There is something truly special about the smell of freshly baked bread filling your home. It’s a warm, comforting aroma that promises delicious things to come. If you’re a fan of sourdough but not the long, multi day process, then you are in for a treat. This recipe for Easy Same-Day Sourdough Dinner Rolls (Fluffy & Soft) is designed for you.
We are going to make beautiful, pillowy rolls with that classic sourdough tang, all in a single day. You don’t need to be an expert baker to make these. Honestly, they are quite straightforward. Get your starter ready, because tonight you could be enjoying the best dinner rolls you have ever made, straight from your own oven. Let’s get started!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What’s not to love about warm, soft bread? These Easy Same-Day Sourdough Dinner Rolls (Fluffy & Soft) are a wonderful addition to any meal. They bring a little bit of homemade goodness to your table without a complicated schedule. It’s a simple joy everyone appreciates.
The flavor is just fantastic. You get a mild, pleasant sourdough tang that doesn’t overpower anything. It complements savory dishes like soups and roasts beautifully. It also pairs wonderfully with just a simple spread of butter. The taste is rich and complex, thanks to the sourdough starter.
Let’s talk about texture. These rolls are incredibly soft and fluffy. They have a tender crumb that is just delightful to bite into. The golden brown crust has a slight chew, providing a lovely contrast. They are satisfying without being heavy, which is a great balance for a dinner roll.
One of the biggest wins for this recipe is the timing. Traditional sourdough can take days, but these are true Same Day Sourdough Rolls. You can mix the dough in the morning and have freshly baked rolls ready for dinner. It’s sourdough satisfaction without the extended wait.
This recipe is also very forgiving. It is great for bakers who are just starting their sourdough journey. You don’t need any fancy equipment, and the steps are simple to follow. It’s a wonderful way to build your confidence and enjoy the process of baking with a sourdough starter.
They are also very versatile. Serve them alongside a hearty stew, use them for small sliders, or enjoy them for breakfast with jam. They are great for holiday feasts or a simple weeknight family meal. Everyone will be reaching for a second one, and maybe even a third!
Ingredients
The ingredients for these Easy Same-Day Sourdough Dinner Rolls (Fluffy & Soft) are pantry staples for most bakers. Let’s look at what you will need to create these wonderful little bread pillows.
- ⅔ cup (150 g) active bubbly sourdough starter
- ¾ cup (180 ml) warm water (about 100°F or 38°C)
- 3 tablespoons honey or sugar
- ⅓ cup (75 g) melted butter or clarified butter (ghee)
- 1 large egg plus 1 large egg yolk
- 1¼ teaspoons table salt
- 3⅔ cups (450 g) bread flour, divided, plus extra as needed
For The Egg Wash (Optional)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon water (or any plant based milk, e.g. oat or almond milk)
A quick note on the key players here. Your sourdough starter should be active and bubbly. This means you should feed it a few hours before you plan to mix the dough. An active starter is what gives these rolls their lift and flavor. It is the heart of the recipe.
Bread flour is recommended because its higher protein content helps develop a strong gluten structure. This is what makes the rolls chewy and soft. If you only have all purpose flour, it will still work, but the texture might be slightly different. It will still be delicious though!
The melted butter, egg, and honey add richness, flavor, and softness to the dough. These enriching ingredients are what make these rolls so tender. The honey also gives the yeast in the starter a little boost of energy to get things going. It contributes to that beautiful golden color too.
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to make some amazing Sourdough Rolls Easy style? Let’s walk through the process together. Take your time and enjoy the feeling of creating something wonderful from scratch. It is a very rewarding experience.
Step 1: Mix The Dough
In a large mixing bowl, or the bowl of your stand mixer, combine your active sourdough starter, warm water, and honey or sugar. Give it a gentle stir to combine. Then, add the melted butter, the whole egg, and the extra egg yolk. Finally, add the salt and about two cups of the bread flour.
Mix everything together until it’s well combined and you have a shaggy dough. At this point, we will start adding the rest of the flour gradually. This is a key part of making Sourdough Rolls Easy. You want the dough to pull away from the sides of the bowl. It should be soft and feel a little tacky, but not so sticky that it coats your fingertips when you press it lightly.
