Sourdough Discard Garlic Rolls Recipe
Soft, fluffy, and filled with garlicky goodness, sourdough discard garlic rolls are a fantastic way to transform kitchen leftovers into something irresistible. Many home bakers wonder what to do with extra sourdough starter. These rolls are the answer. They are buttery, aromatic, and packed with flavor from fresh garlic, herbs, and tangy sourdough discard.
Baking with sourdough discard is more than just waste prevention. It adds a subtle depth to baked goods and enhances texture. These garlic rolls are no exception. The tanginess from the discard blends perfectly with the rich flavor of garlic butter. The result is a golden, pull-apart roll that complements any meal or stands on its own as a snack.
Perfect for dinner parties, holiday meals, or weeknight dinners, these rolls are surprisingly easy to make. You do not need to be a sourdough expert. If you have discard and a few pantry staples, you are ready to get baking. These rolls rise beautifully, brown evenly, and smell like heaven as they bake. Serve them with pasta, soup, or just eat them warm with extra butter for an unbeatable treat.
Ingredients Needed
Below is a table listing each ingredient along with its approximate calorie content.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 1/2 cups | 1100 |
| Sourdough discard (unfed) | 1 cup | 200 |
| Warm milk | 1/2 cup | 75 |
| Unsalted butter (melted) | 1/4 cup (for dough) | 400 |
| Sugar | 2 tablespoons | 96 |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | 0 |
| Instant yeast | 2 1/4 teaspoons | 20 |
| Garlic (minced) | 4 cloves | 18 |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | 240 |
| Fresh parsley (chopped) | 2 tablespoons | 2 |
| Egg (for brushing, optional) | 1 | 70 |
Estimated Total Calories (entire batch): ~2221
(Yields about 12 rolls)
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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Start by warming the milk until it is just slightly warm to the touch. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk with sugar and yeast. Let this sit for about 5 to 7 minutes until the surface begins to foam slightly. This step activates the yeast and helps the rolls rise beautifully.
Next, stir in the sourdough discard, melted butter, and salt. Mix until well combined. Slowly add the flour, one cup at a time, stirring after each addition. Once a soft dough forms, transfer it to a floured surface and knead for about 6 to 8 minutes. The dough should be smooth and slightly sticky but not wet.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
While the dough is rising, prepare the garlic butter. In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook gently for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in chopped parsley and remove from heat.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each piece into a ball and place them in a greased baking dish or cast iron skillet, spaced just slightly apart. Brush the tops with garlic butter, reserving a little for later.
Cover the rolls loosely and let them rise again for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Brush the tops with the remaining garlic butter and an optional beaten egg for shine. Bake the rolls for 18 to 22 minutes or until golden brown and puffed. Let them cool slightly before serving warm.
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Tips for Customizing the Recipe
To enhance flavor, consider adding grated parmesan or shredded mozzarella inside the dough before shaping. A cheesy center makes the rolls even more indulgent.
You can also mix herbs into the dough itself. Try oregano, basil, or thyme for a pizza-inspired twist. For a richer flavor, replace olive oil with browned butter in the garlic topping.
Those who love spice can add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a gentle kick. You could even stuff each dough ball with roasted garlic cloves for a bold, savory bite.
The dough is flexible and can be made a day in advance. Let it rise in the fridge overnight and shape the rolls the next day for easier prep. Chilled dough also tends to be easier to handle.
Nutritional Information
Each garlic roll (1 of 12) contains approximately:
- Calories: 185
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 120mg
These are richer than standard dinner rolls due to the butter and garlic, but they are full of flavor and worth every bite.
Serving Suggestions
These rolls are perfect alongside pasta dishes like spaghetti, lasagna, or creamy Alfredo. They also pair beautifully with soups such as tomato basil, creamy mushroom, or chicken noodle.
Serve them as part of a bread basket with dips like marinara, garlic herb butter, or roasted red pepper hummus. You can even slice leftovers and use them as sandwich sliders.
Warm them up in the oven for a few minutes before serving for the best texture. They are ideal for holidays, family dinners, or anytime you want homemade bread without the hassle of a full sourdough recipe.
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Conclusion
Sourdough discard garlic rolls are the perfect combination of practicality and flavor. They help you make the most of your starter while producing soft, buttery rolls that everyone loves. With just a handful of ingredients and some simple steps, you can bake something that looks impressive and tastes even better.
Whether served at a gathering or enjoyed straight from the pan, these rolls deliver comfort and flavor in every bite. Once you make them, you might find yourself looking forward to leftover discard just to bake another batch.