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.

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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.

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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 fluffy sourdough? ›

The magic that makes this sourdough so fluffy is a quick oven-rising process under very high heat. The key is to make sure the Dutch oven is fully preheated before baking the bread.

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.

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.

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

First, the production of lactic acid (as well as acetic acid) lowers the pH of your starter to around 3.5 (and as high as 5). This lowering of pH results in that characteristic sour flavor of sourdough. Second, a low pH eliminates unwanted pathogens like enterobacteria or Staphylococcus.

What makes sourdough taste better? ›

The taste of sourdough can be influenced by factors including fermentation time, temperature and flour type, as well as the microbes present in the starter.

How do I make my sourdough rise more? ›

Set the sourdough starter on the fridge. This warm location will kick start the fermentation and allow the starter to rise more. You can also add a bowl of warm water nearby to increase humidity. This may sound weird, but on the flip side, fridges are super warm on top!

What happens if you bake bread without yeast? ›

Some differences could be that your bread will not rise as tall as you're used to, the flavor is a little different, or the texture may not be exactly the same. However, if you're out of yeast or don't have the time to wait for your bread to rise, these substitutes will undoubtedly get the job done.

Why is sourdough bread healthier than yeast bread? ›

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.

Is bread without yeast healthier? ›

For health conscious consumers yeast free bread has many benefits and is recommended for people suffering from Diabetes, Candida and other digestive problems. Eating most types of regular bread creates sugar in our body's when our body breaks down the bread into carbohydrates and simple sugars.

What is the best flour for sourdough starter? ›

The best flour blend for creating a new sourdough starter is 50% whole-meal flour (whole wheat or whole rye) and 50% bread flour or all-purpose flour. I recommend a 50/50 mix of whole wheat flour and bread flour. Why do you need to use these two types of flour?

Can you buy sourdough bread without yeast? ›

Is all sourdough bread yeast-free? Sourdough bread is yeast-free in the sense that it contains no added yeast.

Why do you put vinegar in 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.

Why doesn't my homemade sourdough bread taste sour? ›

Using flours with more ash, or mineral, content, will yield more sour taste. If you can't get enough ash, adding a bit of whole wheat flour to your recipe, which is what is done with the 20% Bran Flour, will boost the sour of a bread. Conversely, using a lower ash flour will tend to produce a milder bread.

What is the secret to sourdough? ›

The secret to sourdough is simple: water. The more water you add to your dough will affect how open the crumb (bigger holes and softer texture) will be once it's baked.

Why isn't my sourdough bread fluffy? ›

If your bread is very compact and the crumb is super tight, it can mean that the hydration level was not enough for amount of flour used. Increasing the water content will help to alleviate this issue. If you're working with higher hydration dough, consider lamination for superior dough strength.

Why isn't my sourdough starter fluffy? ›

It must be kept alive and well with additional feedings (flour and water) to keep it bubbly and active. Remember, it's a living culture which must be cared for with intent. Otherwise, your bread won't rise. Think of it like a pet that needs to be fed daily, or a house plant that needs water and a sunny window.

What does baking soda do to sourdough? ›

Baking soda or bicarbonate of soda can be used in sourdough bread to create a less sour loaf. Added after bulk fermentation, but before shaping, it can help to create a lighter, more fluffy loaf of sourdough.

How to get soft crust on sourdough bread? ›

Brush With Butter

Butter contains fats that retain gases during baking, ensuring the dough rises properly in the oven and softening the crust. If you forget to brush the dough before you bake, you can still apply it as soon as you take it out. The butter will minimize the amount of crisping a loaf will do as it cools.

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