The Best Sourdough Rolls no yeast Recipe (2024)

Light and fluffy, this sourdough rolls no yeast recipe is truly the best. These rolls are buttery and slightly sweet. They make the perfect dinner roll or mini sandwich bread.

The Best Sourdough Rolls no yeast Recipe (1)

If you grew up in the south, you surely know about Sister Schubert Parker House rolls. We had those at every family gathering and special dinner. Let me just tell you- these sourdough rolls are just as good as sister schubert… if not better.

After a quick google search, I was able to pull up the ingredients list for the original parker house rolls, and it contains way more ingredients than a roll should.. and while delicious, they are not doing your body any favors.

This recipe is just as delicious but made without the bad oils, commercial yeast and other extra additives made to extend shelf life of store-bought dinner rolls.

I first made these for our Easter celebration with friends and they were a hit! I had to test the recipe another few times to make sure it wasn’t a fluke, and y’all. It was not a fluke. This sourdough rolls recipe is a winner!

Serve these with a bowl of my hearty Beef Stew or Creamy Tuscan Kale and Sausage Soup or use them for sandwiches! You are going to love them.

The Best Sourdough Rolls no yeast Recipe (2)

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is Sourdough made without yeast?

Sourdough is made with water and unbleached flour. It uses the wild yeasts and bacteria caught in the air to ferment the wheat and does not use any commercially produced yeasts. Find out how to make your own sourdough starter here!

Is sourdough healthier than instant yeast?

Bread that is made from sourdough starter is much healthier than breads made with instant yeast. The sourdough starter captures the wild yeasts from its environment and digests the gluten during the fermentation process. Instant yeast is commercially manufactured and does not provide these same gut healthy benefits.

Why is sourdough bread good for you?

Sourdough breads require longer fermentation periods to allow the wild yeasts captured in your sourdough starter time to digest the flour and ferment the dough while it rises. Sourdough is lower in gluten than other breads made with commercial yeast, making it more easily digestible. Many people who do not tolerate gluten well can often eat sourdough bread without issues.

Sourdough bread that is long fermented breaks down the phytic acid in the wheat. Phytic acid is known as an anti-nutrient as it keeps our bodies from absorbing the vitamins found in wheat grains. Long-fermented sourdough bread actually makes the bread more nutritious and gives your body the ability to enjoy those wonderful nutrients!

Prebiotics are also found in sourdough bread, which help to feed the good bacteria in your gut. So many wonderful benefits to enjoying sourdough bread – and not just the taste, which is far better to yeast breads, in my opinion!

How do you store sourdough rolls?

My favorite way to store sourdough breads is by wrapping them in a tea towel or linen bread bag and storing in a bread box at room temperature. The bread stays fresh longer and does not dry out as it does on the counter.

The Best Sourdough Rolls no yeast Recipe (3)

Tools you may need for these Sourdough Rolls – no yeast recipe

How to make Sourdough Rolls – no yeast, just starter!

To make these sourdough rolls, you will need to begin by feeding your sourdough starter 4-6 hours prior to mixing the dough up. Allow your starter enough time to become active and bubbly and to double in height. Once it has doubled and is bubbly, it is ready for use.

You can make this dough in a stand mixer or by hand. I prefer the stand mixer method. It is a very sticky dough, so if you are mixing by hand, it will take a bit longer and the dough will be a little sticky to work with! Just a heads up if that is the method you choose to take.

Mix the Dough

Start by whisking the wet ingredients together – active sourdough starter, water, eggs and unsalted melted butter. Next, add in the flour, sugar and salt. Using the dough hook attachment for a stand mixer, mix together on medium speed for 5-10 minutes until the dough forms a smooth ball and does not stick to the edges of the bowl.

Bulk Rise

Once it is well combined and is not sticking to the sides of the bowl, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and leave it in a warm (not hot) spot. We keep our house at about 71-75℉ during the day, so room temperature works well for this bulk rise. This will usually take between 6-10 hours. You are looking for the dough to double and become less dense.

The Best Sourdough Rolls no yeast Recipe (4)

Fridge Fermentation

Once the dough has doubled, place the bowl into the refrigerator until you are ready to shape the rolls. Place in the fridge for a minimum of 4 hours and up to 2 days. Keep the dough covered and it can stay in the fridge for a few days until you are ready for to make the rolls. That is a wonderful option if you are making these for a holiday meal so you have less to prepare the day of.

Shape the Sourdough Rolls

About 3 hours before you are wanting to bake the rolls, take the dough out of the fridge and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness, keeping the surface and rolling pin floured to prevent sticking.

The Best Sourdough Rolls no yeast Recipe (5)

With a 2 inch biscuit cutter (or a regular mouth mason jar lid), cut out 22-24 pieces of dough. To shape the rolls, fold them into the center and then roll into a little dough ball.

The Best Sourdough Rolls no yeast Recipe (6)

Place into a buttered baking dish – any kind will do, I have made these in a deep pie dishes, a 9×9 square dish, 9×13, you get the picture. Use what you want, just make sure to butter the dish. Place the rolled up dough balls in the baking dish and with a pastry brush, brush melted butter on top of the dough.

