Warm, soft Sourdough Rolls fresh from the oven make any meal special. With a touch of tang from your sourdough starter and the richness of butter, these fluffy rolls come together beautifully. They proof slowly to develop flavor, making them a rewarding weekend baking project to share with family at the dinner table.
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You’re Going to Adore These Sourdough Rolls
- Naturally Leavened Goodness – That slow-fermented tang and fluffy texture are pure comfort.
- Weekend Baking Joy – A relaxing, hands-on project that fills your home with amazing aroma.
- Family Dinner Magic – Nothing beats pulling apart warm, homemade rolls together.
- Simple, Wholesome Ingredients – Just flour, starter, and a few pantry staples for real food goodness.
Gathering Your Ingredients for Fluffy Sourdough Rolls
For the dough
- Active sourdough starter – Make sure it’s bubbly and ready to work its magic.
- Whole milk – Warmed just enough to activate the yeast but not so hot it kills it.
- Granulated sugar – Adds a hint of sweetness to balance the tang.
- Unsalted butter – Melted and cooled slightly so it doesn’t scramble the egg.
- Egg – Room temperature is key for even mixing.
- Fine sea salt – Don’t skip this—it brings out all the flavors.
- All-purpose flour – Start with 4 cups and add more as needed to get the right texture.
For baking
- Olive oil – Just a light coating for the bowl to keep the dough from sticking.
- Melted butter – Brushing it on the baked rolls gives them that irresistible golden shine.
Your Simple Timeline for Baking Day
I love that this recipe for Sourdough Rolls gives you plenty of freedom while the dough works its magic. You’ll spend about 30 minutes getting everything ready, then the oven does the rest of the work in just 25 minutes. It’s the perfect cozy weekend ritual—while the dough rises slowly to develop that incredible flavor, you can tackle laundry, read a book, or even whip up a batch of my favorite Cottage Cheese Bread.
In under 8 hours total (mostly hands-off time!), you’ll have golden, fragrant homemade sourdough dinner rolls ready to share. That slow proofing time is what builds the signature tang and creates those soft, fluffy milk and butter sourdough buns we all love.
Sourdough Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups active sourdough starter
- 1 cup whole milk warmed to about 110°F
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt
- 4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for greasing the bowl
- 1 tablespoon melted butter for brushing the baked rolls
Equipment
- oven
- baking sheet
- Wooden spoon
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, active sourdough starter, sugar, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, and the egg. Whisk the mixture together until it is smooth and completely combined.
- Stir in the salt and 4 cups of flour with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes, gradually adding the remaining 1/2 cup of flour as needed, until the dough is smooth, elastic, and only slightly sticky.
- Place the dough in a large bowl that has been lightly greased with olive oil. Turn the dough over once to coat it in the oil. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 4 to 6 hours, or until it has nearly doubled in size.
- Gently punch down the dough to release the air. Divide it into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into a smooth, taut ball by pulling the edges underneath. Place the rolls seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Cover the rolls loosely with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise again in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours, or until they are puffy and have noticeably expanded.
- While the rolls proof, preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are deeply golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Immediately after removing the rolls from the oven, brush the tops with the tablespoon of melted butter. Transfer the rolls to a wire rack to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Making Sourdough Rolls Work for Your Diet
As someone who loves sharing recipes that work for everyone, I always think about how we can make small tweaks for different needs. If you’re sugar conscious or managing your glycemic intake, these chewy homemade rolls with starter can easily be adapted. For a lower sugar version, you can reduce the granulated sugar slightly or swap it for a natural sweetener like stevia—just be mindful of conversion ratios since they vary by brand.
Another tip: since the fermentation process of the sourdough starter may help with glycemic response, these can be a great option for those seeking blood sugar friendly choices. For portion control, I sometimes make smaller rolls so everyone can enjoy without overindulging.
My Favorite Tricks for Bakery-Worthy Sourdough Rolls
After making these countless times for my family, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make all the difference between good rolls and great ones. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way.
- Boost Flavor with Honey – Swap the sugar for honey if you love a deeper, floral sweetness. It pairs wonderfully with the tangy notes.
- Try a Whole Grain Twist – Substitute up to 1 cup of all-purpose flour with whole wheat for extra fiber and a nuttier flavor.
- Check Dough Readiness – Poke the dough gently after the first rise; if the indentation stays, it’s ready. If it springs back, give it a bit more time.
- Freeze for Later – These baked soft sourdough dinner buns freeze beautifully. Cool completely, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Warm straight from frozen in the oven for 10 minutes.
If you’re new to working with sourdough, don’t worry! It’s all about patience. And if you love this method, you might also enjoy the simplicity of my No Yeast Cinnamon Rolls for another easy baking project.
The Wholesome Goodness in Every Bite
These oven-baked chewy sourdough rounds aren’t just delicious—they also bring some lovely nutritional perks to your table. The slow fermentation process not only develops that signature tang but may also help make the nutrients in the flour more bioavailable. While these are a treat, they’re made with real, simple ingredients you can feel good about serving.
