Fluffy Sourdough Discard Dinner Rolls Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about baking your own bread, and these fluffy dinner rolls are the perfect example of that joy. This Fluffy Sourdough Discard Dinner Rolls Recipe turns your usual sourdough discard into soft, pillowy rolls that are perfect for any meal. They’re wonderfully tender, just slightly tangy, and you’ll love how they fill your kitchen with that warm, irresistible aroma of fresh bread baking. From the very first bite, these rolls truly showcase how a few simple ingredients and a little time can yield magic you’ll want to serve again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Nothing complicated here – just a handful of classic ingredients that come together to create the softness, flavor, and beautiful crust of these dinner rolls. Each element plays its part in making the rolls delightfully tender and full of flavor.

• 4 cups all-purpose flour: The base of your dough that provides structure; bread flour works great too if you want even more fluffiness.
• 1.5 teaspoons salt: Enhances flavor and helps with gluten development for a perfect texture.
• 1.5 cups warmed milk (110°F): Adds richness and tenderness while activating the yeast perfectly.
• 1 tablespoon sugar: Feeds the yeast for a beautiful rise and adds subtle sweetness – honey is a lovely alternative.
• 0.5 cups sourdough starter (active or discard): This gives your rolls that unique sourdough tang and depth of flavor, plus it’s a great way to reduce waste.
• 2.25 teaspoons dry active yeast: Ensures a reliable rise and light texture, working in harmony with the starter.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened): Adds a tender crumb and rich flavor throughout the rolls.

How to Make Fluffy Sourdough Discard Dinner Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Warm the Milk

Start by gently heating your milk in a saucepan over low-medium heat until it hits a cozy 110°F. This is crucial because milk that’s too cold won’t activate the yeast properly, and too hot might kill it. Think of it like making a perfect sponge bath for your yeast.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast Mixture

Once warm, stir in your dry active yeast, sourdough starter, and sugar. Let these mingle and bubble until frothy – this means the yeast is waking up and getting ready to do its magic. It’s always so satisfying to see this transformation!

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients and Combine

In your stand mixer with a dough hook, blend the flour and salt thoroughly. Pour in the milk mixture slowly as the mixer runs on low speed. This slow addition helps form a soft, elastic dough, which you’ll knead for about 7 minutes. If mixing by hand, this is a delicious workout for your arms!

Step 4: Incorporate the Butter

Next, add your softened butter in small spoonfuls, mixing until it’s fully absorbed into the dough. The butter lends richness that you can taste in every tender bite, so don’t rush this step.

Step 5: First Rise

Cover your dough with plastic wrap or a damp towel, then let it rest in a warm spot for about an hour. You’ll want to see it puff up about 50%, signaling the yeast has done its work. This rise is what gifts you those wonderfully light rolls.

Step 6: Prepare Your Baking Pan

While the dough’s rising, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter. This prevents sticking and helps your rolls brown beautifully on the bottom.

Step 7: Shape the Rolls

Once risen, divide the dough into 12 equal portions, roughly 97 grams each, ensuring even baking. Roll each piece into a smooth ball by folding the sides under and pinching at the top – this step helps create those perfectly round rolls we all love.

Step 8: Arrange and Proof

Place the shaped rolls in the pan in a neat 4 by 3 grid, leaving a bit of space between each one. Cover the pan again and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes. This second proof gives them that final fluffy lift before baking.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F while the rolls finish rising. Uncover and pop them in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes. When the tops turn golden brown and the kitchen fills with that irresistible aroma, you’ll know your efforts have paid off.

How to Serve Fluffy Sourdough Discard Dinner Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

These rolls are amazing on their own, warm and fluffy, but a brush of melted butter just as they come out of the oven takes them to the next level. For something special, sprinkle some flaky sea salt or fresh herbs like rosemary right on top for a savory twist everyone will rave about.

Side Dishes

Fluffy sourdough rolls are the perfect sidekick to so many meals. Think comforting soups, hearty stews, or even a big holiday roast. They’re fantastic for mopping up sauces or slathering with jam for breakfast, proving just how versatile they are.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress at your next gathering? Serve these rolls in a woven basket lined with a colorful napkin for a cozy, inviting look. You can also slice them open to make mini sandwiches or sliders – the soft crumb is perfect for holding your favorite fillings without falling apart.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Fluffy Sourdough Discard Dinner Rolls Recipe fresh, store them in an airtight container or resealable bag once they’ve cooled completely. They’ll stay soft for a couple of days at room temperature, perfect for quick snacks or last-minute dinners.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these rolls later, freezing works beautifully. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll maintain their fluffy texture when thawed and baked again or warmed gently.

Reheating

When it’s time to enjoy your rolls again, reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Wrapping them in foil will keep them moist, and a final brush of butter after heating makes them taste just like fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?

Absolutely! While all-purpose flour works perfectly, bread flour will make your rolls extra fluffy because of its higher protein content. You can even experiment with a mix of whole wheat and white flour for a nuttier flavor, but expect a slightly denser roll.

Do I need an active sourdough starter or can I use discard?

This recipe is designed to work wonderfully with either active starter or sourdough discard. Using discard is a fantastic way to reduce food waste while adding lovely tang and depth to your rolls.

Why is both yeast and sourdough starter used?

Combining dry yeast with sourdough starter ensures a reliable rise and light texture while keeping that distinctive sourdough flavor. The yeast gives a bit of extra lift to the dough, especially when using discard that might not be as active.

Can I make these rolls without a stand mixer?

Definitely! You can mix and knead the dough by hand. It will take a bit more elbow grease, but the payoff is worth it. Just knead until the dough feels soft and elastic, which should take about 10 minutes by hand.

How long do the rolls keep their freshness?

Stored properly at room temperature, these rolls stay fresh and soft for about 2 days. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet to maintain their delightful texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like breaking into a warm, soft roll fresh from the oven, and this Fluffy Sourdough Discard Dinner Rolls Recipe is guaranteed to become one of your favorites for good reason. Simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and a rewarding result that fills your home with comfort and deliciousness – it’s a must-try for anyone who loves baking bread at home. So go ahead, pull out your sourdough discard and get rolling!

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