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Fluffy Sourdough Discard Dinner Rolls

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By James Carter - October 19, 2025

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Don't throw away your sourdough discard! Turn it into these incredibly soft and fluffy dinner rolls. This no waste recipe is simple, delicious, and so satisfying.

Fluffy Sourdough Discard Dinner Rolls

Have you ever looked at your jar of sourdough discard and felt a little bit sad? All that potential flavor just waiting for a purpose. Well, get ready to turn that feeling around completely. We are about to make the most delicious Fluffy Sourdough Discard Dinner Rolls (No Waste Recipe) you have ever tasted.

This recipe is a wonderful way to use up that discard without any fuss. It creates rolls that are soft, buttery, and have just a tiny hint of that classic sourdough tang. They are great for family dinners, holiday meals, or just alongside a warm bowl of soup. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

First off, it is incredibly easy to follow. Even if you are new to baking with sourdough, you will find this process straightforward. There are no complicated steps or long fermentation times. It is one of the best Quick Sourdough Discard Recipes you will find.

The texture is just heavenly. Imagine pulling apart a warm, golden brown roll that is pillowy soft on the inside. Brushing them with melted butter right out of the oven makes them even better. They truly melt in your mouth.

And of course, this is a fantastic no waste recipe. Sourdough discard is full of flavor and yeast activity, so it is a shame to toss it. This Sourdough Rolls Recipe gives it a new life, transforming it into something everyone will enjoy.

These rolls are also very versatile. You can serve them with almost any meal. They are great for making little sandwiches or just enjoying on their own with a smear of good butter. They look beautiful on any dinner table.

Ingredients

Here is what you will need to gather for your Fluffy Sourdough Discard Dinner Rolls (No Waste Recipe). The ingredients are simple and you probably have most of them in your pantry already.

  • 1 cup water
  • ½ cup whole milk or any plant based milk (like oat or almond milk)
  • 2 tablespoons butter or clarified butter (ghee)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • ½ tablespoon yeast
  • 4 to 5 cups all purpose flour (bread flour also works)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup sourdough discard

Step By Step Instructions

Step 1: Activate The Yeast

In a microwave safe bowl, combine your water, honey, milk, and butter. You want to warm this mixture up just enough to get the yeast going. Heat it for about a minute, then give it a little stir and check the temperature.

It should feel warm to the touch, but not hot. Think bath water temperature. If it is too hot, it can harm the yeast. Usually, around one and a half minutes in total does the trick, but every microwave is different.

Step 2: Mix The Wet Ingredients

Pour the warm liquid mixture into the bowl of your stand mixer. Now for the star of the show, stir in your sourdough discard. Let this mixture sit for a few moments while you get the rest of your ingredients ready.

This is a key step for making wonderful Sourdough Rolls From Starter discard. It allows the flavors to start mingling right away.

Step 3: Combine And Knead The Dough

Attach the dough hook to your stand mixer. Add about two to three cups of your flour to the bowl and mix on a low speed until everything is combined. Then, sprinkle in the yeast and continue mixing.

Gradually add the rest of your flour and the salt. Turn the mixer up to a medium speed and let it knead the dough. You are looking for a smooth and elastic consistency. The dough should be just a little sticky but pull away from the sides of the bowl.

Knead for about three to four minutes. If the dough seems too wet, feel free to add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches that nice, pliable state. A good dough is the foundation of this Sourdough Rolls Recipe.

Step 4: Let The Dough Rise

Lightly oil a large bowl with some olive oil or avocado oil. Place your freshly kneaded dough inside. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Find a warm, draft free spot in your kitchen for it to rest.

Let the dough rise for about 30 to 45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size. This first rise is important for developing that light and airy texture we all love in a good dinner roll.

Step 5: Shape The Rolls

Once your dough has risen, it is time to shape the rolls. Gently punch down the dough to release the air. Divide it into portions of about 2.4 ounces each. If you do not have a kitchen scale, you can just eyeball it to get roughly even pieces.

Lightly oil your work surface instead of flouring it. This little trick helps you shape the dough into smooth, tight balls more easily. Roll each portion between your palms or on the oiled surface until you have a nice round shape.

Step 6: The Second Rise

Take a 9 by 13 inch baking dish and lightly oil it. Place your shaped rolls into the dish. They can be close together, as they will rise and bake into pull apart rolls. Cover the dish and let them rise again for another 30 to 45 minutes until they have doubled.

You can do the poke test to check if they are ready. Gently press the side of one roll with your finger. If the indentation stays, they are ready to bake. If it springs back right away, give them a little more time.

