If you’ve ever stared at your jar of sourdough discard wondering what else can I do with this? — today’s recipe is the answer to your cravings! These Sourdough Discard Pizza Rolls are gooey, cheesy, pull-apart perfection with a tangy sourdough twist. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting to explore the sourdough world, this recipe will become your go-to comfort food snack.
Sourdough discard pizza rolls are the kind of cozy, homemade treat that feels like a warm hug from the oven — and the best part? They’re made with that extra sourdough discard that usually gets tossed. Waste not, want not… and definitely eat more pizza rolls.
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What Are Sourdough Discard Pizza Rolls?
At their heart, these are fluffy, savory rolls filled with your favorite pizza toppings, all rolled up like cinnamon buns — but with melted mozzarella and marinara instead of sugar and spice. The sourdough discard adds a slight tang to the dough that balances beautifully with the richness of the cheese and sauce.
Perfect as a snack, lunchbox filler, or game day crowd-pleaser, they bring together the magic of pizza night with the cozy texture of freshly baked rolls. I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Great use for sourdough discard — no waste
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Soft, fluffy rolls with cheesy centers and golden crusts
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Customizable with your favorite pizza toppings
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Easy to make ahead and freeze
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Perfect for meal prep or potlucks
What Do Sourdough Discard Pizza Rolls Taste Like?
Imagine your favorite slice of pizza, but wrapped up in a tender, slightly tangy dough that pulls apart in the most satisfying way. The cheese bubbles over and browns slightly, the sauce caramelizes at the edges, and the whole thing just sings with flavor. Each bite is a balance of savory, melty, chewy, and crisp — anything but boring!!
Benefits of Making These Pizza Rolls
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Reduces food waste by using up discard
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Kid-friendly and endlessly customizable
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Freezer-friendly for make-ahead ease
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Budget-conscious with simple pantry staples
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Satisfying as a snack, appetizer, or meal
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these irresistible sourdough discard pizza rolls:
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1 cup sourdough discard (unfed, from the fridge is fine)
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp instant yeast (optional, for quicker rise)
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1/2 cup warm water
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp sugar
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3/4 tsp salt
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1/2 cup marinara or pizza sauce
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1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/2 cup chopped pepperoni or favorite toppings (optional)
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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2 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional, for topping)
Tools You’ll Need
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Mixing bowls
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Rolling pin
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Sharp knife or dough cutter
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Baking dish or sheet pan
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Pastry brush (optional, for brushing with butter)
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
I love how flexible these rolls are! Here are some fun variations to try:
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Cheese: Try provolone, cheddar, or fontina for different flavor profiles
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Toppings: Sautéed mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, or spinach
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Sauce: Go white with Alfredo or pesto for a fun twist
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Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños
How to Make Sourdough Discard Pizza Rolls
Let’s dive in — and trust me, once you make these once, you’ll find any excuse to whip up another batch!
Step 1: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine sourdough discard, warm water, sugar, olive oil, and yeast (if using). Stir in flour and salt until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 5–7 minutes until smooth.
Cover and let rise at room temp for 2–4 hours or until puffy. For a slower rise and deeper flavor, refrigerate overnight.
Step 2: Roll and Fill
Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle (about 10×14 inches). Spread with pizza sauce, sprinkle cheese evenly, then scatter on your toppings. Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the top.
Step 3: Roll Up and Slice
Roll the dough up tightly from the long edge, like a cinnamon roll. Slice into 10–12 even pieces and place cut-side up in a greased baking dish.
Step 4: Let Them Rise
Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes until slightly puffy. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with Parmesan if using.
What to Serve With Pizza Rolls
These are absolutely perfect on their own, but if you’re serving them as part of a meal or party spread, here are some great sides:
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A crisp Caesar salad or mixed greens
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A warm bowl of tomato basil soup
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A platter of marinated olives and roasted veggies
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Garlic knots
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Ranch or extra marinara for dipping
Tips for the Best Pizza Rolls
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Use room temp discard for easier mixing
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Don’t overfill — too much filling can cause leaks
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Chill the rolled dough before slicing for cleaner cuts
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Line your baking dish to avoid cheese sticking
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Brush with butter for a golden, glossy finish
How to Store and Reheat
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or microwave in 30-second bursts.
To freeze: Let rolls cool completely, then wrap individually and freeze. Reheat directly from frozen at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.
FAQ: Sourdough Discard Pizza Rolls
Can I use active sourdough starter instead of discard?
Yes, just skip the yeast if your starter is active and bubbly — it will rise beautifully on its own.
Do I have to use yeast?
No. The yeast helps speed things up, but the recipe works fine without it. Just allow a longer rise time.
Can I make these gluten-free?
You can try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but the texture will be different.
What’s the best way to make these ahead?
Assemble the rolls and refrigerate overnight before the final rise. Then bake fresh the next day.
In Conclusion
These Sourdough Discard Pizza Rolls are proof that a little discard can go a long way — and taste incredible while doing it. Whether you’re feeding kids, friends, or just yourself on a cozy Sunday, these rolls are sure to disappear fast. They’re comforting, versatile, and oh-so-satisfying.
Looking for more ways to use up sourdough discard? Try these next:
Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites
Sourdough Crumpets
Sourdough Discard Garlic Herb Crackers
I’d love to see your pizza roll creations. Tag your photos on Pinterest and leave a review to let me know how yours turned out!