There’s something truly special about homemade Sourdough Herb Dinner Rolls — the way they fill the kitchen with the aroma of fresh rosemary and thyme, their crisp golden crust giving way to a soft, tender crumb beneath. This Easy Beginner Sourdough Recipe proves that you don’t need years of experience to bake artisan-quality bread at home. With just a few simple steps, you’ll move from nurturing your sourdough bread starter to pulling warm, fragrant Sourdough Rolls straight from the oven. This Step-by-step Sourdough Recipe will guide you toward soft perfection that brings both comfort and pride to your dinner table.
A Personal Connection to Homemade Bread
The first time I baked Sourdough Herb Dinner Rolls, it was for a family get-together on a chilly Sunday afternoon. As the dough rested by the window, the scent of herbs filled the kitchen — rosemary mingling with thyme, and a hint of olive oil warming in the air. When the trays came out of the oven, the golden rolls crackled softly, releasing that unmistakable, tangy sourdough aroma. Everyone gathered around the table, reaching for seconds before the first bite was even finished.
That simple moment captured the essence of why I love baking Sourdough Herb Dinner Rolls. It’s not only about the food but also the sense of home and connection it brings. The process feels grounding — mixing flour and water, watching the dough rise, shaping each piece with care. These Sourdough Herb Dinner Rolls transform everyday ingredients into something deeply comforting, making each bake a small celebration of patience, warmth, and tradition.
There are many recipes for sourdough rolls, but this Easy Beginner Sourdough Recipe stands out for its simplicity and flavor. Unlike complicated bread methods, it uses straightforward steps that even the newest baker can follow with confidence. The secret lies in the well-balanced texture — a crisp, lightly caramelized crust with a soft, airy interior that practically melts in your mouth.
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Sourdough Herb Dinner Rolls – Easy Beginner Recipe for Soft Perfection
- Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
Description
These homemade sourdough herb dinner rolls feature a crisp golden crust and a tender, airy crumb infused with rosemary, thyme, and parsley. This beginner-friendly recipe guides you through feeding your starter, mixing, folding, proofing, and baking for irresistibly soft rolls.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Feed your sourdough starter several hours before baking until it is bubbly and doubles in size.
2. Combine the starter and warm water in a large bowl and whisk until smooth.
3. Add the flour and salt, then stir with a wooden spoon until no dry patches remain.
4. Drizzle in the olive oil and fold in the chopped herbs evenly with your hands.
5. Cover and rest the dough for 30 minutes.
6. Perform four stretch and folds every 30 minutes over the next 2 hours.
7. Allow the dough to bulk ferment at room temperature for 4–6 hours until it has expanded by 50% and shows bubbles.
8. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and divide into 12 equal pieces.
9. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place on a parchment-lined baking tray.
10. Cover and proof the rolls for 1–2 hours until puffy.
11. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and optionally add a pan of water for steam.
12. Brush rolls with olive oil, sprinkle with herbs or sea salt, and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden.
13. Cool rolls on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 3 hours
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: bread
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
Keywords: sourdough, herb dinner rolls, easy sourdough recipe, beginner sourdough, soft rolls, homemade bread, rosemary thyme rolls
Why These Sourdough Rolls Stand Out
Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley bring an earthy, aromatic tone that beautifully complements the gentle tang of an active sourdough bread starter. Together, they create layers of flavor that make every bite memorable. Inspired by the reliability of beloved recipes like the Little Spoon Farm Soft Sourdough Rolls, this version stays true to their approachable spirit while adding a fragrant twist.
Most importantly, these Sourdough Herb Dinner Rolls don’t demand perfection — just curiosity and a bit of practice. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday feast or a quiet weeknight dinner, their rustic charm and comforting scent will make them an instant favorite among your homemade breads.
Fresh Ingredients You’ll Need
Before diving into the mixing and folding stages, it’s important to gather everything you need for this Easy Beginner Sourdough Recipe. Quality ingredients lay the foundation for wonderfully soft, flavorful Sourdough Rolls. Each component plays a unique role — from the active sourdough starter that gives natural rise to the fragrant herbs that bring character to every bite.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Active Sourdough Starter | 100 g | Make sure it’s bubbly and has doubled in size before using |
| All-purpose Flour | 450 g | You can substitute with bread flour for added chewiness |
| Fresh Herbs (Rosemary, Thyme, Parsley) | 2 tbsp | Use finely chopped herbs for even distribution |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp | Adds softness, helps create a tender crumb and golden color |
| Salt | 1 tsp | Enhances flavor and balances the sour tang |
| Warm Water | 250 ml | Lukewarm water helps activate gluten and ease mixing |
If you prefer using dried herbs instead of fresh, here’s a quick comparison to guide you:
| Type of Herb | Quantity | Flavor Intensity | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh Herbs | 2 tbsp | Bright and aromatic | Ideal for spring and summer rolls |
| Dried Herbs | 2 tsp | More concentrated | Perfect for winter bakes or pantry versions |
When you build your Sourdough Herb Dinner Rolls, balance is key. Fresh herbs create lift and fragrance, while olive oil locks in moisture. The sourdough bread starter naturally leavens the dough, replacing commercial yeast and adding that distinctive tang. The type of flour also influences texture — bread flour creates a heartier structure, while all-purpose flour keeps things tender and light.
