Sourdough Dinner Rolls

Here’s a complete recipe for making delicious sourdough dinner rolls:

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup (240g) active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)
• 3/4 cup (180ml) warm milk (or water for a dairy-free option)
• 3 tablespoons (45g) sugar (or honey for a natural sweetener)
• 1 large egg
• 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter, softened (or olive oil for dairy-free)
• 3 3/4 to 4 cups (470-500g) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

For Brushing:

• 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon of milk or water (optional, for shiny tops)

Instructions

1. Mix the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the active sourdough starter, warm milk, sugar, egg, and softened butter. Mix until well combined.
2. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a rough dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes by hand or 6-8 minutes in a stand mixer with a dough hook until it is smooth, soft, and slightly tacky.

2. First Rise (Bulk Fermentation)

1. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let it rise until doubled in size. This will take 4-6 hours, depending on the temperature of your kitchen and the activity of your sourdough starter.

3. Shape the Rolls

1. Once the dough has doubled, punch it down and divide it into 12-16 equal pieces, depending on your desired roll size.
2. Shape each piece into a smooth ball by tucking the edges under and pinching the bottom.
3. Place the rolls in a greased or parchment-lined baking dish, leaving a bit of space between them.

4. Second Rise

1. Cover the shaped rolls with plastic wrap or a towel and let them rise until puffy. This can take 2-4 hours, or you can refrigerate them overnight for convenience and enhanced flavor.

5. Bake the Rolls

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. If desired, brush the tops of the rolls with the egg wash for a glossy finish.
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

6. Cool and Serve

• Let the rolls cool slightly before serving warm. They pair wonderfully with butter, jam, or alongside savory dishes.

Tips

• Overnight Option: For a relaxed schedule, shape the rolls the night before, refrigerate them, and bake the next day.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.
• Freezing: These rolls freeze well. Thaw and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.

Enjoy your soft, tangy, and delicious sourdough dinner rolls!