How to Make Crusty Sourdough Rolls (No Oil or Butter)

Recently, I received an email from Alan asking about sourdough rolls. He wrote: “I would like to make sourdough rolls (not soft with oil/butter included), do you have a video or instructions for that? Or should I just use bread dough in small balls?”

Alan’s question (thanks, Alan!) hits on a topic that many might find interesting. Maybe you’re not a fan of too-soft rolls? Maybe you want your sourdough in smaller amounts? It’s possible to simply portion out bread dough, but there are some techniques to get that crusty roll with a tender, open crumb structure inside.

Table of Contents

How to Get Crusty Sourdough Rolls without Fats

Two things you’ll need before staring are patience and attention to detail.

Unlike enriched dough rolls that contain fats like butter or oil, these rolls rely on proper fermentation and hydration to develop their structure. The process takes longer than commercial yeast rolls, but the depth of flavor and amazing texture are worth every minute.

Your Steps to Success

The Starter

Your sourdough starter should be at peak activity, typically 4-6 hours after feeding at room temperature. A strong starter is crucial for proper fermentation and that distinctive sourdough flavor.

Look for a starter that has doubled in size and shows plenty of bubbles on the surface.

Autolyse

Don’t skip this step! Allowing the flour and water to rest before adding the starter and salt helps develop the gluten structure and makes the dough easier to handle.

This step also contributes to better flavor development.

Bulk Fermentation

During bulk fermentation, your dough develops flavor and strength.

Watch for signs of fermentation like small bubbles forming and the dough becoming more elastic. The dough should increase in volume by about 50% before shaping.

Shaping Technique

Proper shaping is more important that you’d think for crusty rolls.

Each roll should be shaped with surface tension, which will help create that satisfying crust. Think of it as creating a tiny boule – the same principles apply.

Follow My Kitchen Tips

Temperature Control

When you maintain proper dough temperature (75-78°F/24-26°C):

• Your fermentation will progress at an ideal pace
• The starter will produce balanced flavors rather than excessive sourness
• Gluten development will occur consistently
• You’ll get predictable proofing times

Proper Hydration

Measure water accurately and handle high-hydration dough correctly so that:

• Your crust will develop that coveted crackling texture
• The crumb will show an open, honeycomb structure
• The rolls will have better oven spring
• You’ll achieve that translucent, gelatinized crumb appearance

Starter Management

When your starter is truly at peak activity:

• Your dough will ferment evenly and predictably
• You’ll get maximum flavor development
• The rolls will achieve proper volume
• You’ll see consistent oven spring

Gluten Development

Developing gluten properly through stretch and folds means:

• Your rolls will hold their shape during proofing
• The crust will have attractive blisters
• The crumb structure will be even and well-developed
• You’ll achieve better scores and ears during baking

Steam Creation

Create proper steam during baking so these happen:

• Your crust will develop that beautiful mahogany color
• The rolls will achieve maximum oven spring
• You’ll get the satisfying crackle when cooling
• The crust will have the right thickness and texture

Scoring Technique

Score at the right depth and angle:

• Your rolls will open up beautifully in the oven
• You’ll get attractive patterns on the crust
• The expansion will be controlled and even
• The rolls will have better overall shape

Cooling Patience

Proper cooling equals:

• The texture will be perfect for slicing
• The crumb will set properly
• The crust will develop its characteristic crackle
• The flavor will be fully developed

Bakery-Style Crusty Sourdough Rolls Recipe

• Total time: 8-12 hours
• Yield: 8-10 rolls

Ingredients

• 400g bread flour
• 280g water (70% hydration)
• 80g active sourdough starter (100% hydration)
• 8g salt

Equipment

• mixing bowl
• bench scraper
• baking stone (optional)
• spray bottle for steam

How to Make

1. Autolyse (1 hour)
   • Mix flour and water until no dry flour remains
   • Cover and rest for 1 hour
2. Mix (10 minutes)
   • Add starter and salt to autolysed dough
   • Mix until well incorporated
   • Develop initial gluten structure through slap and folds or stretch and folds
3. Bulk Fermentation (4-6 hours at 75°F/24°C)
   • Perform 4 sets of stretch and folds during the first 2 hours
   • Allow to ferment until dough has increased by 50% in volume
   • Look for small bubbles on surface
4. Divide and Shape (15 minutes)
   • Divide dough into 80g portions
   • Pre-shape into tight balls
   • Rest 15 minutes uncovered
   • Final shape with good surface tension
5. Final Proof (2-3 hours or overnight in refrigerator)
   • Place shaped rolls on parchment-lined baking sheet
   • Cover with damp cloth or plastic wrap
   • Proof until rolls pass the poke test
6. Bake (25-30 minutes)
   • Preheat oven to 450°F/230°C with baking stone if available
   • Score rolls
   • Create steam in oven
   • Bake until deep golden brown
   • Cool completely on wire rack

Notes

• Best eaten same day, or freeze for up to 3 months
• Pay attention to dough temperature throughout the process. Ideal dough temperature after mixing should be 75-78°F (24-26°C) for optimal fermentation.