Essential Tools for Perfect Dinner Rolls
You don’t need a professional bakery setup to make artisan-quality Sourdough Herb Dinner Rolls. A few simple tools will make the process smoother and give you better control over your dough.
- Kitchen Scale: Accurate measurements make a big difference in consistency.
- Glass or Stainless-steel Mixing Bowl: Non-reactive materials help preserve the natural acidity of your sourdough.
- Bench Scraper or Dough Cutter: Ideal for dividing even portions and handling sticky dough without extra flour.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Gentle on your dough during mixing and folding.
- Baking Tray or Dutch Oven: A baking tray works for open rolls, while a Dutch oven enhances crust texture with steam.
- Parchment Paper: Keeps rolls from sticking and simplifies cleanup afterward.
- Clean Kitchen Towel or Plastic Cover: Prevents dough from drying out during proofing.
Maintain a warm environment — around 75°F (24°C) — for ideal fermentation. If it’s cooler, place the bowl near a sunny window or inside the oven with the light on. Handle dough gently; sourdough rewards patience. A bench scraper helps create smooth surfaces without deflating the bubbles that give Sourdough Rolls their delicate texture.
Preparing and Proofing the Dough
Now that your ingredients and tools are ready, it’s time to bring this Step-by-step Sourdough Recipe to life. Each stage builds flavor and texture, leading to tender, airy Sourdough Rolls that rise beautifully every time.
- Feed and Prepare the Starter: Feed your sourdough bread starter several hours ahead. It should be bubbly, slightly domed, and double in volume. A small spoonful dropped in water should float — the sign it’s ready.
- Mix the Dough: Whisk 100 g of starter with 250 ml warm water until milky. Add 450 g flour and 1 tsp salt. Stir until combined — a rough, sticky dough is perfect.
- Add Olive Oil and Herbs: Mix in 2 tbsp olive oil and your chopped herbs. The oil softens the dough while herbs infuse aroma and flavor.
- Rest and Fold: Cover and rest for 30 minutes (autolyse), then do four gentle stretch-and-folds every 30 minutes for two hours. This replaces kneading and keeps the dough airy.
- Bulk Fermentation: Cover and allow to rise 4–6 hours until expanded about 50%, airy and bubbly on top. Avoid over-proofing so it doesn’t collapse.
- Optional Cold Ferment: Refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor. Bring back to room temperature before shaping.
Shaping, Baking, and Serving Soft Rolls
- Divide and Shape: Turn dough onto a floured surface. Divide into 10–12 pieces and shape each into smooth balls. Arrange on a parchment-lined tray.
- Second Proof: Cover and let rest 1–2 hours until puffy. The dough should spring back slowly when touched.
- Preheat and Bake: Heat oven to 400°F (200°C). Optionally, add a pan of water for steam. Brush each roll with olive oil and bake 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and hollow-sounding.
- Cool and Serve: Cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes. The crust remains crisp while the interior stays soft and steamy.
Serve your Sourdough Herb Dinner Rolls warm with butter, as a side for soup, or alongside roasted favorites. Each bite delivers that satisfying crunch-to-fluff balance with herbal aroma that defines comfort food. Once you’ve baked them a few times, this Step-by-step Sourdough Recipe will become second nature.
Common Questions About Sourdough Herb Dinner Rolls
How do I know if my sourdough starter is active enough?
Your sourdough bread starter should be bubbly, doubled in size, and pass the float test. If it sinks, feed it again and wait a few more hours before baking.
Can I refrigerate the dough overnight?
Yes. After bulk fermentation, refrigerate covered overnight. The cold slows fermentation, improving flavor and making dough easier to handle. Let it rest an hour at room temperature before shaping.
How do I keep rolls soft longer?
Store cooled Sourdough Rolls in an airtight container or bread bag. A light olive-oil brush seals moisture. Rewarm gently in a low oven to refresh softness or freeze for up to a month.
What herbs work best for different meals?
Rosemary and thyme are classic with roasted meats. For lighter menus, use chives, basil, or dill. Oregano and parsley add balance to spicy dishes. Adjust blends to suit the season.
Can I make these rolls vegan or gluten-free?
For vegan rolls, use olive oil or plant-based butter. For gluten-free, use a gluten-free starter and flour blend, adjusting hydration as needed. Both versions still yield aromatic, soft rolls.
Conclusion – Bringing Warmth to Your Table
Few things bring more comfort than pulling a tray of golden, fragrant Sourdough Herb Dinner Rolls out of the oven. Their crisp crust gives way to a pillowy interior, releasing the scent of rosemary and thyme. For new bakers, this Easy Beginner Sourdough Recipe shows how effortless sourdough baking can be — just patience, care, and simple ingredients.
Baking these rolls connects you to generations who’ve shared homemade bread around the table. The savory herbs and gentle sour tang from your sourdough bread starter make every roll feel artisan-made. From holidays to weeknight meals, Sourdough Rolls add warmth and heart to every spread.
Gather your starter, mix your dough, and enjoy shaping what will soon fill your kitchen with irresistible aroma. When your Sourdough Herb Dinner Rolls emerge glossy and golden, you’ll know it was worth every moment. Serve freshly baked, share with loved ones, and savor the comfort that only homemade bread can bring.
