As the sun begins to set and casts a warm, golden glow across my kitchen, the aroma of fresh bread begins to fill the air. There’s something magical about baking, especially when it involves sourdough. My love affair with this crusty beauty began years ago, nurtured by nights spent coaxing my starter to bubble and ferment. But today, I’ve got something even more delightful in mind—Savory Sourdough Herb & Cheese Rolls. These fluffy, cheesy morsels are not just a side dish; they’re the highlight of any meal.
Ever since discovering the joy of sourdough baking, I’ve been on a mission to create comforting and delicious recipes that bring people together. And trust me, when you pull these rolls out of the oven, you’ll feel the same warmth spreading through your home and heart. They are perfect for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or even as snacks throughout the day. So, grab your favorite apron, and let’s dive into these savory rolls!
Recipe Timing
- Prep Duration: 15 minutes
- Active Cooking: 25 minutes
- Total Duration: 40 minutes
- Portion Size: 12 rolls
- Complexity: Simple
Nutritional Recipe
- Calories per portion: Approximately 180 calories
- Protein: 5 grams
- Carbs: 20 grams
- Fats: 9 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Sugars: 1 gram
- Sodium: 305 mg
Why You’ll Love This Savory Sourdough Herb & Cheese Rolls
These rolls are the perfect blend of crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with the added bonus of gooey melted cheese and fragrant herbs. You can easily customize them with your favorite cheeses or seasonal herbs. And best of all? They harness the natural leavening power of your sourdough starter, giving them a delightful tang that pairs beautifully with any meal.
The Complete Cooking Journey
Get ready for a fun and rewarding cooking experience! You’ll start by mixing a few core ingredients that will transform into the softest, most aromatic rolls. It’s as simple as stirring, folding, and baking. In just a few minutes, you’ll have fresh rolls ready to enjoy warm from the oven!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups sourdough starter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup shredded cheese (e.g., cheddar, mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried herbs (e.g., rosemary, thyme, oregano)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (if needed for a fluffier roll)
Method:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your rolls will bake evenly and rise perfectly in that lovely warmth.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, milk, olive oil, and honey (if using). This mixture is what gives your rolls a wonderful lift and flavor.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add in the flour, dried herbs, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix until a dough forms that clings to your fingers—this won’t take long!
Step 4: Fold in the Cheese
Now, fold in the shredded cheese until it’s evenly distributed throughout the dough. Just imagine that cheesy goodness melting as they bake!
Step 5: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for a few minutes until smooth. This is a great way to work out any stress—you’ll feel that dough becoming soft and manageable.
Step 6: Shape the Rolls
Divide the dough into small pieces and shape them into rolls. Make them as big or as small as you like—just remember, they will puff up while baking!
Step 7: Place Rolls on Baking Sheet
Place the rolls on a greased baking sheet, leaving some space between each one. This helps them expand without sticking together.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. You’ll know they’re ready when your kitchen is filled with that irresistible aroma!
Step 9: Let Cool & Enjoy
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your savory herb and cheese rolls warm!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These rolls are fantastic on their own, but they shine alongside soups, salads, or as part of a cheese platter. Consider serving them with a side of herbed butter or a fresh marinara dip. They also make amazing sandwiches—just slice them open and add your favorite fillings!
Storage & Leftovers Guide
If you happen to have leftovers (which is unlikely!), store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can also freeze them for up to a month—just reheat in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy again.
Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips
- Make sure your sourdough starter is active before using it. A bubbly, lively starter leads to tastier rolls.
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs and cheeses depending on what you have on hand!
- If your textures seem to differ, knead a little longer until the dough feels smooth and elastic.
Flavor Variations & Adaptations
Switch up the cheeses for a completely new flavor profile! Try feta and spinach for a Mediterranean twist or add jalapeños and pepper jack for a kick. You could even fold in diced sun-dried tomatoes or olives for an Italian flair.
Reader Questions & Solutions
-
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
Yes! Just note that whole wheat flour might create a denser texture. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly. -
What if I don’t have sourdough starter?
You can make a simple dough using instant yeast; just replace the starter with an equal amount of water and add a teaspoon of instant yeast. -
How do I know when my rolls are done?
They should be golden brown, and if you tap on the bottom, they should sound hollow. -
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Shape the rolls and place them on a baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake them fresh the next day. -
What can I pair these rolls with?
They go wonderfully with soups, stews, or a simple salad, making them a versatile addition to any meal.
Wrapping Up
Baking these Savory Sourdough Herb & Cheese Rolls is not just a culinary activity, it’s an experience that connects us with warm memories and loved ones. With each bite, you’re embracing the art of nourishment. So, whether you’re impressing dinner guests or just pampering yourself—these rolls will deliver smiles all around. Happy baking!
Print
Savory Sourdough Herb & Cheese Rolls
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and fluffy sourdough rolls with melted cheese and fragrant herbs, perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sourdough starter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup shredded cheese (e.g., cheddar, mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried herbs (e.g., rosemary, thyme, oregano)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (if needed for a fluffier roll)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, milk, olive oil, and honey (if using).
- Gradually add in the flour, dried herbs, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix until a dough forms.
- Fold in the shredded cheese until it’s evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for a few minutes until smooth.
- Divide the dough into small pieces and shape them into rolls.
- Place the rolls on a greased baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Ensure your sourdough starter is active for the best results. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and cheeses.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 305mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
