These Sourdough Discard Pizza Rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with classic pizza flavors just like the image shows. Each roll is swirled with pizza sauce, melted cheese, and pepperoni, then baked until golden brown and bubbly. Using sourdough discard adds a gentle tang that balances perfectly with the savory filling without tasting sour. These pizza rolls are great for parties, game day, lunchboxes, or an easy dinner side. They are simple to make, easy to customize, and always a crowd favorite.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- You’ll love this recipe because it turns sourdough discard into something fun and practical.
- The dough is soft and easy to roll, and the rolls bake up pillowy on the inside with a lightly crisp edge.
- They reheat well, freeze well, and taste just as good the next day.
- These rolls are perfect for kids and adults, and you can change the filling to match what you already have in your fridge.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed)
- ¾ cup warm milk
- 2 tbsp melted butter or olive oil
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2¼ tsp instant yeast
- 3 to 3½ cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling
- ¾ cup pizza sauce
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 20–25 pepperoni slices
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Optional: grated parmesan cheese
For Topping
- Olive oil or melted butter
- Extra Italian seasoning or dried basil
Tools for Sourdough Discard Bread, Rolls & Savory Bakes
These tools are helpful for shaping, rolling, and baking savory sourdough discard recipes like pizza dough, biscuits, English muffins, and crackers.
- Dough Scraper / Bench Scraper – helps divide, shape, and handle sticky dough easily
- Rolling Pin – perfect for rolling pizza dough, crackers, and flatbreads
- Cast Iron Skillet – great for baking discard flatbreads, biscuits, and muffins with even heat
Preparation Steps
STEP 1: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, mix sourdough discard, warm milk, melted butter, sugar, and yeast. Stir until combined. Add salt and flour gradually until a soft dough forms.
STEP 2: Knead and Rise
Knead the dough for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 60–90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
STEP 3: Roll and Fill
Roll the dough into a large rectangle about ¼-inch thick. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border. Sprinkle cheese evenly, then add pepperoni and Italian seasoning.
STEP 4: Shape the Rolls
Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from the long side. Cut into equal rolls and place them cut-side up in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.
STEP 5: Second Rise
Cover and let the rolls rest for 20–30 minutes until slightly puffy.
STEP 6: Bake
Brush tops with olive oil or melted butter. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
Variations
- You can easily change these pizza rolls to suit your taste.
- Swap pepperoni for cooked sausage, ham, or bacon.
- Add sliced olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a veggie version. Use cheddar, provolone, or a pizza cheese blend instead of mozzarella.
- For a garlic pizza roll, brush the dough with garlic butter before adding sauce.
- You can also make them vegetarian by skipping meat and adding extra cheese and herbs.
Cooking Notes
- Do not overload the rolls with sauce or filling, or they may leak while baking.
- Roll the dough tightly to keep the filling inside.
- If the tops brown too quickly, loosely cover with foil for the last few minutes.
- Always let the rolls cool slightly before serving so the cheese can set.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these pizza rolls warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
- They pair well with a simple salad or soup.
- These rolls are perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or movie nights.
- You can also serve them as a side dish with pasta or as an appetizer for gatherings.
Tips
- Use room-temperature discard for best dough texture.
- Cut rolls with unflavored dental floss for clean slices.
- Freeze baked rolls and reheat in the oven or air fryer.
- Let rolls rest before baking for a softer texture.
- Lightly oil your knife to prevent sticking when slicing.
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: About 2 hours (including rise time)
Nutritional Information (Per Roll)
Approx. 210 calories – 7g protein – 8g fat – 26g carbs
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
- Yes, assemble the rolls and refrigerate overnight. Bake the next day.
Can I freeze pizza rolls?
- Yes, freeze baked and cooled rolls for up to 2 months.
Can I use active sourdough starter?
- Yes, but reduce the milk slightly.
Why are my rolls dense?
- The dough may not have risen long enough or the yeast may be inactive.
Can I make them without pepperoni?
- Absolutely, they work great with vegetables or cheese only.
Conclusion
Sourdough Discard Pizza Rolls are soft, cheesy, and packed with classic pizza flavor. They are easy to make, easy to customize, and a great way to use leftover sourdough discard. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, these rolls are always a hit and will quickly become a repeat recipe in your kitchen.