Potato Rolls

Potato Rolls are soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet dinner rolls made with the comforting addition of mashed potatoes in the dough. The potatoes not only add flavor but also make the rolls tender, moist, and perfect for slicing for sandwiches or serving alongside soups, stews, and roasts. With a golden-brown crust and a pillowy interior, these rolls are a classic addition to holiday dinners, family meals, or simply enjoyed fresh from the oven with butter.

This recipe is approachable yet yields bakery-style results, combining simple ingredients to create rolls that are flavorful, soft, and versatile. The slight sweetness and rich texture make these rolls a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because the mashed potatoes make the rolls incredibly soft and moist. Each roll has a tender crumb and a slightly sweet, buttery flavor that melts in your mouth. They’re perfect for serving at dinner, making sandwiches, or even enjoying as a snack. The dough is easy to work with, and the smell of baking rolls filling the kitchen is pure comfort. Homemade potato rolls bring warmth and joy to any meal, and they taste far superior to store-bought versions.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

This is a must-try dish because potato rolls are versatile, comforting, and endlessly enjoyable. They’re perfect for family meals, special occasions, and holiday dinners, pairing beautifully with savory mains and soups. The potato in the dough keeps them soft for longer, making them ideal for leftovers or sandwiches. Once you make these rolls at home, you’ll understand why they’re a beloved classic in American kitchens.

Preparation Time, Cooking Time & Serving Details

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Rising Time: 1–1.5 hours
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: About 2 hours

Servings: 12–14 rolls
Calories: Approximately 180 calories per roll

Course: Side Dish, Bread
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 1 cup mashed potatoes (about 2 medium potatoes, peeled, boiled, and mashed)
• 1 cup whole milk, warmed
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for kneading
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 large egg
• Optional: melted butter for brushing

Cooking Directions

Potato rolls are made by combining warm milk, yeast, and mashed potatoes to create a soft, enriched dough. After rising, the dough is shaped into rolls, allowed to rise again, and baked until golden brown. Brushing the rolls with butter after baking adds flavor and shine.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed potatoes, melted butter, and egg. Stir in the yeast mixture.
Step 3: Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 4: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 5: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 6: Punch down the dough and divide it into 12–14 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball.
Step 7: Place rolls on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between them. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes.
Step 8: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 9: Bake rolls for 18–22 minutes until golden brown.
Step 10: Brush warm rolls with melted butter and serve.

How to Serve

Serve potato rolls warm with butter, honey, or jam. They’re perfect alongside roasted meats, soups, stews, or as sandwich rolls. They also make excellent sliders or dinner rolls for holiday meals.

Recipe Tips

• Use warm milk to activate the yeast, but don’t make it too hot.
• Mashed potatoes should be smooth for best texture.
• Avoid over-kneading; dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
• Brush with butter immediately after baking for extra flavor and shine.

Variations

Sweet Potato Rolls:
Substitute regular potatoes with mashed sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor.

Garlic Herb Potato Rolls:
Add 1 tsp garlic powder and 1 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme) to the dough.

Cheesy Potato Rolls:
Fold ½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella into the dough before the first rise.

Whole Wheat Potato Rolls:
Replace 1–2 cups of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier roll.

Slider-Style Rolls:
Make smaller portions for mini sandwiches or sliders.

Freezing and Storage Time

Refrigerator:
Store baked rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer:
Freeze baked rolls for up to 2 months. Wrap individually or in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes.

Note: Unbaked rolls can also be frozen after shaping and thawed before baking.

Special Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Potato masher or fork
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Kitchen towel or plastic wrap for rising
• Pastry brush

Conclusion

Potato Rolls are soft, tender, and full of comforting flavor. They’re perfect for family dinners, holiday feasts, or any occasion that calls for fresh, homemade bread. With their golden crust, fluffy interior, and versatility, these rolls are sure to become a favorite. Making them at home is satisfying, and the result is a warm, fragrant batch that’s impossible to resist.