Sourdough Herb And Cheese Rolls Recipe

Fluffy Sourdough Herb And Cheese Rolls Recipe For Bread Lovers

Golden, crusty sourdough herb and cheese rolls dance with flavor in every bite.

Homemade bread lovers adore this sourdough herb and cheese rolls recipe that brings warmth to any table.

The tangy sourdough base mingles perfectly with aromatic herbs and melted cheese.

Each roll promises a delightful blend of crisp exterior and soft, pillowy interior.

Kernels of herbs peek through a golden crust, promising a burst of savory goodness.

Fresh ingredients transform simple dough into an irresistible companion for soups, salads, or enjoyed on their own.

These rolls will elevate your baking skills and impress anyone lucky enough to taste them.

Sourdough Herb And Cheese Rolls Taste Like Bakery Magic

  • Craft Gourmet Comfort: Transform ordinary bread into a restaurant-worthy experience with minimal professional cooking skills required.
  • Customize Flavor Adventure: Mix and match cheese varieties and herb combinations to create personalized rolls that match your taste preferences and pantry ingredients.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Perfect for weekend brunches, potlucks, family dinners, or as a stunning side dish that impresses guests without complicated techniques.
  • Slow Food Satisfaction: Embrace the rewarding process of working with sourdough, enjoying the rich fermentation and developing deep, complex flavors through patient preparation.

Sourdough Herb And Cheese Rolls Ingredient Lineup

Sourdough Base:
  • Sourdough Starter: The foundation of the bread that provides tangy flavor and helps the dough rise.
  • Warm Milk: Activates the starter and adds moisture to the dough.
  • Melted Butter: Contributes richness and softness to the rolls.
  • Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and controls yeast growth.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds a gentle aromatic background flavor.
Flour and Binding:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure and body of the bread rolls.
  • Egg Wash: Creates a golden, shiny exterior when baked.
Cheese and Herb Filling:
  • Shredded Cheese: Provides creamy, melty texture and savory flavor.
  • Softened Butter: Helps spread the filling and adds richness.
  • Dried Oregano, Dried Basil: Brings Mediterranean herb notes to the rolls.
  • Black Pepper: Adds a subtle spicy undertone to the filling.

Baking Sourdough Herb And Cheese Rolls From Scratch Guide

Step 1: Craft Sourdough Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine your tangy sourdough starter with warm milk, melted butter, sugar, salt, and a sprinkle of garlic powder.

Whisk everything together until the mixture looks smooth and well-blended.

Step 2: Build Dough Foundation

Start adding flour gradually into the wet ingredients, stirring until a shaggy, loose dough emerges.

When the mixture becomes difficult to stir, turn it out onto a flour-dusted surface.

Step 3: Knead and Develop Texture

Work the dough with your hands, pushing and folding for about 8 minutes.

The goal is a silky, elastic texture that springs back when touched.

If the dough feels too sticky, dust with a tiny bit of flour.

Step 4: Allow First Fermentation

Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rest at room temperature.

During 4-6 hours, the dough will become puffy and nearly double in volume.

Step 5: Create Herbed Cheese Mixture

In a small bowl, blend:
  • Shredded cheese
  • Softened butter
  • Dried oregano
  • Dried basil
  • Black pepper

Mix until the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Step 6: Roll and Stretch Dough

On a floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle about 12×16 inches, ensuring an even 1/4-inch thickness.

Step 7: Distribute Flavor Layers

Spread the cheese and herb mixture evenly across the dough’s surface, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 8: Form Rolling Technique

From the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log.

Seal the seam by pinching it closed.

Use a sharp knife or dental floss to slice the log into 10-12 equal rolls.

Step 9: Prepare Baking Arrangement

Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

Leave a small space between each roll for expansion.

Step 10: Second Rise Period

Cover the rolls and let them rise at room temperature for 1-2 hours.

They should become puffy and fill most of the pan’s space.

Step 11: Preheat Cooking Environment

About 20 minutes before baking, warm the oven to 375F.

Step 12: Final Preparation

Gently brush the rolls’ tops with egg wash.

Optionally sprinkle extra cheese and herbs on top.

Step 13: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the rolls turn a beautiful golden brown.

If browning too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil.

Step 14: Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the rolls rest in the pan for 5-10 minutes.

Serve warm, with optional butter on the side.

Tips For Golden Sourdough Herb And Cheese Rolls Crust

  • Allow starter to ferment longer for deeper, tangier taste profile in rolls.
  • Use wet hands when kneading to manage moisture without adding excess flour.
  • Grate cheese finely and ensure even spread for consistent flavor in every bite.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to help dough rise consistently and develop better texture.
  • Cover rolls with damp cloth during rising to prevent surface from drying and forming skin.

