Name: Sourdough Herb and Cheese Rolls Recipe
Prep time: PT-491713H12M37S
Cook time: PT-491713H12M37S
Total time: PT-491713H12M37S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup sourdough starter (bubbly and active) (113 g); 1/2 cup water (118 g); 4 cups all-purpose flour (560 g); 1/2 cup melted coconut oil (112 g); 1 tablespoon honey (21 g); 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt (2.5 g); 1/2 cup room temperature butter; 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh sage; 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary; 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme; 2 cups caramelized onion (from 5-6 medium onions raw, approximately 900g); 2 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 6 reviews

There is something absolutely magical about warm, fluffy rolls filled with fragrant herbs and gooey melted cheese, and that’s exactly what you get with this Sourdough Herb and Cheese Rolls Recipe. It perfectly combines the tangy depth of sourdough starter with a rich blend of fresh herbs and caramelized onions, all wrapped up in a golden, cheesy embrace. If you’ve ever wanted to bake rolls that feel special enough for a celebration yet cozy enough for a weeknight dinner, these rolls are the way to go. Trust me, once you try this Sourdough Herb and Cheese Rolls Recipe, it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a light brown dough sheet rolled out on a grey flour-dusted surface, topped with a creamy white spread mixed with small green herb pieces, smoothly covering almost the entire dough layer. A wooden rolling pin dusted with flour rests beside the dough on the right side. The surface beneath has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe is charmingly simple but calls for a wonderful harmony of ingredients that each play a vital role in developing flavor, texture, and that irresistible aroma. From the lively sourdough starter that provides a gentle tang and rise, to the fresh herbs that brighten every bite, every component is essential to making these rolls truly special.

Sourdough starter (1/2 cup): A bubbly, active starter is the heart of the dough, lending depth and a tender crumb.
Water (1/2 cup): Hydrates the dough to the perfect consistency for kneading and rising.
All-purpose flour (4 cups): The backbone of the dough, providing structure and softness.
Melted coconut oil (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and subtle richness for tender rolls.
Honey (1 tablespoon): Offers a gentle sweetness that balances the herbs and cheese.
Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients and contribute to a beautiful golden crust.
Baking soda and baking powder (1 tsp each): Help achieve a light, airy texture by giving the dough extra lift.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
Room temperature butter (1/2 cup): Infused with fresh herbs, it creates layers of aromatic goodness.
Fresh sage, rosemary, and thyme (1 tablespoon each, finely chopped): These herbs add bright, earthy notes that dance with the cheese.
Caramelized onions (2 cups): Sweet and deeply flavorful, they elevate the rolls to a new level of deliciousness.
Grated cheddar cheese (2 1/2 cups): Melts perfectly inside the rolls, providing gooey, savory pockets of yum.

How to Make Sourdough Herb and Cheese Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by combining your fed sourdough starter, flour, honey, water, and melted coconut oil in a bowl. Mixing these creates the base dough, which you’ll form into a ball. This initial combination allows the starter to bloom and the flour to hydrate evenly, setting the stage for a perfect rise.

Step 2: First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it tightly with beeswax wraps or plastic wrap. Then, let it rest in a warm spot overnight or up to 24 hours. This slow, cool fermentation deepens the sourdough flavor and develops that signature tender texture.

Step 3: Enrich and Activate the Dough

After the dough has fermented, add the eggs, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Use your hands to combine everything well; this enriches the dough and adds a gentle lift, prepping it for its next rise. Cover with a tea towel and leave it in a warm place for around an hour to puff up.

Step 4: Caramelize the Onions

While the dough rises, take the time to caramelize your onions. Thinly slice 5-6 medium onions and cook them slowly in a mix of oil and butter. Stir every few minutes for about 45 minutes until they transform into a sweet, golden-brown treasure. This step is key—it adds incredible depth and sweetness to your rolls.

Step 5: Combine the Herb Butter

Mix your room temperature butter with the chopped fresh herbs—sage, rosemary, and thyme—in a small bowl. This herbed butter will be spread over the dough to infuse each roll with aromatic layers of flavor that complement both the onions and cheese beautifully.

