Tasty Sourdough Discard Hawaiian Rolls Recipe

Tasty Sourdough Discard Hawaiian Rolls: Fluffy, Sweet, and Irresistibly Tangy! 🍍🥖✨

1. Introduction

If you’re looking for the perfect way to use your sourdough discard while creating something truly special, these Tasty Sourdough Discard Hawaiian Rolls are your answer! These soft, slightly sweet, and tangy rolls combine the best of sourdough’s complex flavors with the tropical sweetness of Hawaiian bread. They’re incredibly versatile – perfect for making Hawaiian roll French toast in the morning, serving as dinner rolls, or using for sliders at your next gathering.

What makes these rolls truly unique is the combination of sourdough discard (which adds wonderful depth of flavor) with pineapple juice that gives them that signature Hawaiian roll taste. The result is a beautifully balanced bread that’s slightly sweet with just the right amount of tang. If you love baking with sourdough, you’ll appreciate how this recipe helps reduce waste while creating something absolutely delicious. And if you’re new to sourdough baking, this is a fantastic recipe to try!

2. Ingredients

Before we dive into the process, let’s gather everything we need. One of the best things about this recipe is that most ingredients are pantry staples for bakers:

• 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed starter) – This is the star ingredient that adds flavor and helps reduce waste
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice (or milk for a less sweet option) – The pineapple juice gives that authentic Hawaiian roll taste
• 1/4 cup sugar – For just the right amount of sweetness
• 1/4 cup melted butter – Adds richness and tenderness to the crumb
• 1 large egg – Helps with structure and adds richness
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional) – Enhances the sweet flavor profile
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – The base of our dough
• 1 tsp salt – Essential for flavor development
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast – Ensures a good rise
• Extra butter for brushing (optional) – For that beautiful golden finish

If you’re looking for more delicious bread recipes to try, check out our bread recipe collection for inspiration!

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough discard, pineapple juice, sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract (if using). Whisk until smooth. The pineapple juice not only adds flavor but also helps activate the yeast. If you don’t have pineapple juice on hand, you can substitute milk, though you’ll lose some of that authentic Hawaiian roll flavor. For another great recipe using sweet bread, try our cinnamon roll honeybun cheesecake!

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Add the flour, salt, and yeast to the wet mixture. Using a stand mixer with a dough hook or by hand, knead until the dough is smooth and elastic (about 8-10 minutes). The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. If you’re kneading by hand, you might need to add a bit more flour as you work. The dough is ready when it passes the windowpane test – take a small piece and stretch it gently between your fingers. If you can stretch it thin enough to see light through it without tearing, you’re good to go!

For more kneading tips and bread-making techniques, visit this excellent sourdough resource.

Step 3: Shape the Rolls

Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. A kitchen scale can help ensure even sizing, but you can also eyeball it. Roll each piece into a smooth ball by cupping your hand around the dough and making circular motions on an unfloured surface. This creates surface tension that helps the rolls maintain their shape. Place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, leaving a little space between each roll. They should just be touching – this helps them rise upward rather than outward, creating those perfect pull-apart rolls.

If you love shaping dough, you might also enjoy making our cinnamon roll cake – it’s another fantastic way to use your baking skills!

Step 4: Let Them Rise & Bake

Cover the pan with a damp towel and let the rolls rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size. The exact time will depend on your kitchen temperature. You’ll know they’re ready when they look puffy and hold an indentation when gently pressed. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown. For extra richness, brush with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven. This gives them a beautiful sheen and adds flavor.

These rolls pair wonderfully with our creamy potato and bacon soup for a complete meal!

4. Tips for Perfect Sourdough Discard Hawaiian Rolls

• Use active discard: While unfed starter works, using recently active discard can enhance flavor. The microbes in recently fed starter contribute more complex flavors.
• Adjust sweetness: Reduce sugar if you prefer less sweetness or use honey instead for a different flavor profile. You could even try brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
• Double rise: For extra fluffiness, let the shaped rolls rise twice before baking. After the first rise, gently deflate the dough, reshape, and let rise again.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. To refresh day-old rolls, wrap in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.
• Make ahead: You can refrigerate the shaped rolls overnight for a slow second rise. Just let them come to room temperature before baking.

5. Serving Suggestions

These Tasty Sourdough Discard Hawaiian Rolls are incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy them:

• Pulled pork or ham sliders 🍖 – The sweet and tangy flavor pairs perfectly with savory meats
• Buttered alongside soups or stews 🍲 – Try them with our cheesy hamburger potato soup for ultimate comfort food
• Toasted with jam for breakfast 🍓 – The slight tang complements sweet spreads beautifully
• As a sweet-and-tangy dinner roll 🍽️ – Perfect for holiday meals or special occasions
• For sandwiches – Their soft texture makes them ideal for any sandwich creation

6. Variations

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try these delicious variations:

• Coconut Twist: Add 1/4 cup shredded coconut to the dough for extra tropical flavor. Toasting the coconut first enhances its flavor.
• Honey Glaze: Drizzle with honey after baking for added sweetness. Warm the honey slightly so it spreads easily.
• Savory Option: Skip the sugar and pineapple juice, using milk and herbs instead. Try rosemary or thyme for a sophisticated flavor.
• Cheese Rolls: Add 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar to the dough for a savory version.
• Everything Bagel: Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning before baking.

7. Troubleshooting

Even experienced bakers encounter issues sometimes. Here’s how to solve common problems:

• Dough too sticky? Add a little more flour, 1 tbsp at a time, until it’s manageable. Remember, a slightly sticky dough often makes for lighter rolls.
• Not rising? Ensure your yeast is fresh and the environment is warm enough. Try placing the dough in a turned-off oven with a bowl of hot water.
• Too dense? Knead longer to develop gluten properly. Under-kneading is a common cause of dense bread.
• Rolls too dark? Tent with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking if they’re browning too quickly.
• Dry texture? You may have overbaked them. Check a few minutes early next time.

8. Nutritional Benefits

These rolls offer more than just great taste. Sourdough discard adds probiotics and a slight tang, while pineapple juice provides natural sweetness and a touch of vitamin C. The fermentation process in sourdough helps break down phytic acid, making the nutrients in the flour more bioavailable. Compared to commercial white bread, these homemade rolls have:

• More complex carbohydrates that digest more slowly
• No artificial preservatives or additives
• The potential for gut-healthy probiotics from the sourdough
• Customizable sugar content based on your preferences

For more nutritious breakfast ideas, browse our breakfast recipes collection.

9. Conclusion

These Tasty Sourdough Discard Hawaiian Rolls are truly special – they combine the best of sourdough’s complex flavors with the sweet, tropical notes of traditional Hawaiian bread. Whether you’re an experienced sourdough baker or just starting out, this recipe is approachable and rewarding. Not only do you get to enjoy delicious homemade rolls, but you’re also putting your sourdough discard to good use, reducing food waste in your kitchen.

The versatility of these rolls means they’ll quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire. From breakfast to dinner, from sweet to savory applications, they’re always a hit. And once you taste that perfect balance of sweet and tangy in every fluffy bite, you’ll understand why this recipe is so beloved.

For more creative ways to use your sourdough discard, try our Alabama firecrackers or banana pudding rice krispie treats for something completely different!

So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake up a batch of these incredible Tasty Sourdough Discard Hawaiian Rolls. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you. Happy baking! 🌴🥖

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