Soft Sourdough Dinner Rolls

There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked soft sourdough dinner rolls wafting through the house. Growing up, my grandmother would make these rolls every Sunday, filling the kitchen with warmth and that unmistakable yeasty aroma. Friends and family gathered around the table, and the rolls quickly disappeared after rising golden and fluffy.

The love put into those rolls showed me how food can bring joy far beyond the plate. Soft sourdough dinner rolls have a comforting quality, whether slathered with butter or used to mop up savory sauces. This recipe, filled with patience and a bit of technique, is perfect for those chilly evenings when comfort food reigns supreme.

As you dive into the process of making these soft sourdough rolls, remember that every step builds upon the previous one, just like memories made around a family table. Ready to dive into the world of soft sourdough dinner rolls? Let’s get started!

Soft Sourdough Dinner Rolls

Fundamentals

Soft sourdough dinner rolls combine the tangy goodness of sourdough with the tender texture of a soft roll. To achieve this delightful balance, understanding the fermentation process is crucial. Sourdough starter, a mixture of flour and water fermented over time by wild yeast and bacteria, gives these rolls their unique flavor and airy quality.

Active sourdough starter is the hero of this recipe. This living culture transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Allowing the dough to rise properly unlocks flavors and ensures the rolls develop their characteristic texture. With the right timing and techniques, you can create rolls that will delight your taste buds.

Preparation/setup

Before diving into the baking, a few preparations can streamline the process. Gather your ingredients: unsalted butter, whole milk, active sourdough starter, an egg, sugar, all-purpose flour, and salt. Each element plays a critical role in achieving that classic soft sourdough texture.

Settle into a workspace that allows for ease of movement. Clean a large mixing bowl and grease your baking dish. Preparing these tools before starting the mixing process prepares you for success. This thoughtful preparation enhances the joy of baking, allowing you to focus on crafting delicious rolls.

Ingredients

• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 240 grams whole milk
• 200 grams active sourdough starter
• 1 egg
• 50 grams sugar
• 500 grams all-purpose flour
• 13 grams salt
• For finishing:
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
  • Kosher salt

Directions

1. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and pour in the milk.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the starter, egg, and sugar; mix until combined.
3. Add the butter-mixture and mix to combine thoroughly.
4. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until no dry flour remains. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed.
5. Switch to the dough hook and mix on low speed for 8-10 minutes. The dough should look smooth and pass the windowpane test.
6. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise until doubled in size (about 12-14 hours).
7. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 15 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a roll.
8. Arrange the rolls in the prepared baking dish in a 3×5 grid. Cover and allow them to rise at room temperature until puffed (approximately 1.5 to 3 hours).
9. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Bake the rolls on the middle rack for 25-30 minutes until they are browned to your liking and baked through.
10. Remove from the oven, brush with the melted butter, and sprinkle with kosher salt.

Technique Behind the Softness

Creating soft sourdough dinner rolls is all about technique. Kneading the dough correctly helps develop the gluten structure. Gluten, a network of proteins formed when flour and water mix, gives the rolls their delightful chew.

Mixing the dough on low speed helps maintain its tender texture while incorporating air bubbles. The windowpane test is essential to check if you’ve kneaded enough. It tells you that the dough has reached the right elasticity and structure, which will yield fluffy rolls.

Tips/tricks

• Prep the starter: Make sure your sourdough starter is active before using it. A well-fed starter results in better flavor and rise.
• Knead properly: Pay attention to the windowpane test as you knead. If you stretch the dough thinly and it holds without tearing, it’s ready.
• Be patient: The long rise time allows the flavors to develop. Don’t rush this step; your rolls will reward you with incredible taste.
• Use temperature wisely: Keeping your kitchen warm can enhance rising times. If it’s cold, the dough may take longer to rise, so be prepared!

Perfecting Results

Achieving the perfect soft sourdough dinner rolls can require a bit of trial and error. Every kitchen offers different climates and temperatures, impacting the final result.

Monitoring your dough as it rises is essential. If it rises too quickly, you may end up with dense rolls. Too slow, and they might not rise enough. Keeping an eye on the dough helps you perfect your technique over time.

Troubleshooting/variations

• Dough is too sticky: If the dough is stickier than expected, add a bit more flour while kneading. Avoid adding too much, as it can alter the texture.
• Dense rolls: If the rolls turn out dense, they might not have risen adequately. Ensure proper fermentation next time.
• Flavor adjustments: Feel free to add herbs or garlic powder to the dough to customize the flavor to your liking.

Serving and Presentation

Soft sourdough dinner rolls are perfect for any meal, whether they’re served alongside a holiday feast or a casual weeknight dinner. Present them on a beautiful dish, brushing the tops with melted butter and a sprinkle of kosher salt for that inviting shine.

Consider adding a few herbs or seeds on top before baking for added visual appeal and flavor. Fresh herbs can enhance the rolls’ beauty and taste, making them perfect for entertaining.

Pairings/storage

These soft sourdough dinner rolls are incredibly versatile. They go well with soups, stews, or any main course. They also effortlessly accompany a charcuterie board.

Store fully cooled leftovers in an airtight container or ziplock bag at room temperature for up to three days. For optimal softness when reheating, wrap the rolls in a slightly damp paper towel and microwave them for a few seconds.

Soft sourdough dinner rolls embody warmth and comfort, turning any meal into a cherished occasion. Their tantalizing scent and fluffy texture will surely become a staple in your home.

Weaving memories around a table laden with these soft rolls creates experiences that last a lifetime, bringing loved ones together to savor not just food, but the joy shared in each bite.

Print