These Pull Apart Sourdough Dinner Rolls are fluffy and soft, perfect for any meal. The sourdough gives a slight tang, while the warm, fresh bread aroma fills your kitchen.
Trust me, pulling apart these rolls is half the fun! I love serving them alongside soups or slathering them with butter—it’s like a warm hug on a plate! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter: A healthy, active sourdough starter is key for flavor and rise. If you don’t have one, you can make your own or buy it from a local bakery or online. For a quick option, you can use instant yeast, about 2 ¼ tsp, but this will change the flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: While all-purpose flour is great, you can mix in some whole wheat flour for added nutrition and flavor. Just remember to reduce the amount of water slightly, as whole wheat absorbs more liquid.
Melted Butter: I love using unsalted butter for its rich flavor. You can substitute it with olive oil for a dairy-free version or use vegan butter if you’re avoiding animal products altogether.
Milk: If you’re out of milk, any non-dairy milk (like almond or soy) works just fine. Make sure it’s warm, similar to regular milk, for the best results.
How Do You Achieve Soft and Fluffy Rolls?
To get those soft and fluffy rolls, there are several important techniques to keep in mind. First, kneading properly is essential. You’ll want to knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes, keeping some flour handy to prevent sticking.
- After mixing your ingredients, let the dough rise in a warm spot until it’s doubled in size—this could take 4 to 6 hours, so patience is key!
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air and then shape the dough into tight balls. This helps create layers in your rolls.
- Don’t rush the proofing after shaping the rolls, as letting them rise for 1.5 to 2 hours allows them to become puffy and airy.
- Brushing the tops with melted butter before baking and directly after baking adds flavor and a beautiful finish.
With these insights and techniques, you’re on your way to making delightful pull apart sourdough dinner rolls that everyone will love! Enjoy baking!
How to Make Pull Apart Sourdough Dinner Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 cups active sourdough starter (100% hydration)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup warm milk (around 100°F/37°C)
- 1 large egg
For Topping:
- Coarse sea salt for topping
- Additional melted butter for brushing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe needs about 4-6 hours for the dough to rise and then another hour for the final proofing. Overall, you can expect around 5-7 hours from start to finish, not counting baking time, which takes about 20-25 minutes. Don’t worry; most of this time is just waiting for the dough to rise!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the active sourdough starter, warm milk, sugar, and egg. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined and mixed together.
2. Forming the Dough:
Next, add 2 cups of flour and the salt to the wet ingredients. Mix them together until you have a shaggy dough that looks a bit messy—that’s totally fine!
3. Kneading the Dough:
Add the softened butter to the dough. Now it’s time to knead! You can do this by hand on a lightly floured surface or use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. Knead until the dough is smooth, elastic, and just a little tacky (this should take about 8-10 minutes). If it keeps sticking, sprinkle in a little more flour as you go.
4. First Rise:
Transfer your kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap and set it in a warm spot. Let it rise until it doubles in size—this could take about 4-6 hours, depending on how active your sourdough starter is.
5. Shaping the Rolls:
Once your dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and divide it into 9 equal pieces (about the size of golf balls).
6. Greasing the Baking Dish:
Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish. Roll each piece of dough into a tight ball by tucking the edges under and placing them seam-side down in the baking dish close together.
7. Final Proofing:
Cover the shaped rolls with a clean towel and let them proof for 1.5 to 2 hours. You’ll know they’re ready when they look puffy and have increased in size.
8. Prepping for Baking:
While the rolls are proofing, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will give a nice, warm environment for your rolls to bake in.
9. Adding Flavor:
Just before baking, brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter and sprinkle a bit of coarse sea salt on top. This will help to create a flavorful crust!
10. Baking the Rolls:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops are golden brown and the rolls sound hollow when tapped lightly.
11. The Finishing Touch:
Once out of the oven, immediately brush the tops with a little extra melted butter to keep them soft and shiny. It adds that extra touch of goodness!
12. Cool and Serve:
Allow the rolls to cool slightly in the dish before serving. This will make them easier to pull apart. Enjoy these warm, fluffy sourdough dinner rolls with your favorite meal!
These rolls are perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or just a delicious treat anytime! 🥖❤️
Can I Use a Different Type of Flour?
Absolutely! You can mix in whole wheat flour for added nutrition, but keep in mind that it may require a bit more liquid. Just reduce the amount of milk slightly as whole wheat absorbs more moisture.
What If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough isn’t rising, double-check that your sourdough starter is active and bubbly. A warm environment is also crucial, so consider placing it in a slightly warm oven (turned off) or a cozy corner of your kitchen.
How Should I Store Leftover Rolls?
Leftover sourdough rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh longer, you can wrap them in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. Just thaw before serving!
Can I Make These Rolls Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and shape it into balls, then cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, allow them to come to room temperature and rise for about an hour before baking. This helps with flavor development!
