Easy Sourdough Dinner Rolls
There’s something timeless about breaking bread together—especially when that bread is warm, fluffy, and fresh from your oven. These Easy Sourdough Dinner Rolls bring the best of both worlds: the rich flavor of fermented sourdough and the pillowy softness you expect from a dinner roll. It’s a recipe rooted in tradition but made for the everyday home cook.
A Bit of History
Dinner rolls have been a staple on American tables since the early 1900s. Fluffy yeast rolls graced Sunday suppers, church potlucks, and Thanksgiving feasts. But sourdough? That’s the old soul of bread baking. The tangy taste, developed through slow fermentation, dates back to ancient Egypt, and it has only grown more beloved through generations of bakers.
Combining these two traditions—the soft structure of rolls with the distinct sourdough flavor—feels like bringing a bit of history into your kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned sourdough baker or just starting out, this recipe offers a simple, satisfying way to make dinner rolls that wow.
🌀 Recipe Variations
- Garlic Herb Rolls: Add one teaspoon garlic powder and one tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, parsley, thyme) to the dinner roll dough.
- Cheesy Rolls: Fold in 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or parmesan) before shaping.
- Whole Wheat: Swap up to 1 cup of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
💥 Flavor Boosters
- Brush with garlic butter or herb-infused oil right out of the oven.
- Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning or sesame seeds before baking.
- Use browned butter for a deeper, nutty flavor.
🍽 What to Serve With
- Hearty stews and chilis
- Thanksgiving turkey or roast chicken
- Creamy soups like tomato basil or butternut squash
- Rolls add great texture to breakfast spreads with jam and scrambled eggs.
🍰 Dessert Pairings
- Apple crisp or baked cinnamon apples
- Pumpkin pie or sweet potato casserole
- Chocolate pudding or no-bake cheesecake
- Fresh berries with whipped cream compliment the fluffy dinner rolls.
❄️ Freezing & Storing
To Store:
You can keep rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to 5 days and reheat before serving.
To Freeze (Before Baking):
Shape rolls and freeze on a tray. Once frozen, store in a zip-top bag. Thaw overnight, then let rise and bake as directed.
To Freeze (After Baking):
Cool completely. Wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 300°F until the dinner rolls are warmed through.
🥪 Ways to Use Leftovers
- Slice and toast with butter and jam
- Make slider sandwiches with pulled pork or shredded turkey
- Turn into mini French toast or breakfast roll-ups
- Cube and bake into croutons for salads or soups
❓ Extra FAQs
Can I use discard instead of an active starter?
This recipe needs an active, bubbly starter to rise correctly. Discard can be used in some recipes, but not this one.
My dough feels sticky—what should I do?
Add one tablespoon of flour until it’s tacky but does not stick to your fingers.
Can I speed up the rise time?
If your kitchen is fabulous, place the bowl in the oven with the light on to encourage faster fermentation.
Can I use whole milk instead of non-dairy milk?
Absolutely! Whole milk adds richness and softness to dinner rolls.
Can I bake these in a cast-iron skillet?
Yes! Just grease the skillet well and check for doneness around the 18-minute mark.