Step 2: Knead The Dough
Now it is time to knead. If you are using a stand mixer with a dough hook, knead on a medium low speed for about five to ten minutes. You are looking for the dough to become smooth and elastic. It should look supple and feel alive.
If you are kneading by hand, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about ten minutes. Try to add as little extra flour as possible. Just enough to keep it from sticking. The kneading process is what develops the gluten, which is essential for that classic fluffy texture we want in our best dinner rolls.
Step 3: First Rise (Bulk Fermentation)
Lightly oil a clean bowl with some olive oil or avocado oil. Place your smooth, elastic dough inside. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Now, let it rise in a warm spot for about five to eight hours. The timing can vary based on the temperature of your kitchen and the activity of your starter. You want it to grow until it is nearly doubled in size.
After this rise, you can transfer the covered bowl to the refrigerator. Let it rest overnight, or for up to 48 hours. This cold rest period develops a deeper sourdough flavor. While these are Same Day Sourdough Rolls, this optional step adds a lot of character if you have the time.
Step 4: Shape The Rolls
Grease a 13 by 9 inch glass or ceramic baking dish generously with butter or ghee. This will prevent the rolls from sticking and give them a lovely buttery bottom crust. Take your dough out of the refrigerator and place it on a lightly floured work surface.
Divide the dough into 15 larger pieces or 20 smaller pieces. Try to make them as even as possible. A kitchen scale is very helpful for this. Roll each piece into a smooth, tight ball. To do this, you can flatten a piece slightly and then fold the edges into the center. Pinch the seams together, then flip it over and roll it on the counter under your cupped hand to create surface tension.
Step 5: Second Rise (Proofing)
Arrange the dough balls evenly in your prepared baking dish. They will be separate at first, but they will join together as they rise. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and let the rolls rest in a warm spot. This final rise will take about one and a half to two hours.
You will know they are ready when they look puffed up and are touching each other. You can perform the poke test. Lightly flour your finger and gently press it into one of the rolls. If the indentation springs back slowly and only about halfway, they are ready to bake. If it springs back immediately, they need more time.
Step 6: Bake The Rolls
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius. While it is heating, you can prepare the optional egg wash. Whisk together one egg and a teaspoon of water or plant based milk. Lightly brush this mixture over the tops of the puffed up rolls. This will give them a beautiful, shiny, golden brown finish.
Bake the rolls in the center of the oven for 20 to 30 minutes. They should be a deep golden brown. For a precise check, an instant read thermometer inserted into the center of a roll should read between 185 and 190 degrees Fahrenheit. The kitchen will smell absolutely amazing!
Step 7: Serve And Enjoy
Let the rolls cool in the pan for a few minutes before serving. They are wonderful served warm, but they are also delicious at room temperature. These Easy Same-Day Sourdough Dinner Rolls (Fluffy & Soft) are a testament to your baking skills. Enjoy every single bite.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any of these amazing rolls left over, storing them properly will keep them fresh and delicious. Let the rolls cool completely to room temperature before you store them. Storing them while warm can create condensation, which can make them soggy.
For short term storage, place the cooled rolls in an airtight container or a zip top bag. They will keep well at room temperature for up to three days. This method is great if you plan to eat them within the next couple of days for sandwiches or with other meals.
For longer storage, freezing is your best friend. Wrap the rolls tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer safe bag or container. They can be frozen for several months. This is a great way to have homemade bread ready to go whenever you need it.
When you are ready to enjoy the frozen rolls, you can thaw them at room temperature for a few hours. To bring back that fresh from the oven warmth and texture, reheat them in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven for about five to seven minutes. They will taste just as good as the day you baked them.
Tips
Here are a few extra tips to make sure your Easy Same-Day Sourdough Dinner Rolls (Fluffy & Soft) turn out wonderfully every time. A little extra knowledge can make a big difference in the kitchen.
First, pay close attention to your starter. An active, happy starter is crucial. It should have been fed recently and be full of bubbles. If your starter seems sluggish, give it another feeding in a warm place before you begin. This will ensure your rolls rise properly.
Be careful not to add too much flour when kneading. A stand mixer is helpful here because it develops gluten without needing extra flour on the counter. If kneading by hand, use a light touch with the flour. A dough that is a bit sticky is better than a dough that is too dry. A dry dough will result in dense rolls.