The Best Sourdough Rolls no yeast Recipe (7)

Rise & Bake

Let the dough rest in a warm spot for about 2 hours until the dough balls have doubled.
Once doubled, preheat the oven to 400℉ and bake for 20 minutes until the tops are golden.
Enjoy warm with softened butter or slice and use for mini sandwiches!

The Best Sourdough Rolls no yeast Recipe (8)

These sourdough rolls freeze well, too! Once they have cooled down after baking, place in a ziplock bag and store in the freezer. When you are ready to serve them, take them out and reheat in a 350℉ oven for 10 minutes.

The Best Sourdough Rolls no yeast Recipe (9)

If you try this recipe and love it, I would love to know! Come back and leave a review! Tag me on Instagram@oursimplegraces

The Best Sourdough Rolls no yeast Recipe (10)

Sourdough Rolls - no yeast!

Yield: 22-24 Rolls

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Additional Time: 16 hours

Total Time: 16 hours 50 minutes

Light and fluffy, this sourdough rolls no yeast recipe is truly the best. These rolls are buttery and slightly sweet. They make the perfect dinner roll or mini sandwich bread.

Ingredients

  • 186 grams sourdough starter, active and bubbly
  • 163 grams filtered water
  • 2 Large eggs
  • 100 grams unsalted butter, melted
  • 563 grams unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 100 grams cane sugar
  • 10 grams salt
  • 4 TBS unsalted butter, melted - for the baking dishes and brushing on top of rolls

Instructions


How to make Sourdough Rolls - no yeast, just starter!

To make these sourdough rolls, you will need to begin by feeding your sourdough starter 4-6 hours prior to mixing the dough up. Allow your starter enough time to become active and bubbly and to double in height. Once it has doubled and is bubbly, it is ready to be used.

Mix the Dough

Start by whisking the wet ingredients together - active sourdough starter, water, eggs and unsalted melted butter.

Next, add in the flour, sugar and salt. Using the dough hook attachment for a stand mixer, mix together on medium speed for 5-10 minutes until the dough forms a smooth ball and does not stick to the edges of the bowl.

Bulk Rise

Once it is well combined and is not sticking to the sides of the bowl, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and leave it in a warm (not hot) spot.

My house is kept at about 71-75℉ during the day, so room temperature works well for this bulk rise. This will usually take between 6-10 hours. You are looking for the dough to double and become less dense.

Fridge Fermentation

Once the dough has doubled, place the bowl into the refrigerator until you are ready to shape the rolls. Place in the fridge for a minimum of 4 hours and up to 2 days.

As long as the bowl is airtight with the plastic wrap or lid, it can stay in the fridge for a few days until you are ready for to make the rolls. That is a wonderful option if you are making these for a holiday meal so you have less to prepare the day of.

Shape the Sourdough Rolls

About 3 hours before you are wanting to bake the rolls, take the dough out of the fridge and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness, keeping the surface and rolling pin floured to prevent sticking.

With a 2 inch biscuit cutter (or a regular mouth mason jar lid), cut out 22-24 pieces of dough.

To shape the rolls, fold the edges into the center of the disc and then roll into a little dough ball. Place into a buttered baking dish.

I have made these in a deep pie dishes, a 9x9 square dish, 9x13, you get the picture. Use what you want, just make sure to butter the dish.

Place the rolled up dough balls in the baking dish and with a pastry brush, brush melted butter on top of the dough.

Rise & Bake

Let the dough rest in a warm spot for about 2 hours until the dough balls have doubled. Once doubled, preheat the oven to 400℉ and bake for 20 minutes until the tops are golden. Enjoy warm with softened butter or slice and use for mini sandwiches!

Notes

  1. This dough can be made in a stand mixer or by hand, but I prefer the stand mixer method. It is a very sticky dough, so if you are mixing by hand, it will take a bit longer and the dough will be a little sticky to work with! Just a heads up if that is the method you choose to take.
  2. These sourdough rolls freeze well! Once they have cooled down after baking, place in a ziplock bag and store in the freezer. When you are ready to serve them, take them out and reheat in a 350℉ oven for 10 minutes.
Nutrition Information:

Yield: 24Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 171Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 175mgCarbohydrates: 26gFiber: 1gSugar: 4gProtein: 4g

Other Sourdough Recipes to try!

  • Sourdough Orange Cinnamon Rolls
  • Artisan Rustic Sourdough Bread
  • Sourdough Sandwich Bread
  • Pumpkin Spice Sourdough Bagels
  • Pumpkin Sourdough Pancakes
  • Sourdough Croissants
The Best Sourdough Rolls no yeast Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to good sourdough bread? ›

Top 10 Tips & Tricks for Making Sourdough
  • Use your sourdough starter at its peak. ...
  • Moisten the surface of the dough before baking for more rise. ...
  • Handle with care: be gentle with your dough. ...
  • Use sifted flour to make your sourdough less dense. ...
  • Soak your flour beforehand for a lighter loaf. ...
  • Just add water for softer sourdough.

