Sourdough Discard Pepperoni Pizza Rolls 🌀🍕
If you’ve been baking sourdough lately, chances are you’re looking for creative ways to use up your discard. Enter: Sourdough Discard Pepperoni Pizza Rolls—a genius (and delicious) solution that turns leftover starter into gooey, cheesy, pepperoni-filled rolls with serious pizzeria flair.
These rolls are golden and crispy on the outside, tender and fluffy on the inside, and packed with all the pizza flavor you love. Whether you’re serving them up for game day, lunch boxes, or a fun family dinner, they’re an easy win that’s impossible to resist.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m always looking for ways to reduce kitchen waste, and this recipe transforms sourdough discard into something that feels like a total indulgence. The dough comes together quickly with just a little yeast boost, and the result is pillowy soft with a subtle sourdough tang that plays beautifully against melty mozzarella, pepperoni, and oregano.
They’re also completely customizable—go classic, go veggie, go spicy. Once you’ve tried them, you’ll start making extra discard just for these rolls.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup sourdough discard (unfed is fine)
- ½ tsp instant yeast
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp sugar
- ¼ cup warm water (plus more if needed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Filling:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni (or mini pepperoni)
- ¼ cup pizza sauce (plus more for dipping)
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
Optional Topping:
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- Pinch of Italian seasoning
Substitutions and Tips
- No discard? You can replace it with plain Greek yogurt or just increase the water and flour slightly to maintain dough texture.
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the pepperoni and load up on chopped olives, bell peppers, or sautéed mushrooms.
- Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes to the filling or swap in spicy salami.
- Cheese swap: Try provolone or a mozzarella-cheddar blend for extra melty goodness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Dough
In a large bowl, mix together flour, sourdough discard, instant yeast, salt, and sugar. Add warm water and olive oil. Stir until a soft dough forms.
Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add a teaspoon or two of water if dough feels dry.
Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until puffy.
2. Preheat Oven & Roll Out
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly flour your surface and roll the dough into a 10×14 inch rectangle.
3. Add the Filling
Spread pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the sauce, followed by pepperoni, oregano, and garlic powder.
4. Roll & Slice
Starting from the long edge, roll up the dough tightly like a cinnamon roll. Pinch the seam to seal, then slice into 10–12 even rolls using a serrated knife.
5. Bake
Place the rolls cut-side down on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 18–22 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.
6. Add the Finishing Touches (Optional)
Brush warm rolls with melted butter and sprinkle with Parmesan and Italian seasoning for that irresistible pizzeria finish.
Tips for Success
- Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut clean slices without squishing the roll.
- Let them cool slightly before serving to avoid molten cheese spills.
- Prep ahead: Make and chill the dough up to 24 hours in advance—just bring to room temp before rolling.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These pizza rolls are perfect on their own but even better when served with:
- A side of warm marinara or ranch for dipping
- A party spread including Beer Cheese Dip or Totchos
- A main dish like Sheet Pan Quesadillas or Dorito Casserole
- Set up a DIY pizza-themed party with Walking Tacos and let everyone mix and match.
Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a toaster oven or microwave for 20–30 seconds.
- Freeze: Freeze unbaked rolls on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to the bake time.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- This Beer Cheese Dip – perfect for dunking rolls
- Dorito Casserole – the cheesiest, crunchiest dinner win
- Totchos – tater tots meet nachos in the best way
- Walking Taco Bar – make-your-own party magic
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas – fast, crispy, and crowd-approved
Final Thoughts
These Sourdough Discard Pepperoni Pizza Rolls are the definition of comfort food with a smart twist. They’re easy to make, fun to share, and packed with cheesy, saucy goodness that rivals any takeout.
Tried them? Let us know how yours turned out—and follow ChefManiac.com for more recipes that make sourdough (and dinner) more exciting than ever. 🍕🌀
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