These Pull Apart Sourdough Dinner Rolls are fluffy and soft, making them perfect for any meal. Their warm, buttery flavor will have everyone reaching for seconds!
What’s great about these rolls is that they pull apart easily, making it fun at the dinner table. I love serving them fresh out of the oven with some butter—it’s hard to resist! 🥖❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter: Use an active and bubbly starter for the best rise. If you don’t have a starter, try store-bought alternatives or a quick bread recipe instead, but it won’t have the same unique flavor.
Whole Milk: Whole milk gives a rich flavor, but you can use 2% or almond milk for a lighter option. Just warm it up a bit before mixing to help the butter melt smoothly.
Unsalted Butter: For a richer taste, you can use salted butter—just adjust the added salt accordingly. If you prefer non-dairy, coconut or avocado oil can work as substitutes.
All-Purpose Flour: This is ideal for fluffy rolls. You can replace it with bread flour for a slightly chewier texture. Gluten-free all-purpose flour is also an option if you’re looking to avoid gluten.
Instant Yeast: This is optional; it just helps speed up the rising process. If you don’t have it, you can simply rely on your sourdough starter, but plan for a longer rising time.
How Can I Achieve Soft and Fluffy Rolls?
The kneading and rising processes are vital for your rolls’ softness. Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic; this helps develop gluten, giving your rolls structure. If it’s too sticky, add a small amount of flour, but remember: less is more to keep them fluffy!
- Mix and let rise in a warm area to encourage fermentation, which adds flavor and lightness.
- Deflate gently after the first rise carefully to preserve air pockets, which make them fluffy.
- Shape the dough balls again light-handedly so they maintain their airiness during the second rise.
These tips will help you create the softest, fluffiest sourdough rolls for your next meal! Enjoy making them and sharing with friends and family.
How to Make Pull Apart Sourdough Dinner Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (240g) active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, warmed
- 3 tablespoons (45g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons (25g) sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour, more as needed
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast (optional, to speed up rise)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Coarse salt or flaky sea salt, for topping (optional)
- Additional melted butter, for brushing after baking
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare, followed by a total rising time of around 4-6 hours, depending on whether you use instant yeast or let your sourdough starter do all the work. Baking the rolls adds an additional 20-25 minutes to your time. So, set aside around 5 hours for the entire process, but don’t worry, most of that is just waiting for the dough to rise!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the active sourdough starter, warm milk, softened butter, sugar, salt, and instant yeast if you’re using it. Mix these ingredients together until everything is well combined.
2. Forming the Dough:
Gradually add the flour to the mixture, using a wooden spoon or a dough hook on a stand mixer to mix until a soft, sticky dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, you can add a little extra flour, but be careful not to overdo it—keeping it soft is key!
3. Kneading the Dough:
Dust a clean surface with a bit of flour and knead the dough by hand for about 8-10 minutes or continue using the dough hook until it feels smooth and elastic. If you’re using your hands, sprinkle a little flour if needed to keep it from sticking.
4. First Rise:
Place the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap to keep moisture in. Let it rise at room temperature for about 3-4 hours, or until it doubles in size. If you added the instant yeast, it might rise faster!
5. Shaping the Rolls:
Once the dough has risen nicely, gently punch it down to release some air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into a smooth ball. This step is where the magic happens!
6. Arranging in the Pan:
Arrange the dough balls closely together in a greased 9-inch round or cast-iron skillet. They should be snug but not squished!
7. Second Rise:
Cover the assembled rolls and let them proof for an additional 1-2 hours, or until they look puffy and nearly doubled again. This is where the rolls will develop more flavor and fluffiness.
8. Prepping for Baking:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, whisk the egg and gently brush it over the tops of the rolls. If you want a little extra crunch and flavor, sprinkle some coarse salt or flaky sea salt on top.
9. Baking:
Bake the rolls uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn a lovely deep golden brown and smell amazing!
10. Final Touch:
Once baked, take them out of the oven and immediately brush the tops with melted butter for that extra richness and shine!
11. Serving:
Let the rolls cool slightly before pulling them apart and serving them warm. They’re perfect as a side to soups, salads, or any hearty meal!
Enjoy your deliciously soft and fluffy Pull Apart Sourdough Dinner Rolls fresh from the oven! 🥖❤️
Can I Use Active-Dry Yeast Instead of Instant Yeast?
Yes! If you prefer to use active-dry yeast, simply dissolve it in the warm milk before mixing it with the other ingredients. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy before combining with the rest of the ingredients.
How Can I Store Leftover Rolls?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, unwrap and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave them for about 15-20 seconds.
What If My Dough Doesn’t Rise Properly?
If your dough isn’t rising well, check that your sourdough starter is active and bubbly. Also, ensure your rising environment is warm—if it’s too cold, the yeast activity will slow down. If needed, you can create a warm spot by placing the bowl in the oven (turned off) with the light on or near a radiator.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to the first rise, then shape the rolls and place them in the pan. Cover and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let them come to room temperature before baking as directed.