For those curious about the benefits of whole grains, resources like Harvard’s insights on whole grain nutrition offer great information. Pair these whipped egg-enriched sourdough bread rolls with a hearty soup or salad for a balanced meal. They’re also fantastic alongside my Pumpkin Bread for a cozy fall spread.
Easy Tweaks for a Lighter Sourdough Rolls Version
Sometimes I’m in the mood for a slightly lighter take on these family dinner bread classics, and I’ve found a few simple swaps that work beautifully. You can replace the whole milk with a lower-fat milk or even unsweetened almond milk without sacrificing too much tenderness. For a less rich option, try using a light brushing of olive oil instead of melted butter on top after baking.
If you’re watching sodium, you can reduce the salt by a quarter teaspoon—though I find the full amount really makes the flavors sing. For another delicious, lightly sweetened bread option, check out my Banana Bread. And if you adore citrus flavors, my Lemon Rhubarb Loaf is a must-try!
Sharing Warm Sourdough Rolls with Loved Ones
There’s something truly special about placing a basket of warm, homemade sourdough dinner rolls on the table and watching everyone’s faces light up. I remember one chilly Sunday last fall when I made these for a family gathering—they disappeared so fast I barely got one myself! That’s the magic of these soft sourdough rolls; they turn an ordinary meal into a moment of connection.
Serve them fresh from the oven alongside a cozy soup like butternut squash or a hearty stew. They’re also incredible split and used for mini sandwiches or sliders. For a festive twist, try my Witch Hat Crescent Rolls around Halloween—so fun for the kids! And if you’re planning a holiday brunch, they pair wonderfully with sweeter options like Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls.
Common Sourdough Rolls Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Even experienced bakers can run into a few hiccups when making these wholesome homemade sourdough rolls. Here are the most common issues I’ve seen (and made myself!) so you can sidestep them beautifully.
- Using a Weak Starter – If your starter isn’t active and bubbly, your rolls won’t rise properly. Feed it 4-6 hours before you plan to bake for best results.
- Rushing the Rise – Sourdough needs time. If your kitchen is cool, the rise can take longer. Be patient—it’s worth it for the flavor.
- Over-Flouring the Dough – Adding too much flour makes dense rolls. The dough should be slightly tacky but not overly sticky. Trust the process!
Understanding the sourdough fermentation process can really help you troubleshoot along the way. And if you’re looking for another forgiving bread recipe to build confidence, my Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread is a fantastic place to start. Remember, every batch teaches you something new!
Keeping Your Sourdough Rolls Fresh for Days
I always make a double batch of these because nothing beats having a few tucked away for later. To keep them at their best, store cooled rolls in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to bring back that just-baked warmth, pop them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes—they’ll taste like they just came out of the oven.
For longer storage, freeze them! I individually wrap each roll in foil, then place them all in a large freezer bag. They reheat perfectly straight from frozen. These methods also work great for other baked goods like my Snickerdoodle Pumpkin Bread or Chocolate Banana Bread. Having homemade treats on hand makes weekday mornings so much sweeter.
Ready to Bake Your Own Sourdough Rolls?
I hope you feel inspired to whip up a batch of these soft, tangy, utterly comforting sourdough dinner rolls for your next family meal. There’s nothing quite like the pride of pulling homemade bread from your own oven and sharing it with people you love. Whether it’s a Sunday supper or a holiday feast, these rolls have a way of making everything feel a little more special.
If you’re looking for more baking inspiration, I’ve got plenty of ideas for you. Try my fruity Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls for a sweet treat, or the uniquely delicious Banana Cinnamon Rolls. For a tropical twist, my Matcha Banana Bread is always a hit. Happy baking, friends!
More Cozy Baking Projects You’ll Love
If you enjoyed making these sourdough rolls, here are a few more recipes that bring that same warm, homemade joy to your kitchen.
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls – A fall-spiced twist on a classic, perfect with your morning coffee.
Cottage Cheese Bread – Incredibly soft and simple, with a protein boost from cottage cheese.
Lemon Rhubarb Loaf – Bright, tangy, and sweet, ideal for spring and summer gatherings.
Banana Bread – The ultimate comfort food, always moist and perfectly spiced.
Your Sourdough Rolls Questions Answered
Can sourdough rolls be frozen?
Absolutely! Let your sourdough rolls cool completely after baking. Then, wrap them tightly in foil or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, reheat them straight from frozen in a 350°F oven until warm.
What is the best recipe for soft sourdough rolls?
The best recipe for soft sourdough rolls includes ingredients like milk, butter, and an egg for richness and tenderness. This recipe creates fluffy milk and butter sourdough buns with a perfect crumb. The key is not overworking the dough and allowing enough time for proper rising.
How do I make quick sourdough rolls?
For quicker sourdough rolls, make sure your starter is very active and keep your dough in a warm spot to speed up fermentation. You can also try smaller roll sizes which bake faster. However, part of sourdough’s charm is the slow rise for flavor development.
Where can I buy sourdough rolls near me?
Many local bakeries, farmers markets, and even some grocery stores with fresh bakeries carry sourdough rolls. For the freshest option and that homemade taste, nothing beats making your own batch of homemade sourdough rolls right in your kitchen!
