If there’s anything better than the aroma and taste of a fresh, warm roll, it’s the satisfaction of having made it at home with love and care. Today, I’m sharing the ultimate homemade sourdough French roll recipe—the kind that will make you swear off store-bought bread for good.
Ingredients for Homemade Sourdough French Rolls:
- 2 1/2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (180ml) water
- 1/3 cup (90g) active sourdough starter
- 1 1/2 tsp (8g) salt
- 1 tsp (5g) sugar
- 1 tbsp (15g) lard (or unsalted butter)
Instructions:
- Start with the autolyse: mix the flour and water together and let it rest for two hours until a windowpane consistency is reached.
- Add the sourdough starter, salt, sugar, and lard (or butter) to the dough and mix well until fully incorporated.
- Let the dough rest for 30 minutes, performing a set of folds at the end of this interval.
- After folding, place the dough in the refrigerator for 12 hours of cold fermentation.
- Divide the dough into 2 oz (60g) portions and shape them into rolls.
- Let the rolls rest for about an hour or until doubled in size.
- Using a bread lame or a sharp razor, score the surface of each roll lengthwise.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake the rolls until golden brown.
Pro Tip:
The secret to the perfect French roll lies in the temperature and fermentation time. Respect the resting intervals and the cold proofing in the fridge to ensure the signature chew and flavor. Also, when shaping, don’t forget to score the tops—this allows the bread to expand evenly while baking.
Prep Time and Yields:
The total preparation time, including resting and fermentation, is approximately 15 hours. This recipe makes 10 rolls, about 2 oz (60g) each.
Why Sourdough?
Naturally fermented French rolls are a true masterpiece of artisan baking. By using a sourdough starter, the bread gains a unique flavor profile, a superior texture, and better nutritional benefits. Try making your own homemade sourdough rolls and discover the joy of enjoying a fresh, warm slice at any time of the day. Your journey into the world of artisan baking starts here, and these perfect rolls are just the beginning!