These Pull Apart Sourdough Dinner Rolls are fluffy, soft, and perfect for sharing! Made with sourdough, they have a tangy flavor that makes every bite special.
Baking these rolls is a fun activity. I love tearing them apart right out of the oven, and they disappear so quickly at dinner! Who can resist warm, fresh bread? 🍞❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter: An active and bubbly starter is essential for great flavor and rise. If you don’t have one, you can use store-bought sourdough bread as a substitute, or create a quick bread dough but that will change the texture slightly.
Whole Milk: Warm milk helps activate the yeast. If you’re dairy-free, try almond milk or oat milk. Just warm it up lightly to the same temperature!
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps feed the yeast. If you want a less sweet roll, you can reduce the sugar or substitute honey, though it may slightly alter the flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: This gives structure. If you’re looking for something healthier, whole wheat flour can be used, but you may need to adjust the liquid since it absorbs more moisture.
Unsalted Butter: For a richer flavor, use good quality butter, or substitute with olive oil for a dairy-free option. Coconut oil is another alternative, adding a unique taste.
How Do You Get the Perfect Rise with Sourdough Rolls?
The key to achieving soft and fluffy rolls is in how you handle the dough during its rising stages. Here’s how to optimize the process:
- After mixing, let the dough rest in a warm, draft-free area. A good tip is to preheat the oven for a minute, then turn it off and place the dough inside with the door slightly ajar.
- Make sure to cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap to retain moisture, preventing the dough from drying out.
- During the second rise, make sure each ball is snugly positioned in the baking dish. This helps them rise up rather than flat out.
With patience, your rolls should double in size, giving you that lovely pull-apart texture!
Pull Apart Sourdough Dinner Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup (240g) sourdough starter, active and bubbly
- 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, warm (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 3 1/2 cups (420g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, softened (plus more for brushing)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the pan)
For Topping:
- Coarse sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and approximately 2.5 to 3 hours total to prepare, including rising time. You’ll spend some time mixing, kneading, and shaping the rolls, but the majority of the time will be letting the dough rise. It’s well worth the wait for fluffy and delicious rolls!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough Starter:
In a large mixing bowl, combine your active sourdough starter with the warm milk. Give it a good stir to blend everything well!
2. Activate the Yeast:
Now, sprinkle the active dry yeast over the milk mixture. Add the granulated sugar and let it sit for about 5 minutes, until it becomes foamy. This means your yeast is active and ready to help your dough rise!
3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
Add the egg and softened butter to the bubbly yeast mixture. Whisk everything together until well combined and smooth.
4. Add Dry Ingredients:
Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and salt a little at a time. Stir until a soft dough starts to form.
5. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If you prefer, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.
6. First Rise:
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size. This should take about 1.5 to 2 hours.
7. Shape the Rolls:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release excess air. Divide it into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a smooth ball.
8. Arrange the Rolls:
Grease a 9-inch round cast iron skillet or baking dish with olive oil. Place the dough balls closely together, ensuring they’re touching to achieve that pull-apart texture!
9. Second Rise:
Cover the rolls loosely with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise again for about 45-60 minutes, or until they look puffy.
10. Preheat Oven:
While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures they bake evenly and thoroughly.
11. Prepare for Baking:
Before baking, brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter. Sprinkle coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper over the top for extra flavor.
12. Bake the Rolls:
Place the rolls in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through.
13. Cool Slightly and Serve:
Once they’re out of the oven, brush the rolls with a little more melted butter if you like. Allow them to cool slightly, then serve warm. Enjoy pulling them apart with family and friends!
These soft, fluffy sourdough rolls have a golden top speckled with salt and pepper, making them delightful for sharing around the table. The tangy flavor from the sourdough mixed with the buttery softness is simply irresistible!
Can I Use a Starter That’s Not Very Active?
It’s best to use an active and bubbly sourdough starter for this recipe. If your starter isn’t quite ready, give it a feeding 4-8 hours before baking to ensure it’s bubbly and helps the rolls rise nicely.
What If I Don’t Have Whole Milk?
No worries! You can substitute whole milk with another type of milk, such as almond milk, soy milk, or 2% milk. Just remember to warm it slightly to activate the yeast!
Can I Make These Rolls in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dough, shape the rolls, and place them in the pan. Instead of letting them rise, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to allow them to rise further.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag. Just reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy them again!
