Sourdough Discard Pizza Rolls: A Flavorful Way to Reduce Waste

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Introduction

Sourdough discard—often seen as a byproduct of maintaining a starter—can be transformed into delicious, versatile baked goods. These Sourdough Discard Pizza Rolls are the perfect example, offering a soft, chewy interior with a satisfyingly crisp exterior. Packed with pepperoni and melty cheese, then served with warm marinara sauce, they make an irresistible snack, appetizer, or lunchbox staple.

Best of all, this recipe puts your sourdough discard to good use, reducing waste while creating something truly delicious. Whether baked in the oven or air-fried for extra crispiness, these pizza rolls are sure to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Minimizes waste – Uses sourdough discard instead of throwing it away
✅ Versatile cooking methods – Bake or air-fry for different textures
✅ Perfect for meal prep – Freeze well for quick snacks later
✅ Kid-friendly & party-ready – Great for lunches, game day, or gatherings

Ingredients

For the Dough

  • 1 cup (240g) unfed sourdough discard (room temperature)
  • 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
  • 1 tsp instant yeast (optional, for extra rise)
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • ¼ cup (60ml) warm water (adjust as needed)

For the Filling

  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 20-30 slices pepperoni (or substitute with cooked sausage, veggies, etc.)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp garlic powder

For Serving

  • 1 cup marinara sauce (warmed)
  • Extra Parmesan & red pepper flakes (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Dough

  1. In a large bowl, mix sourdough discard, flour, yeast (if using), sugar, and salt.
  2. Add olive oil and warm water, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic (add flour if too sticky).
  4. Cover and let rest 30-60 minutes (or until slightly puffy).

2. Assemble the Pizza Rolls

  1. Roll dough into a 12×10-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
  2. Sprinkle with mozzarella, Parmesan, pepperoni, and seasonings.
  3. Tightly roll into a log, pinch seam to seal, and slice into 1-inch pieces.

3. Cook (Oven or Air Fryer)

Oven Method

  • Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
  • Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden.

Air Fryer Method

  • Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.

4. Serve & Enjoy!

  • Dip in warm marinara sauce.
  • Garnish with Parmesan & red pepper flakes if desired.

Storage & Reheating

  • Freeze unbaked: Store rolls on a tray until firm, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen (+5 mins).
  • Reheat: Warm in air fryer (3-4 mins) or oven (5-7 mins) to restore crispiness.

Variations

🌱 Vegetarian – Use sautéed mushrooms, olives, or spinach
🌶 Spicy – Add jalapeños or chili flakes to filling
🧀 Extra Cheesy – Mix in cream cheese with mozzarella

Final Thoughts

These Sourdough Discard Pizza Rolls are a fantastic way to repurpose excess starter into a crave-worthy snack. The tangy sourdough flavor pairs perfectly with classic pizza toppings, while the cooking method lets you choose your ideal texture—soft and chewy (oven) or extra crispy (air fryer).

Perfect for:

  • Quick lunches
  • Game day appetizers
  • Freezer-friendly meal prep

Try them once, and you’ll never look at sourdough discard the same way again!

(Need help adjusting rise times or fillings? Just ask!)

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