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+ servings

Easy Sourdough Dinner Rolls

Soft, fluffy rolls with a subtle sourdough tang—perfect for holidays, weeknight dinners, or freezing ahead.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
12 hours
Total Time 12 hours 45 minutes
Serving Size 12 rolls

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Kitchen scale
  • Stand mixer optional
  • Baking dish or sheet pan
  • Bench scraper
  • Tea towel

Ingredients

  • 1 cup 240g active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)
  • 3/4 cup 180ml warm milk (dairy or non-dairy)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 3 tablespoons softened butter or olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 ¾ to 3 cups 330–360g all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)

Optional topping:

  • 1 tablespoon melted butter for brushing
  • Flaky sea salt or everything bagel seasoning

Instructions

  • Mix Dough (Night Before): In a large bowl, combine starter, warm milk, honey, and butter. Stir until smooth. Add salt and 2 ¾ cups flour. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. If needed, add more flour a tablespoon at a time until the dough is tacky but not sticky.
  • Knead by hand (8–10 minutes) or in a stand mixer (5–6 minutes) until smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp towel and let rest for 30 minutes.
  • Leave the dough to rise at room temperature (ideally 70–75°F) for 8–10 hours or overnight. It should double in size.
  • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide it into 12 equal pieces and shape them into rolls. Place them in a greased 9x13 baking dish or on a parchment-lined sheet pan.
  • Cover and let rise 1–2 hours, until puffy and nearly doubled.
  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake rolls for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Brush with melted butter while warm. Sprinkle with flaky salt if desired.

Notes

  • Want a stronger tang? Extend the bulk fermentation up to 12 hours.
  • Dairy-free? Sub with almond milk and olive oil.
  • Low-fuss version: mix dough in the morning and bake by dinner.