Sourdough Discard Hawaiian Rolls

These Sourdough Discard Hawaiian Rolls are a soft, fluffy, sweet roll that is a perfect side dish, or roll to make sliders and mini sandwiches! They have a wonderful sweetness and flavor from the pineapple juice (yes, pineapple juice!) as well as the brown sugar. It may look like a large pan of rolls, but they'll be gone in no time!

If you're looking for other sourdough discard recipes, especially dinner rolls, try these Sourdough Discard Rolls and Sourdough Discard Garlic Rolls. And if you want to try something else, check out these Sourdough Discard Pretzel Buns and this Sourdough Discard Focaccia.

If you're new to working with sourdough starter, check out these in-depth posts on how to feed sourdough starter, how to use sourdough discard, and tips for struggling sourdough starter.

Ingredients

There are a few key ingredients you'll need to make these Sourdough Discard Hawaiian Rolls.

• Pineapple juice: This is the star of the show! The pineapple juice really comes through and gives these rolls a wonderful flavor and sweetness.
• Non-dairy milk: I use unflavored, non-dairy milk (almond milk), but this recipe will work with any non-dairy milk option. This will also work with regular dairy milk if you prefer!
• Instant yeast: Even though we are using sourdough discard, we need to use a leavening agent (in this case, yeast) to ensure the dough rises predictably.
• Light brown sugar: This gives the rolls some additional sweetness. You could also use dark brown sugar.
• All-purpose flour: This will be the base of your roll and will make them light and fluffy. If you wanted a crustier roll, you could use bread flour.
• Sourdough discard: The sourdough discard should be unfed and at room temperature for this recipe. This recipe is designed for a sourdough starter with a 1:1 ratio (when you feed your starter, it's with 1 part flour and 1 part water). If your starter uses a different ratio, you may need to adjust some of the ingredients in this recipe.
• Egg wash: The egg wash is what gives these rolls their classic shine. If you're not baking with eggs, there are a few substitutes listed below.

See full recipe below for detailed directions.

Substitutions & Variations

This is a very adaptable recipe and below are a few easy substitutions and variations you can try.

• Use active sourdough starter - If you'd like to use active sourdough starter instead of discard, you can! To do so, omit the yeast and replace the sourdough discard with active sourdough starter (1:1 substitute). You'll also need to increase the rise times.
• Omit the eggs - If you're not baking with eggs, you can replace the egg in the dough with a liquid vegan egg substitute (like JustEgg) or a flax egg. Instead of the egg wash, brush the rolls with milk or butter.

I have not tested this recipe with other variations, but if you do, let us know how it turns out in the comments! I always love to hear how you're adapting these recipes and use those as ideas for future recipes as well!

How to make Sourdough Discard Hawaiian Rolls

There are just a few easy steps to make these delicious rolls! See the full recipe and detailed directions at the bottom of this post.

1. Step 1: Combine all ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer (or a large mixing bowl) and mix until you have a shaggy dough.

2. Step 2: Transfer the dough to a smooth work surface and knead until smooth and soft, about 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a large, oiled bowl and let rise until doubled in size.

3. Step 3: Divide the dough into 15 equal-size pieces. This doesn't have to be exact, but you can use a kitchen scale to measure each roll.

4. Step 4: Using the palm of your hand for friction, roll each piece of dough into a ball.

5. Step 5: Place the rolls in a greased 9x13-inch baking pan, cover and let rise for 60 minutes.

6. Step 6: Brush with melted butter, then bake. After baking, brush the rolls with additional melted butter (optional).

What is sourdough discard?

Sourdough discard is what is leftover after you feed your sourdough starter. You can either literally discard it (in the trash or compost), or you can use it to make sourdough discard recipes like this one!

This recipe is designed for a sourdough starter with a 1:1 ratio (when you feed your starter, it's with 1 part flour and 1 part water). If your starter uses a different ratio, you may need to adjust some of the ingredients in this recipe.

If you're new to working with sourdough starter, check out these in-depth posts on how to feed sourdough starter, how to use sourdough discard, and tips for struggling sourdough starter.

How to Serve Sourdough Discard Hawaiian Rolls

There are many great ways to serve these rolls:

• As a side dish or appetizer. These rolls are delicious on their own and are great as an appetizer or side dish for any meal. You can also spread them with butter, if you like!
• Make a breakfast sandwich. I made an incredible breakfast sandwich with these the other day! The sweetness of the rolls pairs very well with eggs, bacon, and your other favorite breakfast foods.
• Make sliders or mini sandwiches. These rolls are a great size to make sliders or mini sandwiches! Try these Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders, or these Hamburger Sliders.

Storage

Room Temperature Storage: If you plan to eat these rolls within 1-2 days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can reheat them in the microwave for 30 seconds to make them warm and soft again.

Freezer Storage: Once the rolls have cooled fully, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready to serve, let the rolls thaw at room temperature, then reheat in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.

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