Sourdough Discard Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and lightly buttery rolls made with sourdough discard for extra flavor and tenderness. They are perfect for everyday meals, holidays, or special dinners and are an easy way to use up discard without any sour taste. These rolls bake up golden on the outside and pillowy on the inside, making them a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These rolls are incredibly soft and fluffy with a rich, buttery taste. The sourdough discard adds depth without making them sour, and the texture stays tender even the next day. They are easy to make, freezer-friendly, and perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sourdough discard (room temperature)
- ¾ cup warm milk
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- Extra melted butter for brushing
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Add sourdough discard, egg, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir well. Gradually add flour until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Knead
Knead by hand or mixer for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
Step 4: First Rise
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours until doubled in size.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Punch down dough and divide into equal pieces. Shape into smooth balls and place in a greased baking dish.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
Step 7: Bake
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–22 minutes until golden brown. Brush with melted butter while warm.
Variations
- Add garlic butter for savory rolls
- Mix in herbs like rosemary or thyme
- Top with sesame or poppy seeds
- Make slider rolls for sandwiches
- Shape into cloverleaf or pull-apart rolls
Cooking Notes
- Use discard that is not overly old for best flavor
- Dough should feel soft, not stiff, for fluffy rolls
- Avoid adding too much flour, which makes rolls dense
- Let rolls rise fully for best texture
- Cover loosely during rising to prevent drying
- Bake until tops are golden, not pale
- Brush butter immediately after baking for softness
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with butter or honey
- Pair with soups, stews, or pasta dishes
- Use for holiday dinners like Thanksgiving or Christmas
- Slice for mini sandwiches or sliders
- Serve with jam for breakfast
- Add to bread baskets for gatherings
- Enjoy with gravy or roasted meats
Tips
- Warm milk should be lukewarm, not hot
- Weigh dough pieces for evenly sized rolls
- Freeze baked rolls and reheat as needed
- Reheat in oven for best texture
- Store in airtight container to keep soft
- Brush with butter twice for extra richness
- Let cool slightly before serving
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rise Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Nutritional Information (Approx.)
- Calories: 190
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 5g
FAQs
Do these rolls taste sour?
No, the discard adds flavor but not sourness.
Can I make them ahead?
Yes, shape and refrigerate overnight before baking.
Can I freeze them?
Yes, freeze baked rolls up to 2 months.
Can I use instant yeast?
Yes, reduce rise time slightly.
Conclusion
Sourdough Discard Dinner Rolls are soft, comforting, and incredibly versatile. They turn leftover discard into a bakery-style bread everyone will love. Once you try them, they’ll become a staple on your table.