The temperature of your kitchen matters a lot for rising times. If your kitchen is cool, the dough will take longer to rise. If it is warm, it will rise faster. Find a cozy, draft free spot for your dough to do its thing. Some people use their oven with just the light on to create a warm environment.
Feel free to get creative with toppings. Before baking, you can sprinkle the egg washed rolls with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or even some flaky sea salt. This adds a nice bit of texture and flavor. You can also mix herbs into the dough itself for an herby twist.
Finally, trust your senses. Recipes provide great guidelines, but baking is also about feel. Learn what the dough should feel like when it’s properly kneaded and what it should look like when it’s fully proofed. With each bake, you will become more intuitive and confident.
Conclusion
There you have it! A straightforward and rewarding recipe for Easy Same-Day Sourdough Dinner Rolls (Fluffy & Soft). Baking with sourdough does not have to be an intimidating, multi day affair. With this recipe, you can enjoy the fantastic flavor and texture of sourdough in a much shorter timeframe.
These rolls are more than just bread. They are a little piece of comfort and a taste of home. They have the power to make any meal feel a bit more special. Whether you are an experienced baker or just starting, making these Same Day Sourdough Rolls is a delightful project. I hope you love them as much as my family does. Happy baking!
FAQ
Can I Use All Purpose Flour Instead Of Bread Flour?
Yes, you certainly can use all purpose flour. The rolls will still be very delicious. The main difference is in the texture. Bread flour has a higher protein content, which creates more gluten. This leads to a chewier, more structured roll. When using all purpose flour, the rolls might be a little softer and less chewy, but they will still be fantastic.
My Dough Isn’t Rising. What Did I Do Wrong?
There are a few common reasons for dough not rising. The most likely culprit is the sourdough starter. If your starter was not active and bubbly enough, it won’t have the power to lift the dough. Another reason could be the temperature. If your kitchen is too cold, the yeast activity will slow down significantly. Try finding a warmer spot for the dough to rise. Lastly, ensure your yeast hasn’t come into direct contact with a large amount of salt early on, as salt can inhibit yeast activity.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy Free?
Absolutely. To make these Easy Same-Day Sourdough Dinner Rolls (Fluffy & Soft) dairy free, you can make a couple of simple substitutions. Instead of melted butter, use a dairy free butter alternative or a neutral oil like avocado oil. For the optional egg wash, use a plant based milk like almond or oat milk instead of water or a dairy milk. The results will be just as wonderful.
How Do I Get A Stronger Sourdough Flavor?
If you prefer a more pronounced sourdough tang, the key is a longer, colder fermentation. After the initial five to eight hour rise at room temperature, place the covered dough in the refrigerator. Instead of just overnight, you can leave it there for up to 48 hours. This slow, cold fermentation develops more of the acetic acid that gives sourdough its classic sour flavor without over proofing the dough.
Easy Same-Day Sourdough Dinner Rolls
A straightforward recipe for soft, fluffy sourdough dinner rolls with a pleasant tang, all made in a single day. These tender rolls are a comforting addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine starter, warm water, honey, butter, egg, egg yolk, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then gradually add remaining flour until the dough is soft and tacky.
- Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes with a stand mixer (dough hook) or for 10 minutes by hand on a lightly floured surface, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 5 to 8 hours, or until nearly doubled in size.
- Grease a 13×9 inch baking dish. Gently deflate the dough and divide it into 15-20 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth, tight ball.
- Arrange the dough balls in the prepared dish. Cover and let them rise for another 1.5 to 2 hours, until puffed up and touching each other.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). If using, whisk together 1 egg and 1 tsp of water for the egg wash, and lightly brush it over the tops of the rolls.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes until deep golden brown. An instant-read thermometer should register 185-190°F.
- Let the rolls cool in the pan for a few minutes before serving warm.
Notes
Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly for the best rise; feed it a few hours before you plan to mix the dough.
Avoid adding too much extra flour while kneading. A dough that is slightly tacky is better than a dough that is too dry and will result in softer rolls.
Proofing time can vary based on your kitchen’s temperature. For a warmer environment, you can place the dough in an oven with only the light on.
Nutrition
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