From Starter Jar to Island-Inspired Rolls

A hint of pineapple and sourdough tang turns simple rolls into something special

Author

Cathy Warner
October 26, 2025

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Have you ever turned your sourdough discard into something soft, golden, and just a little tropical?

This month, my virtual baking group, the Bread Baking Babes, baked Hawaiian Rolls, and I couldn’t resist putting my own spin on the recipe.

Most of the bakers chose the version made with an overnight levain, but I decided to take the road less traveled. Whether it was bravery or simply that I had a jar of discard ready to use (and plenty of it!), I went with the discard version instead.

The result was a pleasant surprise: pillowy rolls with pineapple sweetness, a hint of tang, and a soft, golden crumb. They’re everything you want in a dinner roll: tender, flavorful, and a little bit unexpected.

🌟Highlights:

  • Featured Recipe: Sourdough Discard Hawaiian Rolls

  • Using Discard in Enriched Dough

  • Make-Ahead Magic

  • Flavor Spotlight: Pineapple in Bread Baking

  • Let’s Bake Together

  • More Ways to Bake Sourdough Hawaiian Rolls

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Featured Recipe: Sourdough Discard Hawaiian Rolls

Soft, golden, and lightly sweet, these rolls combine pineapple juice, coconut oil, and sourdough discard for a flavor that’s warm and inviting. They’re easy to prepare, ideal for make-ahead baking, and perfect for sharing.

Bonus: You’ll also find a quick look at the history of Hawaiian rolls, plus my notes on how the recipe evolved in my kitchen.

Using Discard in Enriched Dough

Did you know you can use sourdough discard in rich dough like Hawaiian rolls, brioche, or sweet buns?

A little discard adds depth of flavor without making the dough too sour, especially when combined with milk, butter, or fruit juice.

Warm, soft, and a little sweet. These rolls might just become your new favorite way to use discard.

Make-Ahead Magic

These Hawaiian Rolls passed the make-ahead test beautifully! After shaping, simply cover the pan and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let the dough come to room temperature before baking.

The slow ferment deepens the flavor while saving time, perfect for weekend gatherings or holiday dinners.

Flavor Spotlight: Pineapple in Bread Baking

Pineapple isn’t just for upside-down cakes or smoothies. It adds natural sweetness and moisture to dough, helping create a soft, golden crumb. That bright, tropical flavor pairs beautifully with savory dishes.

Try these Hawaiian rolls alongside ham, grilled chicken, or pulled pork.

Let’s Bake Together

If you bake these Hawaiian rolls or your own version, I’d love to see them!

Tag @bread_experience on Instagram or reply to this email with a photo of your bake.

More Ways to Bake Sourdough Hawaiian Rolls

Every month, one of the Bread Baking Babes hosts the group bake and shares the master recipe. This time, Judy included both the overnight levain and the discard versions, so everyone can bake along, no matter their starter situation.

You’ll also find links to all of the other bakers’ Sourdough Hawaiian Rolls on my post. It’s always inspiring to see how each baker adds their own touch to the same recipe.

Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just the joy of it, these soft rolls are a reminder that a bit of discard and a dash of creativity can turn simple ingredients into something special.

Until next time – happy baking! 
- Cathy, Bread Experience