Sourdough Herb And Cheese Rolls Flavors To Experiment With

  • Gluten-Free Herb Rolls: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend using rice flour, potato starch, and xanthan gum for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Cheese Rolls: Swap dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like almond milk, vegan butter, and nutritional yeast-based cheese substitute.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Rolls: Use riced cauliflower and almond flour as a base, incorporating herbs and low-fat cheese for a keto-friendly alternative.
  • Mediterranean Olive Rolls: Substitute cheese with crumbled feta, add chopped kalamata olives, and sprinkle with za'atar spice blend for a Mediterranean flavor profile.

Sourdough Herb And Cheese Rolls Ways To Share Warmth

  • Rustic Brunch Delight: Pair these savory sourdough rolls with scrambled eggs and fresh chives for a hearty morning feast.
  • Appetizer Elegance: Slice rolls in half and serve alongside marinara sauce or herbed olive oil for an impressive starter at dinner parties.
  • Sandwich Transformation: Split rolls and create gourmet sandwiches with roasted turkey, crisp lettuce, and tangy aioli for a lunch upgrade.
  • Comfort Side Companion: Serve warm alongside hearty soups, stews, or as a complement to roasted chicken for a satisfying meal enhancement.

Storage Pointers For Sourdough Herb And Cheese Rolls

  • Store leftover sourdough herb and cheese rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Place rolls in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore freshness.
  • Keep rolls at room temperature for 1-2 days if planning to consume quickly. Place in a bread box or cover loosely with a clean kitchen towel to prevent them from becoming too dry.
  • Warm refrigerated or frozen rolls in the oven for best results.

FAQs

  • What is sourdough starter and why is it important in this recipe?

Sourdough starter is a fermented mixture of flour and water containing wild yeast and bacteria. It provides a tangy flavor, helps dough rise, and creates a unique texture in bread products.

  • Can I make these rolls without a sourdough starter?

While traditional sourdough requires a starter, you can substitute with active dry yeast. Use 2¼ teaspoons of yeast and reduce fermentation time to 1-2 hours.

  • How do I know when the dough is properly kneaded?

The dough is correctly kneaded when it becomes smooth, elastic, and passes the “windowpane test” – a small piece can be stretched thin enough to see light through without tearing.

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Sourdough Herb And Cheese Rolls Recipe

Sourdough Herb And Cheese Rolls Recipe


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4.7 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 5 hours 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Savory sourdough herb and cheese rolls bring rustic Italian countryside charm to your table. Fresh herbs and melted cheese create irresistible comfort, inviting you to savor each delightful, warm bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan)

Liquid and Starter Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (120g) sourdough starter (discard or active)
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) warm milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Herbs and Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened

Topping:

  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • Extra shredded cheese for sprinkling
  • Additional dried herbs for garnish

Instructions

  1. Combine sourdough starter, warm milk, melted butter, sugar, salt, and garlic powder in a large mixing bowl, stirring until thoroughly incorporated.
  2. Gradually fold in flour, mixing until a shaggy dough texture emerges. Transfer to a floured surface.
  3. Knead the dough for 8 minutes, developing a smooth and elastic consistency. Incorporate minimal flour if the dough feels excessively sticky.
  4. Transfer dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth. Allow fermentation at room temperature for 4-6 hours, or refrigerate overnight until volume doubles.
  5. Prepare herb-cheese mixture by blending shredded cheese, softened butter, dried oregano, dried basil, and black pepper until uniformly mixed.
  6. Roll out dough into a rectangular shape approximately 12×16 inches, maintaining a thin 1/4-inch thickness.
  7. Evenly distribute the herb-cheese mixture across the dough’s surface, maintaining a small border around the edges.
  8. Tightly roll the dough from the long side, creating a compact log. Seal the seam by pinching. Slice into 10-12 uniform rolls using a sharp knife.
  9. Arrange rolls cut-side up in a greased baking dish, allowing minimal spacing between them. Cover with a protective cloth.
  10. Allow rolls to proof for 1-2 hours at room temperature until they expand and nearly touch each other.
  11. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) approximately 20 minutes before baking.
  12. Delicately brush roll tops with egg wash. Optional: Sprinkle additional cheese and herbs for enhanced flavor.
  13. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. If browning occurs too quickly, loosely tent with aluminum foil.
  14. Remove from oven and let rest 5-10 minutes. Serve warm, optionally accompanied by butter.

Notes

  • Choose a mature, active sourdough starter at peak fermentation for the most robust flavor and best rise in your rolls.
  • Work with room temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing and optimal dough development during the fermentation process.
  • Keep the dough slightly tacky but not overly sticky, which helps create a soft, tender texture in the final rolls.
  • Try different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or parmesan to customize the flavor profile of your herb and cheese rolls.
  • Prep Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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