Does sourdough bread still need yeast? ›

A true sourdough starter relies on the natural yeasts and bacteria present in the flour and the environment. Adding commercial yeast to the mix may speed up the fermentation process, but it won't produce the same complex flavors and textures that come from a naturally fermented starter.

How does sourdough work without yeast? ›

Sourdough differs from most bread in that it contains no baker's yeast, relying instead on a fermented “starter” of water and flour to provide lift. This also provides its sour flavour and chewy texture.

Why use sourdough starter instead of yeast? ›

Sourdough breads just taste better—they're more complex, more aromatic, and more adaptable to a wider range of flavors than commercial yeast.

What is the best flour for sourdough bread? ›

Whole wheat flour is an excellent choice for creating a sourdough starter due to its nutrient-rich composition and potential for fostering a robust microbial community. However, it's important to note that the quality of whole wheat flour can vary between brands.

How do you make sourdough bread lighter and fluffier? ›

There are several ways to make sourdough bread lighter and less dense, such as:
  1. Increasing the hydration level of your dough, which means adding more water or using less flour. ...
  2. Switching up the type of flour you use, or using a mixture of different flours.
Nov 15, 2015

Is sourdough starter healthier than yeast? ›

Sourdough bread is made using a natural starter culture, rather than commercial yeast. This fermentation process can make the bread more easily digestible and also increases the levels of beneficial bacteria (probiotics) in the bread, which can be beneficial for gut health.

How healthy is sourdough bread? ›

Sourdough has made a comeback—and for good reason. It provides nutrients, including healthy carbs, protein, fiber, iron and vitamins like folic acid. It may help improve digestion, lower chronic disease risk and even promote healthy aging.

How do I make my sourdough starter stronger? ›

10. How do I make my sourdough starter more active?
  1. Keep your starter warm, 74-76°F (23-24°C) or warmer.
  2. Use more whole grains in each feeding.
  3. Feed your starter when it's ripe (not too early, and not too late)
  4. Don't place it into the refrigerator.
Jun 6, 2022

Does homemade sourdough bread taste better? ›

Using a sourdough starter when making bread will reduce the amount of yeast to a minimum. You'll also notice the taste of the grains and the flour much better, as their flavours will be emphasised by the sourdough technique. And you won't just get tastier bread.

Can you make sourdough bread with milk instead of water? ›

Adding milk (and a little butter) will give you a more moist sourdough crumb. You can swap some or all of the water in a sourdough recipe for milk to add moisture to the crumb.

What happens if I add yeast to my sourdough bread? ›

Adding yeast to a sourdough can result in a lighter, more tender crumb and a crisper crust than the same loaf without it. Now I like the texture of a crusty, chewy sourdough loaf most of the time, but there are instances where I find this effect especially useful.

Is sourdough bread good for your gut? ›

Sourdough bread may be easier to digest than white bread for some people. According to some studies, sourdough bread acts as a prebiotic, which means that the fiber in the bread helps feed the “good” bacteria in your intestines. These bacteria are important for maintaining a stable, healthy digestive system.

Is homemade sourdough bread healthier? ›

Sourdough relies on a mix of wild yeast and lactic acid bacteria, rather than baker's yeast, to leaven the dough. It's richer in nutrients, less likely to spike your blood sugar, contains lower amounts of gluten, and is generally easier to digest than bread made with baker's yeast.

Does sourdough bread taste sour? ›

In general, many beginners at sourdough have the preconceived notion that sourdough bread should be very sour. Like the classic San Francisco Sourdough Bread, or like the 100% whole wheat bread mentioned above. However, most sourdough breads aren't that sour, and most breads shouldn't be that sour.

What is the secret behind the sour of sourdough bread? ›

There are two main acids produced in a sourdough culture: lactic acid and acetic acid. Acetic acid, or vinegar, is the acid that gives sourdough much of its tang. Giving acetic acid-producing organisms optimal conditions to thrive and multiply will produce a more tangy finished product.

How can I make my sourdough rise better? ›

So don't leave your dough in a warm oven, on a radiator or in sunlight. It will likely be too warm and will dry out your dough too. Instead, find a cosy spot, with no drafts, for your dough to rise. And, if your sourdough starter is struggling to get going, consider finding it a warmer spot too.

Why do you put honey in sourdough bread? ›

Honey: Honey adds a sweetness to this dough and helps balance any sour flavor that comes through from the fermentation process. If you are looking for whole wheat bread without the honey, try this recipe. Salt: Salt enhances the flavor and helps tempers the fermentation.

How do you increase the texture of sourdough bread? ›

Here are some tips to help you make your sourdough bread less dense:
  1. Use a ripe sourdough starter. ...
  2. Knead the dough for the right amount of time. ...
  3. Proof the dough for the correct amount of time. ...
  4. Use the right type of flour. ...
  5. Add the right amount of water. ...
  6. Score the bread properly. ...
  7. Bake the bread at the correct temperature.
Sep 9, 2023

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