing them apart to allow for expansion during the second proofing.
Once the dough balls are shaped, it’s time to let them proof, or rise, a second time. During this process, the rolls will double in size and become light and puffy, ready for baking.
| Pan Size | Dough Ball Weight | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| LloydPans 10×2.25-inch round pan | 85 grams | Up to 14 rolls |
| USA Pan 8-inch square pan | 65 grams | Up to 16 rolls |
| Nordic Ware Aluminum Half Sheet | 120 grams | Up to 5 large buns |
To ensure a successful second proofing, use the right baking pans and watch the dough closely. The recommended pans provide even heat and nonstick surfaces for easy release. If the dough is too slack or sticky, a brief chill in the refrigerator can help firm it up before shaping.
With the dough balls shaped and proofing, your homemade sourdough dinner rolls are well on their way to achieving that perfect pillowy texture and tangy flavor.
Baking the Sourdough Dinner Rolls
The magic of homemade bread is about to unfold as you prepare to bake your fluffy sourdough dinner rolls. After letting the dough rise and shaping it into perfect round balls, it’s time to send them to the oven for the final transformation.
Preheat your oven to a toasty 350°F. Divide the risen dough into 16 equal pieces, carefully shaping each one into a smooth, round ball. Arrange the rolls in two buttered baking pans, with 8 rolls in each pan, leaving enough space for them to expand during baking.
Bake the sourdough dinner rolls for 20-25 minutes, until the tops are a gorgeous golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as the baking time may vary based on your oven. The internal temperature of the fully baked rolls should reach at least 195°F.
As soon as the baking sourdough rolls emerge from the oven, brush the tops with melted butter for a decadent, shiny finish. This simple step adds an extra layer of flavor and richness to your homemade bread.
Allow the oven baking rolls to cool for a few minutes before serving them warm, straight from the oven. The combination of the pillowy soft texture and the tangy sourdough flavor will have your family and guests reaching for seconds, or even thirds!
Freezing and Reheating Sourdough Rolls
Baking fresh sourdough dinner rolls is very rewarding. But, what if you want to enjoy them later? The good news is you can freeze sourdough rolls for up to 3 months. This makes them a great make-ahead option.
To freeze your sourdough rolls, let them cool completely after baking. Place the rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. This “flash freezing” stops the rolls from sticking together. Then, put the rolls in an airtight container or resealable freezer bag to keep them fresh.
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen sourdough rolls, just reheat them in the oven. Heat them for 10-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C). This way, you can enjoy the taste and texture of freshly baked rolls anytime, without starting from scratch.
Freezing sourdough rolls is a big help, especially for busy families or when you’re planning a big event. With this method, you can enjoy the convenience of reheating rolls while keeping the homemade quality your family and guests love.
“Freezing sourdough rolls is a lifesaver for busy cooks. It allows me to have freshly baked rolls on hand anytime, without the time and effort of making them from scratch each time.”
Sourdough Dinner Rolls
Make your family dinner special with homemade sourdough dinner rolls. They have a soft, pillowy texture and a tangy flavor. These rolls are perfect with roasted chicken, hearty stews, or simple salads.
The secret to these rolls is the slow fermentation. The sourdough starter adds flavor, and gentle kneading makes them light and airy. They need 7-10 hours for the bulk rise and 2 hours for the final proof.
Bake the rolls at 375°F for about 25 minutes. They should be golden brown and have an internal temperature of 190°F. Your family will love these soft and tender rolls.
To keep the rolls fresh, freeze them for up to 6 months. Reheat them in the oven or toaster when you’re ready. Enjoy these rolls as part of your family’s dinner traditions.
“The perfect accompaniment to any family meal, these sourdough dinner rolls are a taste of homemade goodness that will have your loved ones coming back for more.”
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 312 |
| Total Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 23mg |
| Sodium | 433mg |
| Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 8g |
| Protein | 7g |
Enjoy these homemade sourdough dinner rolls as part of your family’s cherished dinner traditions, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Variations and Substitutions
There are many ways to make sourdough dinner rolls fit your needs. You can find dairy-free or vegan options. These changes let you enjoy the same great taste and texture.
Dairy-Free Sourdough Rolls
For a dairy-free version, swap milk and butter with non-dairy options. Use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk instead of milk. For butter, choose a plant-based butter or coconut oil.
Vegan Sourdough Rolls
To make vegan rolls, replace eggs and dairy with plant-based choices. Use aquafaba (chickpea liquid) as an egg substitute. Vegan butter or coconut oil can replace regular butter. Adjust seasoning and baking time for the best results.
| Ingredient | Dairy-Free Substitution | Vegan Substitution |
|---|---|---|
| Milk | Unsweetened almond milk or oat milk | Unsweetened almond milk or oat milk |
| Butter | Plant-based butter or coconut oil | Plant-based butter or coconut oil |
| Eggs | N/A | Aquafaba (liquid from canned chickpeas) |
These simple swaps let you enjoy sourdough roll variations that fit your diet. Try different options to find your favorite.
Serving Suggestions for Homemade Rolls
Freshly baked sourdough dinner rolls are perfect for any meal. They go well with roasted meats, vegetarian dishes, or hearty soups. Their tangy taste and soft texture make them a hit at any event.
Try making mini sandwiches or sliders with these rolls. Just slice them in half, add your favorite fillings, and you have a tasty snack or light meal. They’re great for parties or as a pre-dinner treat.
For a fancy touch, serve the rolls in a basket or on a platter. Offer them with flavored butters, jams, or dipping sauces. This combo looks and tastes amazing.
Use the rolls as bases for mini sliders or sandwiches. Add your favorite toppings for a meal that’s easy to eat on the go. These are perfect for parties, picnics, or casual get-togethers.
| Serving Suggestion | Ideal Occasion |
|---|---|
| Alongside roasted meats, vegetarian entrees, or hearty soups | Family dinners, holiday gatherings, or casual meals |
| As mini sandwiches or sliders | Cocktail parties, appetizers, or light meals |
| Arranged in a basket or on a platter with flavored butters, jams, or dipping sauces | Brunch, tea parties, or as a bread course |
| As the base for mini sliders or sandwiches with your favorite toppings | Parties, picnics, or casual gatherings |
These homemade sourdough dinner rolls will impress your guests and make any meal better. Their versatility and flavor make them a must-have in your kitchen.
Conclusion
Baking sourdough dinner rolls at home is incredibly rewarding. This recipe shows you how to make them, from starting the levain to baking the rolls. You’ll get a delicious homemade treat that will become a family favorite.
This recipe uses the right mix of bread flours for a soft, fluffy texture and a crispy crust. It’s easy to fit into your schedule, thanks to its flexible timeline and ripe sourdough starter. So, you can enjoy fresh homemade bread whenever you want.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, this recipe is here to help. It offers clear steps and tips to make sure you succeed. Enjoy making these sourdough dinner rolls and share the amazing flavors with your loved ones.
