These Pull Apart Sourdough Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and perfect for sharing! Each roll pulls apart easily, making dinner time feel special and fun. Plus, they have a lovely tangy flavor!
Honestly, there’s nothing like the smell of freshly baked bread in the house. I can never resist snagging one right out of the oven—who can blame me? They’re perfect with butter or your favorite dip!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter: Make sure your starter is active and bubbly for the best results. If you don’t have sourdough, you can use an equal amount of buttermilk or yogurt for a different yet tasty twist.
All-Purpose Flour: While all-purpose flour works great, you could substitute up to half the flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor. Just be aware that it may change the texture a bit.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred, but if you’re dairy-free, you can use vegan butter or coconut oil. It’ll provide a nice richness as well.
Milk: Whole milk adds richness, but any milk (including almond or oat milk) will work. Just ensure it’s warm, so it doesn’t kill the yeast!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Rise for My Rolls?
Getting your dough to rise properly can feel tricky! Here are some steps to ensure success:
- Use warm milk (not hot) to activate the yeast well. Aim for about 110°F (43°C). Too hot can kill the yeast!
- Believe in the power of patience! Allowing the dough to rise for 3-4 hours gives the sourdough time to develop flavor and texture.
- When shaping the rolls, make sure they are snug but not overly squished in the baking pan. They’ll need space to expand further during the second rise!
As you bake, keep an eye on color. Looking for a golden top? That’s your sign they’re ready—plus, the smell will be heavenly!
How to Make Pull Apart Sourdough Dinner Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup sourdough starter (active and bubbly)
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp instant yeast
- 3/4 cup whole milk, warm (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1 large egg
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (plus extra for brushing)
For Topping:
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
- Fresh thyme or herbs (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 4-5 hours, including prep time and rising. Don’t worry; most of that time is just letting the dough rise. You’ll spend about 30 minutes actively working on the rolls, and they’ll be so worth it when you get to enjoy that fresh-baked goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a large mixing bowl, start by combining the warm milk, sourdough starter, sugar, and instant yeast. Stir everything gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This step helps activate the yeast so your rolls will rise beautifully.
2. Mix in Other Ingredients:
Add the egg and softened butter into the yeast mixture. Mix until everything is smooth and well combined. This creates a rich dough that will be fluffy once baked!
3. Form the Dough:
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, stirring with a wooden spoon or using a dough hook if you’re using a stand mixer. Keep going until you have a soft and slightly sticky dough.
4. Knead the Dough:
Now it’s time to knead! Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If you’re using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for about 6-8 minutes.
5. First Rise:
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise at room temperature until doubled in size. This takes about 3-4 hours. Thanks to the sourdough, this will develop lovely flavors.
6. Shape the Rolls:
Once your dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface, and divide it into 9 equal pieces (aim for pieces about the size of golf balls). Shape these by tucking the edges underneath to create smooth balls.
7. Arrange in Baking Pan:
Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan and arrange the dough balls closely together. They should be touching to create that pull-apart effect when baked. Cover the pan loosely and let it rise again for another 1.5 to 2 hours until they’ve doubled in size.
8. Preheat and Prepare for Baking:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter and sprinkle them lightly with coarse sea salt. If you like, add fresh thyme or other herbs on top for extra flavor.
9. Bake:
Place the baking pan in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Look for a golden brown top and listen for a hollow sound when you tap the rolls. That’s how you’ll know they’re done!
10. Finish and Serve:
Remove the pan from oven and give the rolls a final brush with melted butter for a gorgeous shine. Let them cool slightly, then pull them apart and savor while warm! They’re delicious with just butter or drizzled with honey.
These Pull Apart Sourdough Dinner Rolls are incredible for any meal! Their soft texture, delightful flavor, and simple preparation will make them a favorite at your dinner table.
Can I Use All-Purpose Flour Instead of Bread Flour?
Absolutely! All-purpose flour works perfectly for this recipe and will still result in soft and fluffy rolls. If you have some bread flour on hand, you can mix them for a chewier texture, but it’s not necessary.
How Should I Store Leftover Rolls?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about 2-3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. To thaw, let them sit at room temperature or gently reheat in the oven.
Can I Make These Rolls Without Sourdough Starter?
If you don’t have a sourdough starter, consider using active dry yeast mixed with flour and water to create a simple dough, or substitute the starter with an equal amount of buttermilk or yogurt for a different flavor profile!
What Can I Use Instead of Thyme for Topping?
If fresh thyme isn’t available, you can sprinkle on other fresh herbs such as rosemary or oregano for a different flavor. Alternatively, you can simply skip the herbs and stick to the butter and salt for a classic taste.
