Soft and Tangy Sourdough Rolls
Sourdough rolls are light, fluffy, and full of flavor, thanks to natural fermentation. Perfect for dinner, sandwiches, or alongside soups and stews, these rolls have a slightly tangy taste that sets them apart from ordinary bread. With a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can make bakery-quality rolls at home.
Ingredients
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1 cup (240 ml) active sourdough starter
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1/2 cup (120 ml) water, lukewarm
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2 tablespoons sugar or honey
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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1 teaspoon salt
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2 1/2–3 cups (300–360 g) all-purpose flour
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1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the active sourdough starter, water, sugar (or honey), and melted butter. Stir to combine.
Add salt and 2 1/2 cups of flour gradually, mixing until a soft dough forms. Add more flour if needed—dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
2. Knead
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5–6 minutes.
3. First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let rise at room temperature for 3–4 hours, or until doubled in size. The timing may vary depending on the strength of your sourdough starter.
4. Shape the Rolls
Punch down the dough and divide it into 8–12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space for expansion.
5. Second Rise
Cover the rolls and let them rise for 1–2 hours, until puffy.
6. Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If desired, whisk an egg with 1 tablespoon of water and brush over the rolls for a shiny golden finish.
7. Bake
Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped on the bottom.
8. Cool
Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.
Tips for Perfect Sourdough Rolls
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Active starter: Make sure your sourdough starter is bubbly and active for the best rise.
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Room temperature ingredients: Helps dough rise evenly.
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Don’t over-flour: Slightly sticky dough gives softer rolls.
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Steam in oven: Place a small pan of water at the bottom of the oven for a crispier crust.
Variations
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Garlic & Herb Rolls: Add 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme and 1 minced garlic clove to the dough.
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Cheese Rolls: Fold in shredded cheddar or Parmesan before shaping.
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Whole Wheat Sourdough Rolls: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
Storage
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Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days.
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Freeze for up to 1 month; thaw at room temperature and warm before serving.
Serving Suggestions
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Use for sandwiches or sliders
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Serve alongside soups, stews, or roasted meats
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Top with butter, honey, or jam for breakfast
Final Thoughts
Sourdough rolls are tender, flavorful, and versatile. While they require a bit of time for rising, the reward is a batch of soft, tangy rolls that taste better than store-bought. Once you master these, you’ll have a staple for countless meals and occasions.