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Crispy Cheese and Herb Sourdough Rolls

crispy cheese and herb sourdough rolls - featured image

These crispy cheese and herb sourdough rolls feature a tender crumb inside with a golden, cheesy, and herb-infused crust. Perfect for cozy mornings or sharing with friends, they balance crunch and softness beautifully.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (500g) bread flour
  • 1 cup (100g) active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)
  • 1 1/3 cups (325ml) warm water (around 80°F/27°C)
  • 2 tsp (10g) fine sea salt
  • 1/4 cup (50g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups (150g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (reserve some for topping)
  • 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or thyme/oregano)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
  • Extra shredded cheddar for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine 4 cups bread flour and 2 tsp salt.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup active sourdough starter with 1 1/3 cups warm water.
  3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined; dough will be shaggy and sticky. (10 minutes)
  4. Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let rest for 45 minutes (autolyse).
  5. Add softened butter, 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar, and fresh herbs to the dough. Fold gently but thoroughly using hands or a dough scraper. (10 minutes)
  6. Cover and ferment at room temperature for about 2 hours, performing a gentle stretch and fold every 30 minutes on all four sides.
  7. Lightly flour work surface, turn dough out, and divide into 10 equal pieces (~3 oz/90g each). Shape each into a tight ball and place spaced apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet or proofing basket. (15 minutes)
  8. Cover rolls with a damp towel and let rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour until puffy but not doubled.
  9. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Mix olive oil with garlic powder and brush lightly over rolls. Sprinkle extra shredded cheddar on top.
  10. Bake on middle rack for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crisp; internal temperature should reach about 200°F (93°C).
  11. Cool rolls on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

[‘Use an active, bubbly sourdough starter for best rise.’, ‘Sticky dough is normal; avoid adding extra flour to keep rolls tender.’, ‘Perform stretch and folds instead of kneading to build gluten.’, ‘Watch proofing carefully to avoid over or under-proofing.’, ‘Preheat oven thoroughly and avoid opening door early to maintain crust crispness.’, ‘Brush rolls with herb-infused oil before baking for a golden cheesy crust.’, ‘For dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil and use vegan cheese.’, ‘For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum and psyllium husk.’, ‘You can prepare dough the night before by refrigerating after shaping and bake directly from fridge with extra baking time.’, ‘Variations include adding jalapeños for spice, swapping herbs, or using smoked gouda cheese.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: sourdough rolls, cheese rolls, herb rolls, crispy crust bread, homemade bread, sourdough recipe, cheddar cheese bread, easy bread recipe