Step 6: Roll and Layer

Lightly flour your countertop and roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Spread the herbed butter evenly across the surface, then scatter the caramelized onions followed by the grated cheddar cheese. This layering ensures every bite bursts with savory delight and richness.

Step 7: Shape the Rolls

Carefully roll the dough up as tightly as possible and pinch the ends to secure the filling inside. Slice the roll into 12 to 14 even pieces to create your individual savory rolls that are perfectly portioned for sharing or storing.

Step 8: Final Rise

Place the rolls snugly into a well-seasoned 14-inch cast iron skillet and sprinkle chopped thyme over the top for extra herby aroma. Let them rise for 30 to 60 minutes in a warm spot while you preheat the oven. This final proof helps the rolls become pillowy soft when baked.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake your rolls at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 25 minutes until golden and cheese is bubbling temptingly. Then, allow them to cool just enough to handle—the hardest part will be waiting for that first bite!

How to Serve Sourdough Herb and Cheese Rolls Recipe

A single savory roll sits on a white plate, showing about three visible layers of soft, pale dough swirled with golden melted cheese and small pieces of browned onions and herbs. Two fresh green leaves are placed next to the roll on the plate. The roll has a slightly crispy golden edge with a soft, fluffy inside. The plate is on a white marbled surface with a blurred background hinting at another white plate with more rolls. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These rolls are already bursting with flavor, but a light sprinkle of fresh thyme or a brush of melted herb butter once they come out of the oven can take them even higher. If you like a touch of brightness, a little flaky sea salt on top adds a wonderful finishing crunch.

Side Dishes

To round out your meal, these herb and cheese rolls pair beautifully with simple, fresh sides like a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or a bowl of velvety tomato soup. They also complement roasted vegetables or a light, tangy coleslaw especially well.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the rolls warm in the cast iron skillet for a rustic feel or arrange them on a wooden board alongside a small bowl of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping. If you want to impress at a gathering, provide little ramekins of softened herb butter or mixed olives on the side to create a full artisan bread experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Sourdough Herb and Cheese Rolls Recipe cools completely, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them softer, wrapping them in a clean kitchen towel inside the container helps retain moisture.

Freezing

They freeze wonderfully if you want to make a batch to enjoy later. Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen rolls will keep for up to three months and thaw beautifully without losing their cheesy, herby goodness.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the rolls in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through and the cheese melts again. You can also microwave them for 20-30 seconds, but the oven is best if you want to keep the crust crispy and fresh.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar gives these rolls a wonderful flavor and melt, feel free to experiment with mozzarella for stretchiness, Gruyère for nuttiness, or even a spicy pepper jack to add some kick.

Do I need to use coconut oil?

You can substitute melted coconut oil with olive oil or melted butter if preferred. Coconut oil adds a subtle richness and moisture, but the recipe is flexible enough to work with other fats without losing flavor.

What’s the purpose of baking soda and baking powder here?

These leavening agents help lighten the dough and boost the rise created by the sourdough starter, giving you rolls that are tender and fluffy without being dense.

Can I prepare the caramelized onions ahead of time?

Definitely! Caramelized onions keep well refrigerated for up to a week and freeze nicely as well. Making them ahead saves time on baking day and adds convenience without sacrificing flavor.

How can I tell if my sourdough starter is active enough?

An active starter should be bubbly and have risen in volume within 4-6 hours after feeding. It should have a pleasant, tangy aroma and float when tested gently in water. Using an active starter ensures a good rise and excellent flavor in these rolls.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the joy of pulling golden, cheesy, herb-scented rolls fresh from the oven, and this Sourdough Herb and Cheese Rolls Recipe brings that experience right into your home kitchen. With thoughtful steps and wholesome ingredients, you’re creating more than just bread — you’re crafting a moment to savor with loved ones. Give it a try, and watch these rolls become a delicious tradition you keep coming back to again and again.