Step 7: Bake To Golden Brown

While your rolls are doing their final proof, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius. Once the rolls are ready, place the baking dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You will know they are done when the tops are a beautiful golden brown color and your kitchen smells amazing. It is one of the best parts of making Fluffy Sourdough Discard Dinner Rolls (No Waste Recipe).

Step 8: The Finishing Touch

As soon as you take the rolls out of the oven, brush the tops with melted butter or ghee. This gives them a lovely shine and adds an extra layer of rich flavor. It makes them look just like the ones you see in a bakery.

Serve them warm for the best experience. There is nothing quite like a fresh from the oven dinner roll. Enjoy every fluffy bite!

How To Store Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is simple. First, make sure the rolls have cooled completely. Storing them while they are still warm can create condensation and make them soggy.

Once cool, place them in a bread bag or an airtight container. They will stay fresh at room temperature for about two to three days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.

To reheat, you can pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in a low temperature oven for a few minutes. They will be just as soft and tasty as when they were freshly baked.

Tips

Want to make your rolls even better? Use bread flour instead of all purpose flour for an even chewier texture. Bread flour has a higher protein content which is great for yeast breads.

Feel free to experiment with the milk. Whole milk adds richness, but plant based milks like oat or almond work beautifully too. It is one of the many flexible parts of this Sourdough Rolls Recipe.

Do not be afraid to add a little extra flour if your dough feels too sticky. The humidity in your kitchen can affect dough consistency, so adjust as needed to get that smooth, elastic feel.

For a savory twist, you can add some herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough. A little bit of grated cheese folded in before shaping would also be a delicious addition. These are some fun ways to customize Quick Sourdough Discard Recipes.

Conclusion

There you have it. A simple, satisfying way to use your sourdough discard and create something truly special for your dinner table. This Fluffy Sourdough Discard Dinner Rolls (No Waste Recipe) is a keeper.

It proves that you do not need to be an expert baker to make amazing bread at home. With just a few basic ingredients and a little bit of time, you can have warm, fluffy rolls that will impress everyone. So next time you have some discard, give this recipe a try.

FAQ

Can I Use Active Sourdough Starter Instead Of Discard?

Yes, you can. If you use an active starter, your rolls might rise a bit faster, so keep an eye on them. The recipe still works wonderfully and will produce lovely Sourdough Rolls From Starter.

Can I Make These Rolls Ahead Of Time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the dough, shape the rolls, and then place them in the refrigerator overnight for their second rise. Just let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking the next day.

Can I Freeze The Baked Rolls?

Yes, these rolls freeze very well. Let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature and warm before serving.

My Dough Is Not Rising, What Did I Do Wrong?

There could be a few reasons. Your yeast might have expired, so always check the date. The liquid might have been too hot, which can damage the yeast. Also, make sure your kitchen is warm enough. A cold room can slow down the rising process significantly.

Fluffy Sourdough Discard Dinner Rolls (No Waste Recipe)

Fluffy Sourdough Discard Dinner Rolls

★★★★★

A simple, no-waste recipe for soft, buttery sourdough discard dinner rolls. These fluffy rolls have a hint of sourdough tang and are wonderful for family dinners or holiday meals.

⏱ Total Time: 2h 10m
🍽️ Yield: 12-15 rolls

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine water, honey, milk, and butter. Warm until it feels like bath water to the touch (about 1-1.5 minutes).
  2. Pour the warm liquid into a stand mixer bowl and stir in the sourdough discard.
  3. Attach the dough hook. Add 2-3 cups of flour and mix on low. Sprinkle in the yeast, then gradually add the remaining flour and salt.
  4. Knead on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Add a tablespoon of flour at a time if too sticky.
  5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
  6. Gently punch down the dough and divide it into portions (about 2.4 oz each). Shape each portion into a smooth ball on a lightly oiled surface.
  7. Place rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes until doubled.
  8. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.
  9. Brush the hot rolls with melted butter immediately after removing them from the oven. Serve warm.

Notes

For a chewier texture, you can use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour.

The humidity in your kitchen can affect dough consistency. Don’t hesitate to add a little extra flour if the dough feels too sticky.

For a savory variation, add dried herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough.

Nutrition

170
Calories
3g
Sugar
3g
Fat
28g
Carbs

About the Author

James Carter
October 18, 2025
I learned to cook from two amazing women: my mom and my aunt. My mom, who passed away in 2021, was the heart of our kitchen. I've stayed in the home we shared, continuing the tradition of home-cooked meals that bring comfort and connection.

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