Serving Suggestions

These crusty rolls shine in so many settings.

Create an unforgettable breakfast by splitting them and using them for eggs Benedict – the crusty exterior holds up beautifully to hollandaise sauce while the tender interior soaks up the egg yolk.

For lunch, they make exceptional sandwiches, particularly for Vietnamese Banh Mi where the contrast between the crusty exterior and fresh, crisp vegetables creates a delightful textural experience.

For dinner, warm them slightly and serve alongside hearty soups or stews. The crusty exterior is great for dipping, while the open crumb structure captures broth beautifully. They’re particularly excellent with dishes like bouillabaisse or beef bourguignon.

Sourdough Roll Pairings

These rolls pair exceptionally well with aged cheeses – try them with a 24-month aged comté or a sharp cheddar. The tanginess of the sourdough complements the complex flavors in aged cheese wonderfully.

For a light summer meal, serve them alongside a charcuterie board with cured meats, cornichons, and whole-grain mustard.

For wine pairings, their robust flavor profile stands up well to full-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah. If you prefer white wine, try them with an oaked Chardonnay that can match their complexity.

Let’s Answer Some Common Questions

Why aren’t my rolls crusty enough?

The secret to a crackling crust is steam during baking. While professional ovens inject steam, you can mimic this by:

• Tossing ice cubes onto a preheated sheet pan to create steam.
• Placing a pan of hot water in the bottom of your oven.

Can I make these ahead?

Yes!

• After shaping, refrigerate the rolls for up to 24 hours.
• Cold fermentation enhances flavor development.
• Before baking, let the rolls come to room temperature.

Why did my rolls spread instead of rise?

This often happens due to under-developed gluten or over-proofing.

• There should be proper gluten development by performing stretch and folds during bulk fermentation.
• Keep a close eye on proofing time; if the dough feels overly soft or sluggish, it’s better to bake slightly under-proofed than over-proofed.

My rolls are dense with few holes. What went wrong?

Several factors could contribute:

• Your starter wasn’t active enough – ensure it doubles within 4-6 hours of feeding
• Insufficient bulk fermentation time – look for 50% volume increase and bubble development
• Dough was too cold – maintain 75-78°F for optimal fermentation
• Over-handling during shaping – be gentle to preserve gas bubbles
• Under-proofing – final proof should show visible growth and pass the poke test

The bottom of my rolls is burned. How can I prevent this?

Try these:

• Double up your baking sheets
• Place an empty baking sheet on a lower rack as a heat shield
• Lower your oven temperature by 25°F after the first 10 minutes
• Use parchment paper instead of directly on the baking sheet
• Ensure your oven isn’t running hot with an oven thermometer

Why don’t my rolls have those nice blisters on the crust?

Crust blisters develop from:

• Proper cold fermentation (try an overnight proof in the fridge)
• Adequate hydration (maintain 70-75% hydration)
• Correct steam at the start of baking
• Not over-handling during shaping

My rolls are too sour. How can I adjust the flavor?

• Feed your starter more frequently before baking
• Use a younger starter (4-6 hours after feeding instead of 8-12)
• Reduce bulk fermentation time slightly
• Use cooler water in your mix
• Limit acid development by avoiding very warm temperatures

The rolls stuck to my baking sheet/parchment. Help?

• Use fresh parchment paper, not wax paper
• Ensure proper proofing – overproofed dough tends to stick
• Dust proofing surface lightly with rice flour
• Don’t let shaped rolls proof too long in a humid environment
• If using a baking stone, pre-heat it thoroughly

My scoring isn’t creating nice patterns or ears. What’s wrong?

Successful scoring requires:

• A very sharp blade (change razor blades frequently)
• Confidence and speed in your cuts (hesitation leads to dragging)
• Proper dough strength (weak dough won’t hold scoring)
• The right angle (30-45 degrees for ears)
• Adequate surface tension from shaping
• Not letting the surface dry out during proofing

Can I freeze these rolls?

Yes, with proper technique:

• Freeze fully baked and completely cooled rolls
• Double wrap in plastic and foil or vacuum seal
• Freeze for up to 3 months
• Thaw at room temperature, then refresh in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes
• Don’t freeze unbaked rolls as this can damage the yeast structure

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