Sourdough Hawaiian Rolls

A warm breeze carries the scent of freshly baked bread, filling the kitchen with a sense of comfort and joy. These Sourdough Hawaiian Rolls are not just delicious but also a delightful twist on traditional rolls, taking about five hours to prepare from start to finish—a perfect balance of sweet and tangy thanks to the pineapple juice. The use of a sourdough starter lends a unique flavor and texture that elevates these rolls to another level.

This recipe is ideal for gatherings, special occasions, or simply when you’re craving something comforting at home. They can be made ahead of time, and leftovers can be stored for later enjoyment without losing their delightful texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The combination of all-purpose and bread flour creates a soft, airy texture.
• Pineapple juice adds a subtle sweetness and tropical flair.
• Sourdough starter ensures a unique flavor profile and better digestion.
• Easy to shape and bake, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.

What You’ll Need

Gather your ingredients for these delightful rolls.

For the Dough

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup bread flour
• 1/2 cup sourdough starter
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup milk
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast

For best results, use fresh pineapple juice.

Substitutions & Swaps

• All-purpose flour can be swapped with whole wheat flour.
• Milk can be replaced with almond or coconut milk.
• Butter can be substituted with olive oil for a vegan option.
• Sugar can be replaced with honey or agave syrup.

How to Make It

Start your baking adventure by following these simple steps.

1. Mix dry ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, bread flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast until well combined.

2. Combine wet ingredients

In another bowl, combine the sourdough starter, pineapple juice, and milk.

3. Add wet to dry

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients along with the softened butter.

4. Knead the dough

Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

5. Let dough rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 4 hours or until doubled in size.

6. Shape rolls

Punch down the dough and shape it into rolls.

7. Second rise

Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for another hour.

8. Preheat the oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) before baking the rolls.

9. Bake

Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

10. Cool before serving

Let cool slightly before serving.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to three days.
Freezer: Yes, they freeze well for up to three months.
Reheat: Microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm in the oven for 5 minutes.

Tips for Best Results

• Ensure your sourdough starter is active for best flavor.
• Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free environment.
• Try not to over-knead; just until it’s elastic and slightly sticky.
• For extra sweetness, brush the tops with melted butter before baking.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these rolls warm with butter as a perfect side dish.
• Pair them with ham or pulled pork for a delightful sandwich.
• Perfect for holiday dinners or potluck gatherings.