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Sourdough Dinner Rolls That Steal the Show: Fluffy, Tangy & Irresistible

Ever pulled apart a dinner roll so fluffy and tangy you thought it was cloud-based? That’s the power of this sourdough dinner rolls recipe—see the keyphrase sparkle with every pull-apart moment.

You know that moment when grandma’s rolls vanish before you’ve even sat down? Yeah, happen to me too. But then I baked these sourdough dinner rolls, and suddenly I’m the grandma. Picture that soft, tangy bite with butter melting right in—instant legend status.

Why this sourdough dinner rolls recipe is awesome

  • Perfect texture: light, airy and pillow-soft.
  • Tangy flavor: thanks to natural sourdough for oomph.
  • Snackable: so easy, you’ll pop two before dinner.
  • Showstopper-worthy: fancy enough for guests, chill enough for Netflix nights.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup active sourdough starter, bubbly and ripe
  • ½ cup warm milk (dairy or plant-based)
  • 2 Tbsp butter, melted (or coconut oil)
  • 1 Tbsp sugar or honey
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 cups bread flour (sub with 1:1 gluten-free blend + xanthan gum)
  • ½ tsp instant yeast (optional, for faster rise)

Substitutions:

  • Vegan? Swap milk and butter for plant versions.
  • No bread flour? All-purpose works, but slightly denser roll.

Tools & kitchen gadgets used

  • Mixing bowls – one for sponge, one for dough
  • Dough scraper – life-saver for sticky dough
  • Measuring cups/spoons – no blooper batches
  • 9×13″ baking dish or cast-iron skillet – perfect fluffy cluster
  • Kitchen towel or plastic wrap – to cover dough
  • Pastry brush – for buttery roll topping
  • Cooling rack – to keep crust crisp

Affiliate ideas: dough scraper, cast-iron skillet, pastry brush set, measuring cups kit.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. In your bowl, mix starter, milk, butter, sugar, and salt until blended.
  2. Add flour and yeast, stir into a shaggy dough.
  3. Knead 5–7 mins until smooth (use dough scraper if messy).
  4. Cover dough, let rise in a warm spot 4 hrs (or fridge overnight).
  5. Punch down, divide into 12 equal balls, arrange snugly in dish.
  6. Cover and proof another 1.5–2 hrs until puffy.
  7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush tops with butter.
  8. Bake 20–25 mins until golden. If tops brown too fast, tent foil.
  9. Warm, serve immediately – exhale, tear, repeat.

Calories & Nutritional Info (per roll, 12 rolls)

Two styles of sourdough rolls: plain and cheesy herb, close view.
  • Calories: ~160
  • Carbs: 22g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Fat: 6g
  • Fiber: 1g
    Note: Balanced macros with probiotic boost from sourdough.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using inactive starter? No rise—keep it bubbly.
  • Skipping knead time? Dough stays heavy, not cloud-like.
  • Overproofing? Too puffy = collapse in oven.
  • High heat? Tops burn before center’s done—tent them.

Variations & Customizations

  • Garlic herb rolls: Fold 1 tsp minced garlic + 1 tsp chopped rosemary into dough.
  • Cheesy pull-apart: Press ½ cup shredded cheese between layers.
  • Whole wheat twist: Replace ½ flour with whole wheat; add 1 Tbsp honey.
  • Keto swirl: No flour—use almond flour, eggs, and cheese for low-carb bites.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use instant yeast without starter?
    Yes—skip sourdough, but flavor won’t be the same.
  2. Why are my rolls dense?
    Likely under-kneaded or low-proof. Give them time.
  3. Can I freeze them?
    Yes—cool completely, freeze in zip bag, reheat in oven.
  4. How long does sourdough overnight proof take?
    6–12 hours in fridge; cold ferment adds depth.
  5. Can I make smaller slider rolls?
    Just divide into 24 balls, reduce bake to ~18 min.
  6. Do I brush tops before or after baking?
    Before gives sheen; after adds flavor. Do both if you want extra glitz.
  7. Is it okay to bake straight from fridge?
    Let proof ball pan and warm ~30 mins before baking for best puff.

Final Thoughts

These sourdough dinner rolls are hands-down the coziest, most impressive dinner side you’ll ever bake. They’re forgiving, fun, and turn any meal into a feast. Bake, butter, tear—then brag a little. Your dinner table just got upgraded.

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