These Pull Apart Sourdough Dinner Rolls are fluffy, warm, and oh-so-tasty! They have a delicious sourdough flavor that’s perfect for any meal.
Honestly, watching these rolls puff up in the oven is a treat. They disappear so fast, you might want to make a double batch! I love serving them with butter—it’s a real crowd-pleaser.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter: Your starter should be active and bubbly for the best results. If you don’t have one, using store-bought sourdough bread can add flavor (just mix it in differently, consider blending with milk). I always keep my starter fed to use it regularly!
Milk: Warm milk gives a nice softness to the rolls. You can substitute it with almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option. Just ensure it’s warmed to the same temperature!
Instant Yeast: Instant yeast helps the rolls rise quickly. If you only have active dry yeast, you can use that too, just mix it with the warm milk first to activate it.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for flavor control. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, melted coconut oil works pretty well, though it can impart a slight flavor.
Herbs: I love using fresh thyme but feel free to mix it up with rosemary or even oregano to find your favorite flavor combo!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Rise?
Getting that perfect rise can be tricky! Here are some tips to help you succeed:
- Ensure your sourdough starter is active before starting. A bubbly starter leads to a better rise.
- Warm environments help yeast thrive. If your kitchen is cool, preheat the oven (turn it off) and let the dough rise inside, covered with a towel.
- Don’t rush the resting times! Let the dough rest enough to double its size for a light texture.
Remember, patience is key. The more time the yeast has to work, the fluffier your rolls will be!
Pull Apart Sourdough Dinner Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)
- 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for brushing)
- 1 large egg
For Topping:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or rosemary), chopped
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 2 to 3 hours from start to finish. You’ll spend around 30 minutes preparing the dough, with about 2 hours of rising time included. Once it’s shaped, the baking is only 20-25 minutes. The wait is absolutely worth it for those fluffy rolls!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, warm milk, and half of the flour (about 1 3/4 cups). Mix it all together until it’s smooth. Now, cover the bowl and let it rest for 30 minutes. This step helps the flour hydrate and develops flavor.
2. Add Remaining Ingredients:
Once the dough has rested, add in the sugar, instant yeast, salt, melted butter, the egg, and the remaining flour. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. Next, knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes, either by hand on a floured surface or using a stand mixer with dough hooks, until it’s smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
3. First Rise:
Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size—this should take about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Patience is key!
4. Shape the Rolls:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces (about 2 ounces each). Roll each piece into a smooth ball. This helps create a nice surface for the rolls!
5. Arrange in Pan:
Grease a 9×9-inch square baking pan or a similarly sized round pan. Place the dough balls close together in the pan so they’re touching. Cover the pan with a towel and let the rolls rise until they’re puffy and almost doubled, which takes about 40-60 minutes. This second rise is important for fluffiness!
6. Preheat the Oven:
While your rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Having the oven hot helps the rolls rise even more during baking!
7. Bake:
Once the rolls have risen, place them in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. They should be golden brown on top and cooked through. Your kitchen will smell wonderful!
8. Add Topping:
While the rolls are baking, mix the melted butter with garlic powder and thyme. When the rolls are out of the oven, brush the tops generously with this buttery herb mixture and finish with a sprinkle of coarse sea salt for that extra touch.
9. Cool and Serve:
Let the rolls cool in the pan for about 5-10 minutes. Then they’re ready to be served warm! Pull them apart and enjoy the soft, fluffy goodness of your homemade sourdough rolls. These are perfect with dinner or as a delightful snack!
Enjoy your baking adventure, and savor every delicious bite! These rolls are sure to be a hit!
Can I Use a Different Type of Milk?
Absolutely! You can substitute warm almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option. Just ensure the milk is warmed to about 110°F (43°C) for the best results.
What If My Sourdough Starter Isn’t Active?
If your starter isn’t bubbly or active, try feeding it and letting it sit until it becomes bubbly before using it in the recipe. If you’re in a pinch, you might also use a small amount of store-bought sourdough bread, but the texture and flavor may vary somewhat.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them! Just wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, let them thaw and warm them in an oven or microwave.
Can I Make These Rolls Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and shape the rolls, then place them in the fridge overnight for the second rise. In the morning, take them out to come to room temperature before baking. This is a great way to enjoy fresh rolls with breakfast or for dinner!
