Name: Soft Sourdough Herb Rolls: 8 Irresistible Steps
Prep time: 4 h
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 8 h
Cuisine: Bread
Ingredients: 100g active sourdough starter; 400g strong white bread flour; 50g wholemeal flour (optional); 230ml warm water; 8g sea salt; 20g olive oil; 10g honey (optional); handful fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme or parsley)

Soft Sourdough Herb Rolls are a delightful addition to any meal, offering a warm, fluffy texture and an aromatic infusion of fresh herbs. This beginner-friendly recipe guides you through the straightforward process of mixing, fermenting, shaping, and baking these rolls using an active sourdough starter. The result is rustic, flavorful rolls that are perfect for dinner or even as sandwich bread.

Why You’ll Love This Soft Sourdough Herb Rolls

You will adore these soft sourdough herb buns for several reasons. First, they are incredibly fluffy sourdough herb bread that complements any dish. Second, the inclusion of fresh herbs adds a burst of flavor, making them perfect for serving with soups or salads. Third, they are easy soft sourdough rolls to make, even for beginners. Not to mention, they are a great way to use your sourdough starter! These rolls are vegetarian-friendly, making them suitable for various diets. Lastly, they can be enjoyed as sourdough herb dinner rolls or transformed into delicious sandwiches.

Ingredients for Soft Sourdough Herb Rolls

Gather these items:

100g active sourdough starter
400g strong white bread flour
50g wholemeal flour (optional)
230ml warm water
8g sea salt
20g olive oil
10g honey (optional)
Handful fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or parsley)

How to Make Soft Sourdough Herb Rolls Step-by-Step

Step 1: Combine sourdough starter, warm water, and olive oil in a bowl and whisk to combine.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, mix flours, salt, and chopped herbs.
Step 3: Stir dry ingredients into wet mixture until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 4: Cover and let dough rest (autolyse) for 30 minutes.
Step 5: Perform stretch and fold every 30 minutes for three folds.
Step 6: Cover and bulk ferment at room temperature for 3–4 hours until doubled.
Step 7: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide into 8–10 pieces.
Step 8: Pre-shape pieces into loose balls and rest for 10 minutes.
Step 9: Shape into smooth rolls and place on a parchment-lined tray.
Step 10: Cover and proof for 2–3 hours at room temperature or refrigerate overnight.
Step 11: Preheat oven to 220°C with a tray of water for steam.
Step 12: Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
Step 13: Cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Step 14: Optional: brush warm rolls with melted butter or oil for extra shine.

Soft Sourdough Herb Rolls: 8 Irresistible Steps - Soft Sourdough Herb Rolls - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Perfect Soft Sourdough Herb Rolls

Keep these in mind:

Use fresh herbs for better flavor.
Adjust baking time based on your oven.
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container.
For an extra touch, try adding garlic to make soft sourdough rolls with garlic.

Best Ways to Serve Soft Sourdough Herb Rolls

These rolls are incredibly versatile. Serve them warm as a side with soups or salads. They also make fantastic sourdough herb rolls for sandwiches. You can slice them open and fill them with your favorite ingredients for a hearty lunch. Additionally, they pair beautifully with spreads like butter or hummus for a delightful snack.

How to Store and Reheat Soft Sourdough Herb Rolls

To keep your rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to make them ahead of time, you can refrigerate the rolls overnight after shaping. When ready to eat, simply reheat them in the oven at 180°C for about 5–10 minutes to restore their fluffy texture. This meal prep tip ensures that you always have fresh rolls available.

Frequently Asked Questions About Soft Sourdough Herb Rolls

What’s the secret to perfect Soft Sourdough Herb Rolls?

The secret lies in the fermentation process and using high-quality ingredients. Ensuring your sourdough starter is active will yield the best results, making your rolls light and fluffy.

Can I make Soft Sourdough Herb Rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and shape the rolls in advance. Just refrigerate them overnight, then allow them to come to room temperature before baking.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Soft Sourdough Herb Rolls?

To avoid common pitfalls, ensure your ingredients are at the right temperature and follow the timing for fermentation and proofing closely. This will prevent dense rolls and ensure a perfect rise.

Variations of Soft Sourdough Herb Rolls You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with different herbs in your rolls. For instance, using sourdough rolls with rosemary and thyme can give a unique flavor. You can also add cheese or olives for a Mediterranean twist. Consider using other herbs like basil or dill for delightful variations.

Soft Sourdough Herb Rolls: 8 Irresistible Steps - Soft Sourdough Herb Rolls - additional detail

For more tips on baking, check out this guide on baking techniques. If you’re interested in meal prep, learn how to store bread effectively. You might also enjoy exploring different bread recipes to expand your baking repertoire.